Book Review: Nourished

More and more travel memoirs these days include chapters about food. And more and more books about cooking and food include exotic travel. The two go hand-in-hand and this combination is sure to increase within the book world as people expand both their physical and culinary journeys.

'Nourished' was a wonderfully written account of both. As a travel blogger, I was first drawn to the travel aspect, and Lia Huber did not disappoint. Her travel tales were immediately engaging. I started thinking about the places she included in this book and whether I should start planning trips to Costa Rica, Corfu, and New York City. I could practically taste them and feel the energy of each place and people as I read.

This is also a book about soul-searching. Much of her quest centered on her Christianity. Though this aspect of the book was not as interesting to me, I can certainly see the connections between her wanderings, cooking, and introspection. That's often why I travel: to see how a place changes me. To see how I grow. Just like Lia.












I received this book from Blogging for Books.

Book Review: The Story Cure

I've been toying with the idea of writing my memoir for a few years now. I've written parts; vignettes of different moments that all lead up to the whole story. I've taken a memoir class and joined writing groups. But something always stops me. I just can't get myself to sit down and do it. I opened the pages of The Story Cure, by Dinty W. Moore and vowed to follow his instruction and finish my book.

It didn't. It is full of great writing advice and examples. I liked the writing prompts, but I find whenever I do writing prompts that are supposed to bring back vivid memories and employ all the senses in my writing, they don't help me further with my memoir at all. The prompts have nothing to do with what I need to write.

So, I'm no further along in that regard. But I did enjoy the exercises and advice contained within this book. It's a great reminder that writing is work. Writing well is an art. Crafting stories is that people want to read is our goal. Now I need to get my butt in a chair and write!


** I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: In Such Good Company

As a girl, I LOVED watching the Carol Burnett Show. The entire cast felt magical to me and the returning characters Carol and the gang transformed into made me feel like they were people I knew. Mrs. H-Wiggins, Mama's Family, and all the special guest appearances were the focal point of my week. I couldn't wait for the show and to Carol come onstage to greet her guests.

Carol always entered wearing a long dress and my mother and I waited to see and rate her dresses. It was the 1970's, so what can I say? Some were pretty; some were hideous. Reflective of the times, I think.

Carol Burnett seemed so warm and genuine that she was the first "movie star" I wrote to and I received an autographed black & white photo of her in return. I still have it.

Reading this book took me back to those shows. I loved reading about the behind-the-scenes stories and about the numerous stars who appeared on the show. It was a blast from the past and made me want to sit down and watch old re-runs again. What can I say? Carol Burnett is a classic. By reading her book or watching her show, I feel like I'm one of the gang; I'm in such good company.


*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.