Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel



(286 pages)



From Publishers Weekly
Each chapter of screenwriter Esquivel's utterly charming interpretation of life in turn-of-the-century Mexico begins with a recipe--not surprisingly, since so much of the action of this exquisite first novel (a bestseller in Mexico) centers around the kitchen, the heart and soul of a traditional Mexican family. The youngest daughter of a well-born rancher, Tita has always known her destiny: to remain single and care for her aging mother. When she falls in love, her mother quickly scotches the liaison and tyrannically dictates that Tita's sister Rosaura must marry the luckless suitor, Pedro, in her place. But Tita has one weapon left--her cooking. Esquivel mischievously appropriates the techniques of magical realism to make Tita's contact with food sensual, instinctual and often explosive. Forced to make the cake for her sister's wedding, Tita pours her emotions into the task; each guest who samples a piece bursts into tears. Esquivel does a splendid job of describing the frustration, love and hope expressed through the most domestic and feminine of arts, family cooking, suggesting by implication the limited options available to Mexican women of this period. Tita's unrequited love for Pedro survives the Mexican Revolution the births of Rosaura and Pedro's children, even a proposal of marriage from an eligible doctor. In a poignant conclusion, Tita manages to break the bonds of tradition, if not for herself, then for future generations.

A nice fun enjoyable book, very original and addictive with som fab recipes to boot!! Recommended!!

Monday, February 13, 2006

Life Skills by Katie Fforde



(352 pages)



A combination of overwork and jet-leg propel Julia Fairfax into becoming engaged to a golf-playing wine buff called Oscar. When she realises that she has fonder feelings for his adorable Labrador than for Oscar himself, she is forced to confront the fact that there is something drastically wrong. So, she ditches her fiance, jacks in her job and decides to revolutionise her life…
Her new career as a cook on a pair of hotel boats is certainly a departure, and teaches her more about life than how to get a couple of narrow boats through a lock. But even afloat Julia's past catches up with her. Not only must she contend with the persistent Oscar (not to mention his frightful mother and her own mother's determined matchmaking), but also the arrival of her childhood enemy, the enigmatic Fergus Grindley.

This was a really nice read. Fluffy and light, amusing and very entertaining. I think i would like to read more of this authors books :)

Friday, February 10, 2006

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Visitors by Laura Ann Gilman & Josepha Sherman



(161 pages)



When a supernatural stalker starts watching Buffy's every move, she finds herself face to face with a being unlike any she's ever encountered. But can she figure out this evil entity's weakness before she is forced to participate in its dance of death?

a fairly fun a quick read with all the Buffy-ness you would expect, although the ending is more of a fizzle than a boom.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott



(224 pages)



The story of a year in the life of the March family. While their father is away in the Civil War, the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, and their mother, work hard to maintain a happy and peaceful home.

So easy to see why this is a classic... I wish I had gotten round to it when I was younger! Really enjoyable.