Book Reviews

The Chocolate Lovers' Club - This was silly chick lit. It was a fair read...I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I always think stories set in England are fun, and also it talked about some cool chocolate. A fine book to take to the beach or to read if you're really bored and/or in the mood for chocolate.

Last Child in the Woods - I waited for this for over 6 months. Some professor had it checked out, and they're allowed to keep books for a really long time. It started out well, but I got lost in the academic drudgery somewhere around the middle. But it's definitely a read that I recommend. Definitely motivates me to get the children outside more. Some of the broad-sweeping societal changes that he recommends seem to difficult to attain though. I guess I was just interested on a more personal level...what can I do to connect my kids with nature. I'll leave the infrastructure planning and such to others. It took me a long time to read this though-it's rather dense. Do try to get through as much of it as you can though.

Seaview Inn- I really enjoyed this book. Light and lovely...I needed such a read after Last Child in the Woods. I'd never read Sherryl Woods before, and I was pleased with her. Perhaps she'll join Debbie Macomber on my go-to chick lit author list.

Playing for Pizza- This was a bit tough to get through because he spent so much time describing the technical aspects of football, going into detail on all the plays and such. I didn't care about any of that. But I LOVED his detailed descriptions of Italy, the culture, food, people of Parma. It almost made me feel as if I had visited. For that, the book was a totally worthwhile read. I think a guy would enjoy it even more. Also, it was neat to see John Grisham write on different subject matter...I had only read his legal books. Obviously, the man knows football and knows Italy as well. The only problem is that I really want to go to Parma, right now! If any kind donors can make that happen, I would be much appreciative.

ChocoCoco Raw Food Bar

I was this close to making brownies. I was hungry; we didn't have any chocolate chips, and I thought brownies would hit the spot. But at the last minute, I took the healthier path and came up with these little beauties. Now, they are very similar to the Super Yummy Raw Food Bar. But, and I am not joking or even embellishing, they taste SO similar to the little chocolate coconut bird's nests. You know what I'm talking about? So yum! Even Caleb and Madi are gobbling them up right now even though Caleb doesn't like nuts and Madi shouldn't have nuts. Anyway, here's the recipe...

12 dates
2 TBS peanut butter
1/2 C coconut
1 TBS honey
1.5 TBS cocoa powder
.5 C walnuts

Of course, these are all approximations because I don't measure. Just experiment...it's more fun that way. I think walnuts must be a softer or oilier nut than almonds because the texture on these is much finer... thus the coconut bird's nest comparison. Enjoy!