Book Report: Longbourn

If you're a Downton Abbey fan like me, you are likely anticipating the start of the new fall TV lineup with that yearly disappointment that, here in the states, we still have to wait several months for the final season with the Crawleys and their staff. Fortunately, I recently stumbled upon a book that delivers the same behind-the-scenes feel following the household staff of an old English household. As a bonus, the staff in this book support the Bennet family of Pride and Prejudice. Darcy + Downton = match made in heaven!

Longbourn by Jo Baker centers around Sarah, a housemaid in the Bennet household, who was taken in by the housekeeper after losing her parents as a child. The work seems never-ending to keep up with the needs of the five Bennet sisters and their eccentric mother. But everything below stairs at Longbourn soon changes as a mysterious new footman arrives, promising not only a lightened load, but fresh new life into the otherwise tiresome responsibilities of the household servants. But Sarah learns you must be careful what you wish for:

This was what Sarah had always wanted: something--anything --to disturb the quiet, to distract her from the sounds of Mr Hill's revolving mastication, and the prospect of another spiritless evening, and the monotony of her own voice reading three-decker novels and three-day-old news. But now change had come to Longbourn, and Polly was staring at it as if she were a simpleton, and Mrs Hill kept topping up its glass, and even Mr Hill was smiling and glancing at it and then shyly away, and Sarah was left heartsick and ignored, and wishing that this change, with its dark hair and its hazel eyes, and its skin the colour of tea, had never come to Longbourn at all.

While knowing the story of Pride and Prejudice is not necessary prior to reading Longbourn, it certainly adds to the story's complexity. Just when you think you've figured everything out, there are more and more plot twists you'll never see coming. And the author's description of each of the characters makes even the secondary players important and intriguing. Pick this book up and you won't be able to put it down!

**If you would like to read Pride and Prejudice beforehand, or after reading have the urge to read again, you can read it for FREE on your Kindle app (on your phone, iPad, etc.) by clicking here.

Reading: A Romance

There is really nothing better than a good book. These five books hold special places in my heart because each, in it's own way, helped ignite a lifelong love of one of life’s most rewarding pastimes.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
When I read this story as a little girl, I experienced for the first time the way books let you lose yourself in another person’s life—in this case, orphaned Mary Lennox. The magic of a secret garden captured my imagination and jumpstarted a lifelong love for the transportive power of a good book.

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
The fabled (and perhaps true) story of a female pope in the darkest of the Dark Ages ignited my love of historical fiction. It also served as the inspiration for my first college research paper and, eventually, a degree in history. If you haven’t read it, prepare to be completely intrigued.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver has a way with words. This book showed me how gorgeous writing itself can be—while at the same time, telling a story more compelling than almost any other I’ve read. While I haven’t been as entranced with some of her later works, this book should be required reading for everyone.

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
I credit Isabel Allende with my love of epic family dramas. Her sweeping stories of secrets, love, and betrayals make her one of my favorite authors to read on vacation. While reading this particular book on the beach, an unexpected wave drenched it with salt water and sand—which only had the effect of making the beautiful prose more romantic and alluring.

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
When I read this memoir about three generations of women in 20th century China, I realized that nonfiction can be every bit as riveting (if not more so) than the best fiction. Memoirs have since become one of my favorite genres.

Are there special books that inspired your own love of reading?

Book Report: Sophie Kinsella

Anyone who's a fan of chick lit is familiar with Sophie Kinsella. She's one of the most notorious writers of romantic comedies. Several years ago, one of her books, Confessions of a Shopaholic, was adapted to the big screen. Admittedly, I didn't love the movie and thus avoided the books for several years. After having them continually pop on my kindle as recommended reads, I finally broke and read one of her stand-alone titles. Several laugh-out-loud moments later, I was hooked. And while none of these books are necessarily life-changing or super thought-provoking, they provide a great, simple (and humorous) escape. Here are a few favorites:

Can You Keep a Secret?
You know all of those secrets you keep inside? The little ones, the big ones, the embarrassing ones? Emma Corrigan has quite a few she's kept to herself over the years. But as the plane she's on begins to plummet she lets it all out in a death-bed confession to her seat mate. Only, the plane doesn't crash. And when she arrives at work the next Monday, she find that her seat mate is none other than her company's CEO.

I've Got Your Number

Scatterbrained Poppy Wyatt has lost her engagement ring. During a fire drill. On the day she's supposed to be meeting her fiancé Magnus' parents. To top things off, her cell phone was stolen. She finds another in a trash can and begins to use that, for emergencies of course. But the owner of that phone isn't too happy with Poppy butting into his life and stealing his phone. He's in for several rounds of crazy text messages and confusing phone calls to get back what's his.

Twenties Girl

Lara Lington is being haunted by the ghost of her great-aunt Sadie. And as everyone knows the way to get rid of a ghost is to help wrap up its unfinished business, Lara starts on a mission to find Sadie's missing necklace. Along the way, the two discover that some bonds transcend time and even life itself. 

Book Report: Thrillers

Do you go through book stages? Sometimes I find myself obsessively reading memoir after gritty memoir of childhood dysfunction. Then I’ll go through a World War II/Tudor England/Renaissance Italy/Civil War historical fiction phase, followed by a sudden need to read every book short-listed for the year’s National Book Award. Occasionally, I’ll decide to “improve” myself and go on a short-lived non-fiction kick.

Lately though, I’ve been in the mood for thrillers—fast, easy page-turners that keep me engaged and guessing from start to finish. These are the perfect books to read on the beach, by the pool, or—in my case—on the couch, while my husband watches basketball (it is March, after all). Here are three of my recent favorites—and a big thanks to my friend Wendy for the great recommendations.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Are they crazy, or aren’t they? Each of the three women who narrate this addictive book aren’t quite what they seem, and you never know whose story to trust—if any. There’s Rachel, the heartbroken alcoholic voyeur; Anna, the mistress-turned-wife; and Megan, the golden girl whose sudden disappearance is at the heart of the mystery. A must-read!

The Silent Wife by A. S. A Harrison
Between a philandering husband and a cold-as-ice wife, you might not feel any love for the characters, but you will get obsessed nonetheless. She’s ignored his cheating for decades in favor of the lifestyle he provides, but when she’s finally had enough, she shows what can happen when a person feels they have nothing left to lose.

The Jury Master by Robert Dugoni
I discovered this Seattle lawyer-turned-author a few months ago and have enjoyed his fast-paced thrillers (some of which include references to the Northwest). In his debut novel, he introduces attorney David Sloane, who finds out more about his own past than he bargained for when a close friend of the President is found dead under mysterious circumstances.

Have you read any good page-turners lately? Let us know!

Book Report: M. Sasek This Is Series

My son Max received the most magical book for Christmas this year. It's called This is Munich and it's a wonderful exploration of the Bavarian city, complete with witty writing and beautifully nostalgic illustrations. Since my husband spent several years in Bavaria, it quickly found a place in our hearts.

I was very excited when I found out the book was part of a reissued series originally written in the 1960s by Prague-born author and illustrator M. Sasek (read more about him here). Each book explores a different famous city, highlighting the customs, history, art, and architecture that make it great. For large, high-quality books, the price is really low: between $12 and $18 each.

I love when I find a children's book I enjoy reading as much as Max and that introduces him to the world beyond our standard ten mile radius of existence. Whenever he picks out an M. Sasek book for bedtime (instead of Noisy Trucks  or Dino Dig for the ten thousandth time), I'm the one who doesn't want the story to end.

Choose your favorite city:
This is Paris
This is London
This is Rome
This is New York
This is Edinburgh
This is Munich
This is Venice
This is San Francisco
This is Israel
This is Ireland
This is Hong Kong
This is Greece
This is Texas
This is Washington, D.C.
This is Australia
This is Britain

Book Report: Stories di Amore

No place has captured my heart quite like Italy. And how could it not? Ancient ruins still glorious in their beautiful decay, a language that sounds like music, more artistic masterpieces per capita than any one country should be allowed, and the food. Oh, the food.

But this is a post about books, so I'll stop there. When I started thinking about my favorite love stories, I realized many of them are set in this place to which I'm so drawn. I'd thought I'd share three of my picks, just in time for Valentine's Day.

In these historical fiction novels, romance is a central element; however, they're also about strong women who live in turbulent times and do whatever it takes to survive. I love the way the authors manage to combine a page-turning plot with historical details that give you a little window into another world, whether ancient Rome or Renaissance Florence.

I hope these books find a place in your heart as they have in mine. Buona lettura! (which should mean "thanks Google Translator")

I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith
As someone who dreams of Rome, I couldn't pass up a book about ancient power couple Augustus and Livia. As the wife of one of the greatest Roman emperors, Livia has spent the last two millennia with a pretty ruthless reputation. Here she finally gets her say.

I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
Get the real story behind the famous smirk, at least as imagined by Jeanne Kalogridis, who does a wonderful job crafting a novel that captures all the grandeur, intrigue, and fanaticism of fifteenth century Florence. Be prepared for the suave yet sweet Giuliano to sweep you off your feet.

In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant
Beginning in Rome but set mostly in sixteenth century Venice, this is the story of Fiammetta Bianchini, a successful courtesan (which is definitely a prettier word for her profession than others) and her companion, a whip-smart dwarf named Bucino. The plot twists and turns as they navigate Venetian high society together, making this the perfect read for the beach (if you're lucky enough to have an upcoming getaway) or a stormy evening. I also love The Birth of Venus, Dunant's first book set in Renaissance Italy.








What are your favorite love stories, Italian or otherwise?

Book Report: Big Little Lies

Things are never as they seem in Pirriwee Beach. Not in the supernatural sense, but in the superficial one. In Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty weaves a wonderfully suspenseful tale on how people can hide surprising, and sometimes dangerous, secrets right under our noses. All it takes is a little lie (or two).

The story begins with a murder. A parent has died at the school trivia night and with the particularly opinionated mothers at Pirriwee Public, someone is bound to know who's to blame. Each chapter focuses on our three main characters, giving a little background of the events leading up to "the incident." At the start of each chapter we get statements from fellow trivia night attendees that divulge a little more on what the dynamic between Kindy (Kindergarten) moms is like.

"Mothers took their mothering so seriously now. Their frantic little faces. Their busy little bottoms strutting into the school in their tight gym gear. Ponytails swinging. Eyes fixed on the mobile phones held in the palms of their hands like compasses." 

"Helicopter parents. Before I started at Pirriwee Public, I thought it was an exaggeration, this thing about parents being overly involved with their kids. I mean, my mum and dad loved me, they were, like interested in me when I was growing up in the nineties, but they weren't, like, obsessed with me."

It sets us up for our introductions to Madeline, Jane and Celeste who are, themselves, kindy moms from different backgrounds, each with a unique personality.

Madeline is the feisty leader who has an opinion about everything and is never afraid to speak her mind.

They say it's good to let your grudges of, but I don't know, I'm quite fond of my grudge. I tend it like a little pet.

Jane is the quiet newcomer who seems to have a secret past that she's trying to get away from.

Maybe moving here was going to be the beginning of something, or the end, which would be even better.

Celeste is the beautiful, wealthy woman who seems to have everything the world has to offer, but has something more lying under the facade.

Recently, she'd noticed something strange happening when she talked to people in groups. She couldn't quite remember how to be. She'd find herself thinking: Did I just laugh too loudly? Did I forget to laugh? Did I just repeat myself?

As we come to discover the lies each person is telling, we get closer and closer to solving our mystery. And we realize that sometimes the biggest little lies we tell are the ones we tell ourselves.

If you love a good story that will keep you on your toes, with a lot a little sarcasm in between, this one is for you!

Book Report: In a Land Far, Far Away

As much as I want to see more of the world, right now books are my passport to places I've never been, my cure for severe cases of wanderlust.

Today I'm sharing five of my favorite far-flung reads. As you may guess from the rather tumultuous locales, these are not exactly lighthearted books, but reading them did more than entertain me. Each one stayed with me long after I finished and taught me something new about places I'll probably never go. That really is the magic of reading: the chance to explore, learn, and travel without ever leaving home.

The Emperor Far Away: Travels at the Edge of China by David Eimer (China)

Ever heard of Xinjiang? How about Dailand? I hadn't until I read this completely fascinating book about China's minorities and hinterlands. Focusing on the vast regions where the country borders its 14 neighbors and the central government has far less influence, the author braves nightmare travel conditions to give you a glimpse of a China you've never heard about before.

The Ruins of Us by Keija Parssinen (Saudi Arabia)
A Saudi billionaire takes a second wife and his first wife, an expat American, is less than pleased. Sounds like a great set-up for chick lit, right? But in this book, the author uses the marital dilemma as a way to explore cultural differences, economic inequality, Saudi society, and fundamentalism.

A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon by Anthony Marra (Chechnya)
A man works to save his neighbor's daughter after her father disappears, eventually enlisting the help of a jaded local surgeon dealing with her own wartime losses. Reading this made me think about how I'd act in desperate situations and taught me something about a place and conflict I'd only heard about in 60 second news clips.

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (North Korea)
If you've ever wondered what North Korea is like, you must read this book. Distrubing? Yes. Terrifying? Yes. Unforgettable? Absolutely. Adam Johnson won the Pulitzer for his story of survival, sacrifice, and love in the world's most insular country.

Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat (Haiti)
This book is as enchanting as the title. Edwidge Danticat's prose almost feel like poetry as she weaves the story of seven-year old Claire and the people of Ville Rose, a small fishing village in Haiti. The intertwined plot lines and rich descriptions pulled me in from the first page.

Where has your reading taken you lately?

Book Report: We Were Liars

“Welcome to the beautiful Sinclair family.
No one is a criminal.
No one is an addict.
No one is a failure.”

Or are they? In one of the fastest-paced books I’ve read in a long time, author E. Lockhart manages to weave together a love story, a family saga, and a mystery into a dynamic novel with a killer twist.

We Were Liars tells the story of the wealthy Sinclairs, who spend every summer on their private island off the coast of Massachusetts. Their world of catered clambakes and tennis tournaments appears like American perfection, anchored by the family patriarch and his three beautiful daughters:

The Sinclair daughters were sunburnt and blessed. Tall, merry, and rich, those girls were like princesses in a fairy tale…They were made for legends. Made for princes and Ivy League schools, ivory statues and majestic houses.

But deep fractures exist beneath the surface, threatening to destroy all the family stands for (which, let’s be honest, is mostly money). The main character is Cadence, the eldest grandchild and heir apparent to the Sinclair legacy. At fifteen, an accident on the island leaves her with debilitating migraines and memory loss. After several years engrossed in pain, struggling to remember what happened, Cady returns to the island in a quest to find the truth and to rekindle her first love. While I don’t want to ruin the mystery, I’ll just say that this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

I admit that YA books are not my favorite and I’m usually a bit skeptical about picking one up, but after devouring this book in one lazy afternoon, I might have to change my stance. The writing is snappy and sharp and the descriptions are brilliant.

Like this one of starry summer night:
So many stars, it seemed like a celebration, a grand, illicit party the galaxy was holding after the humans had been put to bed.

Or the yearning of first love:
I wanted to touch him like he was a bunny, a kitten, something so special and soft your fingertips can’t leave it alone.

I love that the action starts at the very beginning and doesn’t let up until the final chapter. While this is an easy, fast read, it doesn’t sacrifice any substance or style in favor of speed. Pick it up and I promise you won’t be able to put it down.

Check it out on Amazon.

Book Report: Top 10 UK Reads

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. The day after can sometimes feel like a bit of a letdown. Since I'm a firm believer that reading is a wonderful antidote to gloominess, I thought today would be the perfect time to share a few great reads.

As you probably know, today is Boxing Day in Britain and her former colonies around the world. Traditionally, employees would receive gifts ("boxes") from their bosses. In modern times, it's a day of family, friends, sports, and shopping...all without the pressure of Christmas. Sounds like a pretty great idea to me.

So to celebrate a holiday I wish Americans celebrated, I've put together a list of books set in England.
For a little help, I turned to my dear friend Lynn. In addition to conquering the world of investment banking, making the best brownies, and being one of the wittiest and most genuine people I know, Lynn is a serious reader with great taste in books. As the daughter of a British mother, she has a special love for English literature and graciously agreed to share some of her favorites.

This list of a combination of Lynn's picks and mine, and between the two of us, I know you'll find a book you love too.

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
When I asked Lynn for her recommendations, this topped the list. First published in 1959, this memoir tells the story of the author's boyhood in a small Cotswold village. Prepare to be transported to another place and time.

Emma by Jane Austen
What would an English book list be without Jane Austen? According to Lynn, her favorite by the vaunted Miss Austen is "quintessentially British." Kindle owners can download this tale of mischievous matchmaking for free.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave
During a brutal encounter on a nearly deserted African beach, the lives of a sixteen year old Nigerian orphan and a British couple become forever intertwined. This is a suspenseful and thought-provoking read--one that sticks with you for months after you finish.

The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein
In Harry Bernstein's working class neighborhood in northern England, Jews and Christians never cross the invisible wall dividing their street--until Harry's sister falls in love with a Christian boy. Written when the author was in his nineties, this barrier-breaking love story is one of the best I've ever read--and it's true.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)
This crime novel by an author you may have heard of is a great quick mystery read. When the beautiful starlet Lula Landry falls to her death, PI Cormoran Strike (don't you love British names?) is hired to find out what really happened. You'll recognize the storytelling style of the Harry Potter books but with much more grown-up themes.

Royal Affairs: A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adventures That Rocked the British Monarchy by Leslie Carroll
Sometimes history is way more fun than fiction. That's definitely the case with this book about 1,000 years of cheating kings and secret flings. If you love drama, look no further.

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewelyn
Lynn calls this "one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful books you'll ever read." Set in Wales, the author remembers when the mines came to his small village. There's a reason this is a classic.

22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson
A husband and wife  reunite in Ipswich after World War II. He spent the war fighting with the the Polish Resistance and then the British; she, hiding in the forests with her baby son. This book is heartbreaking as two scarred people try to return to normal life--but ultimately triumphant.

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
One of my all-time favorites. It's a young adult novel, but the antics of Catherine, the daughter of a minor noble in thirteenth century England, as she tries to avoid  unsuitable suitors are hilarious no matter how old you are. If you're like me and love to read about how ordinary people used to live, you'll find the descriptions of everyday medieval life totally fascinating.

The Dreaming Suburb by R.F. Delderfield
A favorite of Lynn's mother, this book tells the interwoven stories of four families living in an English suburb between the two World Wars. In his day, R.F. Delderfield was one of England's most popular writers and in this book and its sequel (The Avenue Goes to War), he's at his best.

Can't get enough of all things British? Stay calm and read on...here are a few more favorites:
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
Small Island by Andrea Levy
The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy
The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

We'd love to add even more titles to our list. What are your favorite books set in England?

Happy reading!

Book Report: Best Christmas Books for Kids

When I was growing up, my mom had a collection of books that she stored with the holiday decorations and only brought out at Christmas time. Each night of December, we'd pick one or two to read together under the glow of the tree lights. Pretty nice, right?

I'm working on building a Christmas library so I can carry on the tradition with Max (and on that note, do any fellow moms of heavy-machinery-obsessed toddlers have recommendations for Christmas stories featuring cement mixers and excavators?).

Anyways, here are a few of my favorite Christmas tales:

The Story of Santa Claus by Scribbler Elf
The lush illustrations in this book are so magical they’ll enchant even the most skeptical little ones. As a kid, I truly believed Scribbler Elf  penned this tale of how a man named Nicholas became Santa (especially after my mom told me that the editor was just Scribbler's American publishing partner).

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Relive your childhood with this Caldecott-winning perennial favorite about a young boy swept away on a magical Christmas Eve journey.

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
I love Jan Brett’s signature Scandi style, which is at its best in this story of Teeka, who learns a valuable lesson about how to win friends (human and otherwise) as she helps train Santa’s reindeer.

The Snow Child by Freya Littledale
This isn’t strictly a Christmas story, but the snowy setting and themes of hope, love, and dreams coming true make it a worthy edition to your Christmas library.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!” I’m sure it’s already on your list, but I’d feel irresponsible if I didn’t include this Christmas classic.

Stars Were Gleaming by Greg Olsen
A beautiful tribute to the true Reason for the season. Kids will love the beautiful artwork, while you’ll enjoy the poetry, scriptures, and quotations about the Savior.

I’m sure I’ve missed some great books...what are your favorite children’s stories for the holidays?

5 Cookbooks Every Girl Needs

Cookbooks are keepers of memories. We remember the meals we made from their pages, and the kitchens where we made them. When we look at a cookbook, we often think of the person who gave it to us, or the friend who recommended it so highly. The recipes we create remind us of holiday meals, cooking disasters learning experiences, and tastes from places we love.

Okay, sorry to wax a bit poetic (and poorly too), but I can’t help myself. I have a serious love of cookbooks. On the rare occasion I’m eating breakfast by myself, I love to grab one off the shelf in my kitchen and flip through the recipes as I slurp cereal. Sometimes I get obsessed with one in particular and use it to plan my weekly menus for months (an easy way to do that: pick a soup, a salad, a pasta, a chicken dish, and one other meat dish and you’ve got a nice varied menu).

With so many delectable books to choose from, here are the five types of cookbook every girl needs (no matter how skilled--or not--she is in the kitchen), plus a few recommendations for my most treasured sources of culinary inspiration (all the cookbook titles are links, if you want to check them out in more detail).

Oh, if you’re looking for a great gift for a certain approaching holiday, a cookbook almost always hits the spot (and usually for less than $25).

The Cooking Bible

 

  

 

Want to know how to make French onion soup? Or cheese blintzes? Or butterflied leg of lamb? This is your go-to book whenever you think, “I should make that.” It’s thick, heavy, and has an index to rival a history textbook. It’s a source you can always trust to ensure your end result is worth the effort. My pick is The Gourmet Cookbook, edited by the beloved Ruth Reichl, but here are a few other good ones:

Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Cookbook by Gayle Pirie and John Clark
How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker

The Baking Bible

 

 

Baking is an art unto itself, which in my opinion means it needs its own tome. Much as the cooking bible above, this is where you turn when you’re suddenly dying to make a linzer torte or need a fail-proof recipe for chocolate ganache.

I love Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook. A couple other great picks:

Baking Chez Moi by Dorie Greenspan
Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson
The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum

The Weeknight Go-To

 

 

As I’ve said before, weeknight cooking needs to be fast, relatively healthy, and satisfying enough to make you happy you resisted the drive-thru. My all-time favorite is Bon Appetit: Fast, Easy, Fresh. Nearly every recipe can be made in 30 minutes or less and the ingredient lists are short and accessible.

A few others I love:
How to Cook Everything Fast by Mark Bittman
Dinner: A Love Story by Jenny Rosenstrach
Weeknight Fast & Fresh by Kristine Kidd

The Chef You Want to Be

 

 

This is the book that makes you feel like you can reproduce that amazing plate of roast chicken with saffron aioli at home. Usually you’ll end up realizing why you paid $36 for it at the restaurant, but nevertheless, having the book on your shelf can bring back memories of favorite meals, which is sometimes almost as good as the meal itself.

This category is personal pick, but I love Renee Erickson’s A Boat, a Whale, and a Walrus. Since I’ve had some of the best meals of my life at The Whale Wins, one of her Seattle restaurants, I was so excited when her first cookbook came out this fall. The butter-roasted zucchini bread convinced me that my favorite dessert in the world is made with vegetables.

To continue in the vein of great Northwest chefs, I also love Fried Chicken and Champagne by Lisa Dupar and Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen.

The Cuisine of Your Dreams

This is also a personal pick, but every chef needs to have a cookbook dedicated to a type of food they love (ideally with beautiful pictures). For me, that would be Italian. When I look through my cookbook about the gastronomical delights of Rome, it immediately transports me to a very happy place of bucatini all'amatriciana, grapefruit gelato, nutella-filled donuts, and fried artichokes. Think about the food that captivates you most and treat yourself to a cookbook that will help you master it.

A few ideas:
A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse by Mimi Thorrison
Delicioso! The Regional Cooking of Spain by Penelope Casas
Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico by Rick Bayless
Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East and Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour
Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono
Molto Gusto: Easy Italian Cooking by Mario Batali

(And don’t forget to enter the TJB Giveaway! We'll draw a winner on Tuesday, December 9.)

What cookbooks can you not live without?