Tell No One by H. Coben

Tell No One by Harlan Coben

This little mystery paperback was a random read from the collection of paperbacks in my parent's house.  It is a quick read and it took me a minute to adjust to the male voice (because I really wasn't paying attention  to the gender clues when I started reading- ah assumption leads to the mistaken playground).   Coben presents a nice little mystery novel about love and loss.   The hero of the book has lost the love of his life and remembers little abut the details of the incident.  Though time moved forward, letting go was not so easy. This is a nice light snack for the brain.

Then an unexpected message, new developments, betrayal, intrigue, and of course- Danger in pursuing the truth.  This novel hits all the key ingredients of a good mystery/suspense book.  Granted, this book is not earth shattering, it does not make you pause and think, it is simply a quick and enjoyable read.  Brain candy- that is what I call them.  Every brain needs a bit of a break once and a while, this novel is perfect for that.   

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dell (February 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440236703
• ISBN-13: 978-0440236702

Vanish by T. Gerritsen

Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

So let me start by saying that I love the characters of Rizzoli and Isles but I first encountered them through the T.V. series alter egos and not through the books; and boy if that doesn't tick me off.   I am a firm believer of books being better than any Hollywood version that could be created.  I love the portrayal of strong, funny, confident, capable women characters; which Rizzoli and Isles fit the two sides of that female archetype.  However, I met the Holywood versions first and so when I picked up this book, I had to readjust the parameters of how I viewed these characters (probably should have started with one of the earlier books in the series).

Vanish is I believe the fifth book in the Rizzoli and Isles series.   This book fits into my Light Snack for the Brain category of reading; though a quick and easy read, it did tackle an issue that, while aware of, I don't really know much about.  The book is formulaic but is written with a sense of wit that I enjoy.  The characters are brassy giving them the feel of people you wish you could hang out with.    The overall theme of the book tackles the realities of human trafficking in the United States and quite blatantly states that it is often happening right in front of us, but we refuse to see,  "People see what they expect to see. It never occurs to them that terrible things can look pretty" (pg 136).

As I said, I had to adjust my concept of the main characters because in the book world, Jane is married and about to be a mom.   Other than that, I will let you enjoy this quick read that is just fun if you are into the mystery/ crime genre of current popular fiction. Enjoy the fun of getting to know the book version of these two classy gals!

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• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; a edition (August 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345476980
• ISBN-13: 978-0345476982

The Truth Machine by J. Halperin

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• The Truth Machine by James L. Halperin

How honest can a human society really be and still be able to function? Could human society adapt to a world in which Everyone must tell the absolute truth because technology has been created that can tell within 99.9% accuracy if an individual is indeed telling the truth.  How honest do we really want people to be?   Well that is exactly the heart of this novel and surprisingly the world this book creates does not seem implausible, it actually seems realistically possible in many ways. This is a Meal for the Mind book that is well worth the read.

This intriguing novel was penned in 1997 and covers a time period from the early 1990's to the year 2049.  What is fascinating to a reader today is what has occurred in the world between 1997 and when the reader sits down to read this book.   Each chapter of the book starts with  the "headlines" of news from the time period that is to be covered in that chapter.  So when written in 1997 the majority of the book was based on speculation and logical conclusions of what might occur.  Indeed, Halperin writes in the prologue that he consulted many people in a variety of fields of study to help create these events.  So reading the book in 2013 there are now 16 years of events that have occurred and to see what has come to pass as was written in the novel... well Mr. Halperin evidently consulted some very connected and intelligent people.

The story follows the lives of friends who change the world as we know it by the various ways they are connected to and influence the development of "the truth machine".  The main inventor, Pete Armstrong, is driven by something more powerful than greed which gives the book its moral compass for how it approaches the whole question. Had the main character in fact been motivated by the all to realistic capitalistic ambition the novel most certainly would have taken a much darker and more fearsome tone.  However, this novel ends up as a hopeful and inspiring look at how the world might be, could be, but likely never will be.  Thus, there are readers who will find it a bit on the "cheesy" side of fiction.   

This is also not an action story, it is a thinking novel.  It is a read that should make you think, ponder, identify with one of the characters and then that should cause you to pause and think about why you identify with them.  It is a story of choices, positions that ask for compromise of ideals and ethics, challenges priorities and motivations.   I will admit that the author could have pushed these human questions so much farther, he does accomplish the mere task of taking the reader to the point of at least thinking about them.

This book is definitely a love it or hate it kind of book.   I found the premise fascinating and intriguing.   The close to the mark headlines that Halperin penned for the last 16 years caused a few goosebumps. It is quaint and a bit on the cheesy side; but, even cheesy novels have their merits.  Honesty; is it the best policy?  Take a trip trough the pages of this book and decide for yourself.        

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• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; Reprint edition (June 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345412885
• ISBN-13: 978-0345412881

The Blind Tiger in Topeka, Ks

The Blind Tiger in Topeka, Kansas is most known for the craft beers that are brewed on site.   However, the menu also has a great selection of a variety of classic dishes.   Started off with the fried pickles as an appetizer.  The batter was crunchy and not bad but there was no real distinctive flavor.  The thickness of the batter overpowers the thin pickle slices.  The overall flavor was not bad, but was not the best fried pickle I have had.

The Club Classic with pub fries followed and was a filling meal.  However, again it was nothing that was over the top or unique.   The classic sandwich was indistinguishable from any other club sandwich; which for some might be a good thing.  The pub fries are a bit more unique but they were rather plain and lacked flavor.

The service was top notch and the waitress was polite and on top of the needs of the table.  Overall I would say that this is a place to check out if you are really into craft beers; a good place for dinner with friends for no other reason than just getting together; there are many other items on the menu and they may have set the restaurant apart, but based solely on this meal- it was pretty run of the mill.

http://www.blindtiger.com/restaurant.html

Jane Eyre by C. Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Am I a book nerd?  Undoubtedly. So when I was looking through the vast collection of stored paperbacks in my parent's house and I came across this 1955 Cardinal Pocketbook $0.35 edition, I was a bit giddy.   Granted, I have read this book a time or two, but like Austen and Shakespeare, it is one of my go to reads. Additionally, a book club I belong to picked this as the summer read- so I again dove into the world of class and restriction, of expectations and elegance, of elevated language and logical matches.   It is a classic story that indeed stands the test of time thus making it a Meal for the Mind book.

For some this book is tedious and often readers give up before they get to the heart of the story.   This has a lot to do with the way literature has changed and what a modern audience expects from story development. "...and eyes like Miss Scatcherd's can only see those minute defects, and are blind to the full brightness of the orb." (pg 72)  During the mid 19th century, establishing a persons past, family, connection was simply expected.  It is for this reason that the first 120 pages are full of detail that seems unimportant and tedious.  This is then followed by the slow and very subtle development of the relationship of Jane and those of Thornfield Hall.  In fact it isn't until about page 275 that the meat of the story really starts gripping you.  There are those that may then be tempted to jump the opening segment, get to the heart of the matter but in doing that you lose the connection, the feeling for Jane, the desire to root for one truly good thing to occur.  This is what makes the heart of the story so gripping.

The classic novel tackles the questions of how we, as a society, define loyalty, fidelity, love, contract, responsibility, and marriage.  These ideas and questions still exist; to some degree, even more so now.   It is a question that both Jane and Rochester must face and consider.  Would the reader themselves have the same reaction, make the same choices, be strong enough to follow through on the choices that were made.  The novel exhibits a strength of character, that has in many ways, been lost in our "what I want" society.  Jane endures, survives, and holds true to belief and character; even when it causes her unbelievable pain and loss.

Heartbreaking, hopeful, enduring, a classic because the questions that Jane must face endure to this day. The details shift, circumstances change, a modern twist is added, yet still..... can one explain what the heart wants and have the strength to endure walking away from it? To this day we still try to find the answers and/or explanations with such little success.  The human question.... it is what binds great literature to us no matter what the future holds.           

• Paperback: 517 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books, Inc. Cardnial Edition 3rd Printing; Nov. 1953 New York
• Language: English
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• Modern Editions
• ISBN-10: 160459411X
• ISBN-13: 978-1604594119

Speaker for the Dead by OS Card

Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card 

This is the second book in the "Ender" series.   I was introduced to Card's work with Pastwatch  a few years ago and followed up that read with Ender's Game.  As the movie is about to launch I wanted to read the next book in the series. This book fits into my Meal for the Mind category as it pushes the brains digestive powers. What I love about Card's writing is the human question that he always places before the reader, yet never presumes to know the answer to.  He sets up his books in a way that allows the reader to question many attributes of society that if questioned in a current setting would be tantamount to going against the things we believe in as a society.  By using his creative and unique futuristic worlds we can explore these questions as a reader and apply them to world we are currently in as we feel comfortable.  His books open the door to many issues that the human mind often resists but should explore.   Speaker is positioned as a book of redemption for Ender Wiggins, but the book is strong enough to stand alone as a great read whether you have read the previous installment or not.  The story takes the reader on the emotional journey of the characters and explores deep philosophical questions about how we, as humans, approach cultures, people, lands, ideas that are new and/or foreign to us.  It tackles the age old questions of interference, the study of, the understanding of, the misunderstanding of, and the process of learning about "new" things.   In the end, this book; at the very least, makes the reader think about these things; at the very best, it pushes the reader to explore where they stand on issues they may not have explored or considered specifically before finishing this book.

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• ISBN-13: 9780812550757
• Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
• Publication date: 8/28/1994
• Series: Ender Quintet Series , #2
• Pages: 416
• Lexile: 850L 

El Mezcal in Lawrence, Ks

El Mezcal in Lawrence, Kansas

Recently had the opportunity to dine at the Bob Billings Parkway and Wakarusa.  From start to finish I was impressed.  The staff was super polite and friendly the minute you walked in the door.   The purpose of eating there was a business meeting which can often annoy or tick off service staff.  The process of serving the meal becomes more complicated as they try not to interrupt or bother the table.  However, the server was patient and willing to wait while the business was concluded.

The chips were traditional warmed corn chips but they were not the garden variety tostitos kind.   The salsa was a great blend of cilantro and spice that warms the mouth but does not have an overpowering burn.  The blend is also a nice consistency that is not too runny nor to dry.

Enchiladas Rancheros

 This delectable dish takes the traditional cheese enchiladas combination and tops them with a delicious, mouth watering blend of pork chorizo.  The rice was a bit on the dry side but combined with this dish that worked.   The guacamole salad was also quite good, in fact the guacamole was fabulous on the warm tortilla chips.  
                                                                                      


I highly recommend this for a great lunch or dinner.  Very filling for the money $8-15 per   

www.elmezcal.com/‎

Mr. Sister Sweets Emporia, Ks

Mr. Sister Sweets in Emporia, Kansas

This lovely little cupcake and sweets shop is located at the 6th Street (Hwy 50) and Commercial Street intersection.   Fairly new to the Emporia scene, the business has quickly developed a good fan base.   Specializing in cupcakes of, well almost any flavor, their cakes and cupcakes are the highlight of the cute little shop.   In the past cupcakes have been the usual pickup, I very much recommend the Mexican Hot Chocolate, Lemon-cello  and the Bacon French Toast.   In fact, that last cupcake was the whole reason for stopping by the shop most recently.

Every year some very dear friends throw a "Pork of July" party, where every guest must bring some kind of pork dish for the feast.  This is a fantastic party for a foodie like me. This year, cooking was not on the agenda; so to the shop to fetch some cupcakes with bacon and my obligation would be fulfilled. Alas, it was not to be.  With a menu board of flavors that is the size of the average classroom whiteboard, it is impossible (not to mention impractical) to keep all the flavors in stock.   

However, all was not lost as they also provide some delicious chocolate confections and yes they had some with bacon!  

 

Now granted, you have to like chocolate and bacon or none of these will hit the spot for you.  

Chocolate covered Bacon (Upper Right)  

This is exactly what you think it is and it was a hit at the party.   The combination of sweet and salty hits the spot!

Chocolate Bacon Truffles (Lower Right)

Also a big hit, these traditional style truffles were big enough to split and share.  Hard chocolate exterior contains a lovely dark chocolate layer that surrounds the crisp bacon center.  Again, sweet good, salty good, the whole thing is lovely.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks with Bacon (Lower Left)

These are a recent addition to the store I was told.   Although they were good, they may still need a bit of tweaking to be a hit.  The crunch of the pretzel was good indicating a good ratio of chocolate dipping (a fine skill indeed).  However, the bacon bits were a bit hard to even taste in the blend of flavors.  It may be that there was too much salt (between the salted pretzel and the bacon).   The pork party brainstorm was maybe sprinkle in pork rinds instead of bacon or try an unsalted pretzel stick.

Wait- if you are not sold on this place yet-  hang on.  So after picking up the dozen assorted cupcakes for the parents, the bacon chocolate confections for the party, and two special red velvet cupcakes for the hostess who doesn't like chocolate (still baffles me); I headed on about my day.  Arriving home the treats for the party were placed in the fridge to prevent melting.  A few hours later I pop onto facebook to check in on the world... and I had a message from the proprietor of Mr. Sister letting me know that I had left part of my order at the store!  Now that is small town customer service right there! 

There are rumors that Cupcake Wars may have selected this pastry chef for their show.... and I for one hope it is true.  If you are in the Emporia area, stop by and check it out.  Wednesday thru Saturday 12pm-6pm 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MR-Sisters-Sweets/201758876539597

Fifty Shades of Chicken by F.L. Fowler

Fifty Shades of Chicken by F.L. Fowler (Adult Humor)

Do you love chicken as much as F.L. Fowler?  Probably not.  This book is unique, funny, entertaining, and also useful.   As a play on the popular fan-fiction series, even just the cover might cause you to take a second look.  The book is one part cookbook and one part brilliant use of the English language to make you feel a bit dirty when you prepare your next chicken.  Not kidding. 

The book has 50 recipes (that to be honest, I have not tried) that are paired with "risque" stories about the process of the preparation, often giving the object of your salivation a voice; Miss Chicken's voice to be more specific.  The pictures are also quite entertaining.  Cleverly written the book can be great for a gag gift, a cookbook for the cook who has a sense of humor, or just a really fun break from reality.   This lovely creation literally gives "food porn" a whole new meaning!    

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (November 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385345224
• ISBN-13: 978-0385345224

Milton's in Lawrence, Ks

Milton's in Lawrence, Ks is one of the most highly recommended breakfast eateries in the city; or so I was told.  So when the opportunity presented itself to dine there, I was interested to check out this lovely establishment.  Located just off of the famous Mass street on 9th, the modernistic diner feel was immediate. As it was still early and the hot July sun had not yet hit, a patio table was just the spot for a nice mid-morning meal.   The menu hits all the main breakfast staples, but each has a unique aspect that makes the meal a Milton's own.  Yes the traditional egg, meat, potatoes, and bread combo is available, but why go for the usual in a place like this.
The Barista's know their stuff and make a number of caffeine fixes for that morning wake-up jolt.  The lovely and eloquent pour leaves the cute patterns that you hate to ruin by taking that first sip; but the smell calls to you, leaving you no choice.

The Milton Scramble-




This dish hits the spot.  While both hearty and filling, the dish is not so heavy that you regret eating it after.  A delicious blend of eggs, meat, vegetables and cheese, it combines the best flavors of traditional country and garden omelettes in a light and fluffy dish.  The roasted potato wedges were a welcome change from the more common hash-brown styles.  The most enjoyable aspect however was the toast that arrived 'dry' without request.



I rarely request dry toast because often when I do, it is forgotten.  As someone who worked in the food service industry for many years, I understand the hectic pressure or rushes, double seating, and over/under scheduling.  Rarely will I make a fuss, especially over something like toast.  However, I like being the one to chose how much (if any) butter I put onto my toast.  So bravo Milton's for allowing your patron's that choice!

Additionally, the staff was amazing!  Though we had finished our meal, paid the tab, and were simply gabbing away; the staff continued to take care of the table and refill water.  That touch is always appreciated!
So if you are ever in Lawrence in need of a meal during the morning hours, stop in for some great service and delicious food. Food $8-12 per

One Fifth Avenue by C. Bushnell

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell  (Racy and Naughty bits in this read)

Okay, I don't mean to be a pill- but I am starting to hate reading anything published within the last few years.  This is not because the quality of the literature is bad (although this particular books was lackluster); but because the quality of editing is horrific!  Granted, I have a degree in English Literature so I may be a little more aware of editing issues; however, it is a self professed fact that spelling and grammar are NOT my strengths.   So when I spend more time trying to figure out what word the author intended to use, instead of thinking about the plot and characters... well- there is a problem.   The editing issues with this book were found in the grammar, word choice, spelling, but most disappointing of all- the content.

Bushnell made a name for herself with Sex in the City and although I have watched to TV show, I never read the books.  If this book is representative of her particular formulaic writing style, I am kind of glad I didn't.  This was like the book that would not end.   A good editor might have been able to salvage this book by breaking out the story lines and creating an inner connected series about the people of this particular building. Instead, Bushnell shoved all of the characters development, story lines (both inner connected and separate) into the book and the result was- well not good.   There was no way for the reader to connect with any of the characters because they all needed just a bit more development.  The plot lines never grab the reader because it is hard to care who ends up with who, who screws who (both metaphorically and physically), and who lives happy ever after when the reader could care less about the character to begin with.  Of course the book does have its racy and very direct intimacy scenes which for some people is enough to suffer through the rest of the book. Wasn't for this reader, just made me irritated and annoyed.

In the rush to get this book published and on shelves, the book publisher, author, and editors, all missed the opportunity to develop a really great read and potential series.  

Personally, I would have focused on the new tenants of the top floors Paul and Annalisa Rice.  By focusing on their plot line in the beginning, you can actually introduce the building's tenants through the eyes of someone just meeting them like the reader.  The author could then focus and develop these two characters and the life they are ambitiously seeking.  The other characters come in but we only know them as the new tenants know them.  Then in each subsequent book you can go back and develop each tenants story, again interlacing the other building residents. The title writes itself- One Fifth Avenue- 4A. But alas, in the haste to get things on the market, they missed the opportunity to actually write a series of books readers might actually get a bit addicted to and instead shoved a bunch of poorly developed characters, lack luster plot lines, into a book with an ending that took far to long to actually get to.

• ISBN-13: 9781401301613
• Publisher: Voice
• Publication date: 9/22/2008
• Pages: 448

If The Shoe Fits by S. Rowe

If The Shoe Fits By Stephanie Rowe is a light book that falls in my category of "Brain Candy."   This is a light quick read that has a fairly decent plot line that keeps a reader interested.   While not overly complicated, a bit formulaic, with a predictable resolution; it does offer a nice development that is just fun to read.  Admittedly probably more of a "chick lit" book, the idea of shoe development was interesting and an area I had not read much about.   The character development was decent and allowed a reader connection to them.  What I enjoyed most about the book was the way the author captured the second guessing, unsure mind of the main character, Paris Jackson.  Faced with a host of decisions and few easy answers, the author nails the inner dialogue that many people have that often lead to moments of inaction when action would solve so many problems.   A great summer escape read.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780843955613
• Publisher: Dorchester Publishing Company, Inc.
• Publication date: 8/30/2005

Tennin in Kansas City, Mo

This amazing little hideaway in Downtown Kansas City, Mo is a perfect little get away for a romantic evening for two.  However, with the amazing specials and extensive wine list, it is also a great place to meet friends for a night out.  The dimly lit dinning area offers a quiet and cozy feel that encourages conversation and light laughter.  The front of the restaurant offers a more relaxed living room feel, as well as the intimate exterior patio.

While the food menu may seem small and somewhat limited, is a very nice assortment of flavor options.  Although I did not choose the four course dinner option (which looked fabulous) due to time constraints, I did try three of their starter options before rushing off for a night of Theater in the neighboring arts district.




Spinach Salad-

This lovely little dish hit the starters spot.  Baby spinach greens in a very lite, refreshing vinaigrette dressing.  Topped with a few fried onions and feta cheese, the salad is a light and refreshing.















Jumbo Crab Dip-

Lightly toasted baguette slices are served next to the creamy, warm sensation.  Crab meat is blended with the right amount of delicious cream then topped with Parmesan cheese strips and a bit of bacon.  The combination melts in your mouth with a perfect ratio of dip to bread. This delectable creation is not recommended for those who dislike seafood.





Berger's Grilled bacon and Brussels Sprouts-

Now this dish, I simply can't say enough about.  The surprise "try" on the menu, it was both intriguing and delicious.   Two slices of thick Berger's grilled bacon are placed on top of the perfectly prepared Brussels sprouts.  Not normally what one would expect from a starter, this dish surprises and pleases the senses. The lovely blend of crisp and mildly creamy dressing give the sprouts an uncommon flavor, much like a slaw.  This dish is highly recommended.










This is a restaurant that caters to adults, not so much for the kiddos.  Plan to spend some time, this is affordable fine dinning, you will want to enjoy it- not rush through it.  Food wise $20-50 per depending on specials.
www.tanninwinebar.com/‎ for more information