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August 27, 2010
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
Good Omens: the nice and accurate prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is the story of the Apocalypse. However, this is not your typical Apocalyptic tale. It is a comedy that involves entertaining characters such as an angel and demon who have a Looney Tunes-esque Coyote/Sheepdog kind of relationship, Satanic nuns, and a misplaced Antichrist.
Good Omens is an entertaining novel with amusing dialog and an unusual premise. It's irreverent, intelligent, and a fun read.
Posted by In Repair at 07:18 PM | TrackBack
August 14, 2010
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci
I picked up Giulia Melucci's I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti; a memoir of good food and bad boyfriends because I was looking for light summer reading. I got what I bargained for, but ultimately it left me wanting more.
This is Ms. Melucci's story of a life spent looking for love in all the wrong places, and trying to win over her beaus' hearts through their stomachs. While the included recipes look quite yummy, the book itself is not compelling. The author comes off as sympathetic but cloying, and way too willing to put up with the wrong men in the hopes of getting one of them to eventually marry her. Her lack of success is foreshadowed often enough that there is no suspense involved, and ultimately her litany of bad boyfriends becomes tiresome over time.
Perhaps single women will like this more, on the theory that misery loves company. But ultimately, unless you're dying for the recipes, this book is unsatisfying.
Posted by In Repair at 06:12 PM | TrackBack
August 05, 2010
Marathoning for Mortals by John "The Penguin" Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield
I ordered Marathoning for Mortals by the huband and wife team of John "The Penguin" Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield because it speaks to my needs as a slow runner who is training for the New York City Marathon. Most books about running are geared for those who were fortunate enough to be blessed with speed, but Marathoning for Mortals is written for those of us who, despite our best efforts, may need six, seven or eight hours to complete a marathon.
Marathoning for Mortals actually presents different training plans for both marathons and half marathons for those who are walkers, runners, and those who mix walking and running. It is a book with much practical advice, but more than that it provides reassurance that marathons aren't merely for the fleet afoot; even those of us who are slow have the ability to complete a marathon with the proper training.
As I am preparing for my marathon, which will likely take me more than six hours to complete, Marathoning for Mortals is going to be a resource to which I'll be referring frequently.