Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
There is so much in this book that I didn’t have a clue about, but learning is what I love, so here goes: “For some, like the flamboyant parrot fish, the change is permanent- once they’ve made the switch they’re stuck as that sex until they die.” This book by zoologist Lucy Cooke is about science and scientists (with an emphasis on female scientists) who still are unrecognized in their profession. She wants us to appreciate the many female scientists who challenge and expand scientific thought. The focus here is on the female, as Cooke ruminates on evolutionary thought, gender, and sexuality. The book is so funny and sometimes hilarious. She tells of a male clownfish who changes his sex after the death of his mate. He’s so sad, he just can’t take it any more. In the chapter called “Madonna no more: selfless mothers and other fictional beasts,” Cooke debunks the idea of the self-sacrificing mother, the one responsible for the care of the young. Muqi, an owl monkey, gets bitten by his mother as soon as he is fed, and rescued by his father who becomes his primary caregiver. There is much food for thought in this groundbreaking book.
Sometimes historical fiction provides the reader with the best of all worlds: murder, betrayal, and of course, a love affair. In this case Shanghai by Joseph Kanon gives us just that! The setting is the occupied Chinese territory of Shanghai that provided safety to a few fortunate souls fleeing the horrors of Nazi Germany. The novel's protagonist, Daniel Lohr, is lucky to escape the Gestapo and even luckier that his uncle in Shanghai is waiting for him with a place to live and a job. However, once he arrives, Daniel has to navigate deals and side deals, betrayal, schemers, and deception. Crime is rampant in Shanghai and his only hope is to play the game of politics very carefully. Balanced with the intrigue is romance and a world that Daniel never imagined. The novel is thoroughly engaging, a page turner and has various twists and turns that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the night.
Fifteen years ago, Solomonov and Cook opened Zahav, a renowned restaurant in Philadelphia whose offerings are inspired by modern Israeli cuisine. This new cookbook offers 125 recipes, with the understanding that cooking at home is not the same as cooking in a restaurant. Having a strategically stocked pantry is an important first step. Also, make more than you will consume, so you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come! I appreciated the trip into Solomonov and Cook's home kitchens, and that the recipes were tested by the families. The recipes include sections such as "Making" which offer a visual, step-by-step breakdown, and "Method," which takes note of a technique, tip, or critical recipe which can be used in many dishes. This would make a great gift for the holidays.
Copyright © 2020 Bibliophile - All Rights Reserved.