MotherTalk Blog Tour:Persian Girls by Nahid Rachlin

Today my blog is one of the stops on MotherTalk's 15-Blog Tour of Persian Girls: A Memoir by Nahid Rachlin.

Persian Girls: A Memoir; Nahid Rachlin; ISBN-10: 1585425206; Tarcher (October 5, 2006); hardcover; 304 pp.

Publishers Weekly says:

"This lyrical and disturbing memoir by the author of four novels (Foreigner, etc.) tells the story of an Iranian girl growing up in a culture where, despite the Westernizing reforms of the Shah, women had little power or autonomy. As an infant in 1946, Rachlin was given to her mother's favorite sister, a widow who had been unable to conceive, and was lovingly raised among supportive widows who took refuge in religion from their frustrations as women in an oppressive society. But at the age of nine, Rachlin's father, whom she barely knew, met her at school without warning and brought her to Ahvaz to live with her birth family. Miserable in the new household, young Nahid was befriended by her American movie–obsessed sister Pari. Both sisters developed artistic ambitions, but only Nahid managed to escape the typical female fate, convincing her father to send her to college in the U.S. Less lucky is Pari, whose life of arranged marriage, divorce from an abusive husband and estrangement from her son ends in depression and early death. Exuding the melancholy of an outsider, this memoir gives American readers rare insight into Iranians' ambivalence toward the United States, the desire for American freedom clashing with resentment of American hegemony."

When I saw this book come up for review on MotherTalk, I immediately signed up. Particularly in the current political climate, I was hoping that this book would provide a fascinating look into a culture that is, at best, underrepresented in mainstream English language books and, at worst, criticized, discriminated against, and even hated; the fact that the author is a woman made it all the more enticing as I simply can't read enough of how my fellow women live, survive, and thrive in other cultures.

Persian Girls delivers on all accounts and has made me want to learn more not only about this intriguing woman--cappuccino is on me if you're ever in southern Italy Ms Rachlin!--but also about Iranian history and culture in general.

From Rachlin's difficult childhood with a mother that didn't seem to want her and a father that wanted only control to her struggle for independence and acceptance in America, Persian Girls places the reader in the very heart and mind of the author as she rises to each successive challenge placed before her.

From the time Rachlin was taken from the only mother she knew, I found myself cheering her on--a credit to an outstanding opening scene that transports the reader to 1950s Iran amidst a prayer rug, a Koran, rose water, a paraffin lamp, and hot summer nights spent talking about a golden ladder descending from the sky.

And yet Rachlin's writing style isn't nostalgic or wistful. She presents her life with such an objective tone sometimes that I forgot she was telling her own life story--and this is not a criticism. To the contrary, I felt like what I was reading was a true, fair account of events, and knowing that I'm able to trust the author is so very important.

At times, however, I did feel that there was just a bit held back regarding the working through of her feelings in some of her relationships, particularly the most difficult ones; the fact that some family members are still alive surely had something to do with this, but overall I don't find that this guardedness distracts from the memoir. Rachlin gives plenty of clues into her personality to provide the reader with a sense of what the author might've been feeling, and I don't think there's anything wrong with a little mystery in any book, even a memoir.

On another level, Rachlin's expat status in America really spoke to me, and I'm sure to plenty of other expats as well--the feeling of being caught between two cultures, two languages, two ways of life. On whether she regretted her choice to go to America, in a subsequent interview, Rachlin said:

I have never really regretted my choice to come to America, pursue my own goals. But I am always aware of a loss, a price to pay for the independence I have gained. I don't have easy access and closeness to people I love, because of all the distance between us.

Indeed I wouldn't mind another memoir (or even a how-to!) from Rachlin on her marriage to an American and raising her daughter in a country that is a sometimes enemy of her own. I look forward to reading Rachlin's fiction as well.

With 4 espresso cups out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend this memoir to anyone with an interest in women's history, cultural differences, the Middle East, family relationships, love, or, you know, life.

You can read more about Rachlin at her website NahidRachlin.com and interviews with her at Her Circle Ezine and Pars Arts.

You can also join a discussion about Persian Girls at MotherTalk here.

the witch has arrived!

Today marks the end of the holidays in Italy as La Befana arrived last night. You don't know La Befana? Read more about her here in my post from last year at this time.

As always, I'm sad to have to take down all the Christmas decorations; the house just feels a bit more empty, a bit more somber.

I suppose that's not such a bad thing as it's time to get down to the business of starting this new year and focus is always a good thing.

Friends, I *have* been focusing. Although it is the Italian tradition to return to work tomorrow, I've been quite busy the past few days--and perhaps that's making you feel a bit neglected here.

One of the main things I've been working on, though, is a brand new look and home for this here blog, and I think you're going to like what I've come up with.

But you'll have to wait just a bit longer. In the meantime I've had tons of positive energy from the blogosphere to keep me going, and I'll tell you all about it soon.

Tomorrow, though, I have the honor of kicking off the MotherTalk 15-Blog Tour of Persian Girls by Nahid Rachlin. You don't want to miss it--or this book.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

a tree grows in brooklyn--read it!

Thanks to The Sisterhood of Traveling Books, I recently finished Betty Smith's classic A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

I can't get Francie, Neeley, and the gang out of my head, and that, my friends, is the mark of a book that's bound to be one of my all-time favorites.

This isn't a story of wild action and soap opera-like plot twists and turns; it's the simple, honest, pure portrayal of what it was like for a young girl to grow up in the Williamsburg slums of Brooklyn around the turn of the 20th century.

I took my time with this book and savored every one of Smith's words--not only because they are so beautifully and perfectly chosen but also because it made me feel that much closer to my immigrant ancestors who were living similar lives in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania around the same time.

And I think of Francie, and I remember the women in my family from that generation, and I am amazed and humbled to be where I am today, living the life that I have--all thanks to their hard work, determination, and good old-fashioned grit.

I could fill many posts with quotes from this book where I've dog-eared the pages, but I'll offer up my favorite and encourage you to find a copy and read it for yourself.

This part comes just after Francie finds out that World War I has begun; she wants to remember the moment forever, so she clips a lock of her hair and puts it in an envelope, seals it, and marks the front "Frances Nolan, age 15 years and 4 months. April 6, 1917."

Then she prays:

"Dear God . . . let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. Let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry . . . have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well dressed. Let me be sincere--be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost."

Let me be something every minute of every hour of my life.

May we all be so blessed.

dolce italiano contest:sweet apple omelet

So here we are for Round Two of the Dolce Italiano Contest in which you can win a personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano by Gina DePalma by commenting on any and all of the Dolce Italiano recipe posts across five blogs.

So far, we've had:

Mosaic Biscotti & Sicilian Pistachio Cookies, Sara's Ms Adventures in Italy

Chocolate Kisses & Cassata alla Siciliana, Ilva's Lucullian Delights

Ricotta Pound Cake, Here!

Chestnut Brownies, Shelley's At Home in Rome

Chocolate Salami, Jenn's The Leftover Queen

Be sure to comment by 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, December 7!

Now I bet you were expecting another cake, perhaps a cookie, a tart, or even a fritter here today? With a name like Dolce Italiano, you might think that Gina DePalma's book is only for expert bakers or at least those with a mean sweet tooth, but that's certainly not the case.

There are also plenty of other recipes to keep everyone happy, including crackers, breadsticks, ice creams, and as you'll see today, even an omelet.

For my second Dolce Italiano recipe and this week's What's Cooking Wednesday, I wanted to choose something to show you just how varied this cookbook really is--and how you can find something to make from what you may already have at home--so here's the Sweet Apple Omelet, or as I like to call it, How to Eat Apple Pie for Breakfast Without Feeling Guilty.

What do I mean by that? Well we all know that the best part of an apple pie is the filling, so here we have that filling tucked inside a perfectly respectable omelet--and the results are spectacular!

As Gina mentions in the book, you don't need to limit this one to breakfast or brunch though. Indeed, I had a sweet apple omelet for dinner the other night; I always was rather fond of breakfast for dinner. I also think the sweet apple omelet would be great in a huge brunch spread--something a little more fancy than scrambled eggs, as much as I love them.

So will I be making this again? Absolutely. This a fast, easy, and delicious recipe that takes something ordinary like an omelet and makes it a special treat. You can easily make it a little healthier by using only egg whites, less/no butter, less sugar (or substitute)...and why not experiment with other fruits and jams as the filling?

Now who doesn't love a recipe as easy, tasty, and versatile as this?

Sweet Apple Omelet
(condensed from Gina DePalma's Dolce Italiano)

2 medium Golden Delicious, Rome, or Empire apples
3 tbl extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbl granulated sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbl grappa*

2 tbl unsalted butter
1 tbl honey

4-5 large eggs

Confectioner's sugar for dusting

*Note: I didn't use grappa for two main reasons. The first is that I really don't like grappa so I don't have any in the house; the second is that my stomach is just recovering from a nasty virus and I didn't think I could even handle the smell. If you'd like instructions on how to incorporate the grappa I suppose you'll just have to buy the book (or keep your fingers crossed that you'll win a copy--be sure to comment)!

Peel and core apples, cut them into quarters, then into slices. If you'd like to make a pretty flower to garnish like in the picture above, peel the skin with a sharp knife beginning at the top of the apple in one continuous strip, as demonstrated here and then roll it up and set it on the plate. Thanks Meredith!

Heat a large saucepan over medium and add olive oil, followed by apples. Sauté until they just begin to turn soft, translucent, and tender, about 5 minutes. Add sugar and cinnamon, shaking to coat apples. When apples are completely tender, remove from heat and set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat; don't let it bubble. Add honey and swirl the pan so they combine thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside. Prepare a serving plate dusted with confectioner's sugar.

Crack eggs into medium bowl and whisk until combined. In a nonstick 10-inch omelet pan, melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, swirling it around to coat bottom of pan completely. When butter begins to bubble, add eggs.

Use a fork or spatula to pull any cooked egg toward the center of the pan while tilting so that any uncooked egg moves to the edges. Continue moving eggs around until they are cooked, 2 to 3 minutes.

Very quickly, spoon some of the cooked apples into the center of the omelet in a straight line spanning the diameter of the omelet. Shake pan to loosen the omelet completely, then fold one side of omelet over apples.

Quickly slide the omelet onto the sugar-dusted serving plate, folding it over on top of itself with the edge of the pan or a spatula. Immediately drizzle the warm honey-butter mixture evenly over the surface of the omelet, and dust with confectioner's sugar (I also sprinkled a little more cinnamon).

Serve immediately, cutting the omelet into 2 large halves or 4 smaller quarters.

I did it in halves, and was plenty full after my half. Yum!

Buon appetito!

Remember to leave a comment here for a chance to win a personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano.

Also, be sure to head over to Shelley's At Home in Rome tomorrow and to Jenn's The Leftover Queen on Friday for the final Dolce Italiano recipes!

dolce italiano contest:ricotta pound cake

Welcome to Day 3 of the Dolce Italiano Contest in which you can win a free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano, the newly-released, highly-acclaimed Italian dessert cookbook by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Mario Batali's Babbo Ristorante Enoteca in New York City.

You can read more about the contest in this post of mine and also over at Shelley's At Home in Rome, home of the event, but here's the gist: Shelley, Sara, Ilva, Jenn, and I are going to be posting recipes from the book over the next two weeks.

In order to be entered into the drawing for the free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano, you need to comment on the recipe posts; you can comment on all 10 over the next two weeks to maximize your chances of winning.

All comments must be posted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Friday, December 7th to be entered.

So, after you leave me a note here, if you haven't commented on Sara's Mosaic Biscotti from Monday or Ilva's Chocolate Kisses from yesterday, do go over and comment.

When collaborating, we had to figure out which days we would all post our recipes. I, of course, requested Wednesdays to keep the What's Cooking Wednesday theme alive and also to enrich the WCW collection with some delicious Dolce Italiano recipes.

Now to the recipe.

I'm a cake and cookie girl, so it's not surprising that the first dessert I've chosen is in one of those food groups--namely the Ricotta Pound Cake.

I love any kind of cake and I also love ricotta, so I had a pretty good idea I'd enjoy this too.

"Enjoy" doesn't do this justice.

I *love* this cake. LOVE THIS CAKE. The ricotta gives an extra kick to the normally tame (I didn't say boring--did you hear boring?) pound cake as well as an awful lot of moisture. I love how the outside is nice and crunchy but inside it's actually almost wet. This is without a doubt one of the best cakes I've ever made or eaten.

And as Gina wrote in the book, it *is* even better the next day--that just didn't seem possible after I took my first bite nearly fresh out of the oven. I really have to learn to trust the experts.

Ah, and another bonus? It goes great with espresso!

Ricotta Pound Cake
(condensed from Gina DePalma's Dolce Italiano)

1 1/2 c cake flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt

3/4 c unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c fresh whole-milk ricotta
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 vanilla bean
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Confectioner's sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and place rack in center.

Grease and flour 9-inch loaf pan.

In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter, ricotta, and sugar until smooth and light.

Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping sides of bowl after each addition.

If you have a vanilla bean (I didn't), split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the blunt side of a small knife, then beat them into the batter along with the vanilla extract. I just used another teaspoon of vanilla extract.

On low speed, beat in dry ingredients to combine them, scrape down sides of the bowl, and beat the batter for 30 seconds on medium.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth top with a spatula. Tap pan on counter a few times to remove air pockets.

Put cake in oven and let bake for 15 minutes, then turn 180 degrees to ensure even browning. Lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and let bake until cake springs back when lightly touched, the sides of the cake have pulled away from the sides of the pan, and a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes more.

For some reason, mine took another 35 minutes, so do keep a close eye on it. Perhaps it had to do with the water content of the ricotta I used versus what Gina uses? Experts?

Allow cake to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert it on wire rack to cool completely. Mine came right out of the pan like no other loaf I've made before--the browned outside is key here.

Dust with confectioner's sugar before serving.

As Gina says, flavor is best the next day, and I have to agree. Leftover cake can be stored for up to three days so long as it's wrapped in plastic.

Buon appetito!

Today I'm thankful for:

Ricotta Pound Cake of course! YUM!

Don't forget to comment for your chance to win a free, personalized, signed copy of Dolce Italiano!

Also if you haven't yet, comment on Sara's Mosaic Biscotti and Ilva's Chocolate Kisses as well for more chances to win.

And tomorrow? Get thee to Shelley's At Home in Rome for another tasty Italian treat!

dolce italiano contest

If you also read Shelley's At Home in Rome (and if you don't, why don't you?!), you probably already know this, but just in case, I'm letting you in on the big news:

We're having a contest! And it involves desserts! And books!

Brainstormed and organized by Shelley, the Dolce Italiano Contest centers on the book by the same name by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef at Mario Batali's famous New York City restaurant Babbo.


And this is no ordinary cookbook. It's getting rave reviews all over the place and has been named the 3rd best Cooking, Food, & Wine book of 2007 on Amazon.com and one of Publishers Weekly's best books of the year (Lifestyle).

So now, Shelley, three other bloggers that you know and love, and I are getting together to help one of you win your very own signed copy!

Starting today and for the next two weeks (Monday-Friday), one of us will feature a recipe from Dolce Italiano. If you leave a comment on a post, you're entered to win the book. Only one comment per post counts toward the drawing, but if you comment on each of the 10 posts, that gives you 10 chances to win. Comments on all 10 posts will be accepted for the drawing up until 11:59 PST on Friday, December 7.

And you and your family can have a very lovely holiday season with all these delicious Italian desserts.

So where do you need to go? Here's the schedule:

Mondays: Sara's Ms Adventures in Italy

Tuesdays: Ilva's Lucullian Delights

Wednesdays: Right here baby!

Thursdays: Shelley's At Home in Rome

Fridays: Jenn's The Leftover Queen

Since it's Monday, you need to head on over to Ms Adventures in Italy and see what Sara has made just for you today. And comment! Don't forget to comment!

Please note that comments on this post (that you're reading right now), although sincerely appreciated, do not count as entries in the contest; only comments on recipe posts will be entered into the drawing.

Also check out Shelley's three-part interview with Ms DePalma here, here, and here.

Today I'm thankful for:

The opportunity to be a part of the Dolce Italiano Contest. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Yes, there are recipes for cookies, cakes, spoon desserts, tarts, ice creams, sorbets, semifreddos, fried treats, dishes with fruit, celebratory desserts, and savory goodies--but there's also a whole lot of information on Italian baking in general, techniques, equipment, ingredients, and more.

Goodness my grandmother would've loved this. She *loved* Molto Mario.

If you're a foodie, this is a book you'll want to get all floury and sugary during the day and then curl up with at night. It's an awesome gift for anyone who loves baking, so whether you win one or not, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

MotherTalk book review:The Daring Book for Girls

Today my blog is one of the stops on MotherTalk.com's Blog Tour for The Daring Book for Girls by MotherTalk founders Andrea J. Buchanan & Miriam Peskowitz.

The Daring Book for Girls; Andrea J. Buchanan & Miriam Peskowitz; ISBN 978-0-06-147257-2, HarperCollins Publishers (October 30, 2007); hardcover; 280 pp.

Four words can easily sum up how I feel about The Daring Book for Girls:

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

Now let me take you back to the day when I received it in the mail. I opened the package and saw what looked like an old school textbook: uber-retro from the electric blue hardcover to the throwback font.

And then I noticed the glitter, and right then I knew this was no ordinary “Here’s what to do on a rainy afternoon with your little girl” book.

I opened it up to find even more of the retro style through font choice and drawings, which I just loved. It transported me right back to my childhood, surely one of the book’s goals, and that was before I even got to reading all the good stuff inside.

The Daring Book for Girls is meant to be a manual full of the things that young girls should know; it's set up in quick, easy to read chapters, perfect for you or the young girl in your life to pick up whenever the mood strikes and always find something interesting.

Now lest you think we’re talking about how to press flowers, making knots and stitches, how to throw a good slumber party (complete with Bloody Mary and Light as a Feather!), and putting your hair up with a pencil--although all of these are in the book too--some other subjects include: building a campfire, tree swings, how to negotiate a salary, watercolor painting, and finance (interest, stocks, and bonds).

For the athletically-inclined, there are sections on hiking, yoga, paddling a canoe, softball, roller skating, bowling, karate, climbing, and hopscotch from around the world. For the more smartypants-inclined, there are math tricks, words to impress, Greek and Latin root words, and a list of "books that will change your life."

Interspersed throughout this trip down memory lane are history lessons ("What is the Bill of Rights?") and stories of famous and notable women (among which are Amelia Earhart, Joan of Arc, and a five part series on Queens of the Ancient World), which make this book a fairly complete reference book full of information as well as things to do.

The Daring Book for Girls is 280 pages of fun--a one-stop guide of what the young girl in your life needs to know and how you can teach her.

I have to admit that at first I felt a little guilty getting this book to review when I don’t have any daughters (yet, hopefully), but I quickly realized that's not a prerequisite to enjoying it. This is a great book even for those of who simply want to take a walk through more innocent times, to remember what it felt like to be out on the corner playing Chinese Jump Rope or doing cartwheels with the neighborhood kids.

And if you don’t remember the words to some of those handclap game ditties? You just might find them here. "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black...."

Oh, and some of us might even still find the section on boys particularly useful.

And so, with my first ever 5 espresso cups out of 5 rating, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with a special little girl around, who wants a great reference book of what a young girl’s childhood should be about, and/or who would simply love to reminisce with the help of Buchanan and Peskowitz.

It is so comforting to know that all of the silly, innocent fun that I experienced as a child isn't gone forever; indeed it's in this book.

Today I am thankful for:

The awesome memories that surfaced while looking through this book, such as:

• endless games of hopscotch, jump rope (Chinese and regular), and handclap games I played with my cousins and the neighborhood kids;

• what it was like when I first started to seek out books to read on my own;

• building forts in the living room with the couch cushions and lots of blankets;

• all of the paintings, drawings, and other art projects that helped pass many rainy days;
  

• playing football on the baseball field in the winter snow;
  

• exploring in the woods and picking up anything that struck my fancy from arrowheads to pretty rocks to blueberries.

Those *were* the days.

What are some of your fondest childhood memories?

P.S. I'm posting this from an internet cafe but at least I saw a rainbow on the way.

money money money mooooney...money!

Prompt #83: Money

I.

"I don't know, Doc. I just feel so...misunderstood."

"I see. Tell me more."

"Like everyone wants a piece of me, wants to get their hands on me. So many will do just about anything to have me--steal and do all kinds of bad things that they'd never do otherwise."

"Um hum."

"And then once they get me, what do they do? They put me away somewhere hoping to turn me into more of me or worse yet, they just throw me away. Not literally, but they use me for such silly things, they might as well burn me."

"Continue."

"As far as I knew when I signed up for this, I was just supposed to be here to make doing things a little easier, to give them a way to exchange goods and services. I never expected things to get so out of hand…for me to become so important and sought after that lives are ruined for me, that wars are fought over me, that people and animals and trees die for me."

"Yes, go on."

"I just wish they wouldn't put so much pressure on me, thinking *I'm* supposed to bring them everything they ever wanted. I'm only paper after all."

II.

Has anyone else read Naomi Klein's article "Rapture Rescue 911: Disaster Response for the Chosen" published on The Nation's website a few days ago?

Here's a snippet, although I do recommend going over there and reading the whole thing:

Just look at what is happening in Southern California. Even as wildfires devoured whole swaths of the region, some homes in the heart of the inferno were left intact, as if saved by a higher power. But it wasn't the hand of God; in several cases it was the handiwork of Firebreak Spray Systems. Firebreak is a special service offered to customers of insurance giant American International Group (AIG)--but only if they happen to live in the wealthiest ZIP codes in the country. Members of the company's Private Client Group pay an average of $19,000 to have their homes sprayed with fire retardant. During the wildfires, the "mobile units"--racing around in red firetrucks--even extinguished fires for their clients.

I had no idea. I'm speechless, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially from anyone with personal experience with this.

III.

Today I'm thankful for:

Having come to the realization at a relatively early age in life that the quest for money and material things is not how I want to spend my days on Earth. I haven't always made the best financial decisions (and some were downright awful), but I'm definitely proud of this one.

It's not that I don't like or want any money--as we all know, it does make the world go round for better or worse. We all need at least some of it to survive, and let's be honest, life is much easier, less stressful without having to worry about where your next meal is coming from or about what would happen to you or your family if something terrible should happen. And we also know that there are plenty of positive things that can be achieved *only* with money--relief efforts, health and education initiatives, etc.

But that doesn't mean we all have to be in a race to collect the biggest pile, doing whatever we can (even when our insides are dying a slow death) to get there. Personally, I've wholeheartedly adopted the mantra of someone who has inspired me greatly over the past 10 years, SARK:

Do what you love and the money will follow.

If you don't know about this awesome woman named SARK, do go over to her website Planet SARK and check out what she has to say.

And one final thought:

The best and most beautiful things in life
cannot be seen, not touched,
but are felt in the heart.

- Helen Keller

MotherTalk Blog Tour:The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose

Today my blog is one of the stops on Mother-Talk.com’s Blog Tour for The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose (read Rose's backstory here).

The Reincarnationist; M.J. Rose; ISBN-13: 978-0778324201; Mira Books (September 1, 2007); hardcover; 464 pp.

This is the synopsis on Mother-Talk, which comes from Publishers Weekly:

Rose delves into religious myth and past-life discovery in her well-paced ninth novel. In present-day Rome, a terrorist bomb explosion triggers flashbacks of pre-Christian Italy in photographer Josh Ryder. Josh experiences the memories as Julius, a pagan priest defending the sacrosanct monuments of his gods and the life of his vestal virgin lover against the emperor-mandated onslaught of Christianity in A.D. 391. Six months later, Josh has teamed with the Phoenix Foundation, an institute specializing in past-life memories in children, to explore a newly excavated tomb that may contain pagan memory stones that incite past-life regressions and will, by proving the existence of reincarnation, challenge the church. The stakes rise after it becomes clear that dangerous outside forces also want the stones. In a series of memory lurches, the narratives of Josh and Julius slowly wind together to reveal a Da Vinci Code–esque tale of intrigue that’s more believably plotted and better meets its ambitions than Dan Brown’s ubiquitous book.

As the title of the book suggests, the main theme of this fast-paced thriller is reincarnation, and anyone who is even remotely interested in or curious about this subject (as I am) will enjoy this read. Rose’s exceptional research taught me a lot about the concept and its history, and she kept me guessing on the plot until the final page was turned and even thereafter.

I really can’t ask for more in a book.

I particularly like that early on, Rose lays out the significance of reincarnation research with the words of one of the characters who studies the phenomenon:

Yes, imagine if man believed he alone bore responsibility for his eternal rest, that it is within his own control to get to heaven. No Father, no Son, no Holy Ghost. What would happen to the power the Church holds over our souls? Imagine the worldwide confusion and rebellion and exodus from the Church if reincarnation were ever proved?

With this we know from the start that the stakes are high, and now we're ready for Josh Ryder to begin his quest to solve not only the mystery of his own possible past lives and how they affect his present one but also the larger question of whether reincarnation is real and/or whether it can be definitively, scientifically proven.

For those who enjoy Dan Brown’s twisting and turning tales of religion and esoteric subjects, you’ll also like this one. Much like my opinion on Brown’s work, I can’t say as though it’s a literary masterpiece, but I don’t say that as a criticism.

That’s just not why I pick up a book like this and you probably don't either--I read it for the pure adrenaline rush, for the excitement that keeps me awake to read just one more chapter, for the broadening of my own perspective on interesting subjects, and for the inspiration to do further research and learn more on my own.

And on these goals, Rose absolutely succeeds.

My only real complaints are that some of the details about Italy and Italian life stuck out to me in a bad way (and you never want your reader to have to stop and think about details that have nothing to do with the story).

Examples: An Italian who takes a whole thermos of coffee to work? Unlikely as most do quick shots of espresso at the bar. Another Italian who eats buttered and jammed rolls for breakfast? I suppose it's possible, but it certainly isn't the norm as, again, a pastry at the bar is more likely. The University of Rome "La Sapienz?" Well maybe you *could* say that, but the name is really "La Sapienza" and I can't imagine a good reason to shorten it in a novel where it's only mentioned in passing anyway.

[See comments for author M.J. Rose's response to these concerns.]

There are some others, but I'm just being picky as Rose’s research on reincarnation and the time periods of which she writes, particularly of early Christian Rome, really shines and is expertly woven into the book; I came away knowing a lot more about Rose's main subjects without feeling like I’d just been to a history lecture, which is always a positive thing.

Overall, I give this one 4 espresso cups out of 5 for the author’s impressive ability to keep me turning the pages--yes, all 464 of them in record time. I’d love to read more by Rose.

And now for my 30 Days of Thanks:

Today I am so very thankful for:

The opportunity to have read and continue to read so many wonderful books. From a young age, books have been my one of most reliable friends, and never has our relationship been more important than it is now as I'm an ocean away from family and my closest friends--not only for company in and of themselves, but also to provide me another common thread with those important in my life, yet another thing to talk about on the phone or through email.

It just makes me feel in touch with the rest of the world when I can read what they're reading.

And about books in general? Like many of you I'm sure, I love getting lost in other worlds, and isn't it just the best when you finish a book and then find yourself wondering about the characters a week (or more!) later? Or when you put off reading the last pages of a book because you just don't want it to end? I'm thankful for good authors, then, as well.

You can always see what I'm reading over on my sidebar, and now I'm wondering:

Any book recommendations you'd like to share?

MotherTalk Blog Tour: On Borrowed Wings by Chandra Prasad

Today my blog is one of the stops on MotherTalk’s Blog Tour for On Borrowed Wings by first time novelist Chandra Prasad.

On Borrowed Wings; Chandra Prasad; ISBN-13: 978-0743297820; Atria Books (June 19, 2007); hardcover; 320 pp.

The synopsis provided on MotherTalk goes like this:

Set in the 1930’s, Chandra Prasad’s debut novel tells the story of Adele, a sixteen-year-old girl destined to live out her life in the tiny Connecticut quarry town in which she was born. When her brother Charles is killed in a quarry accident, Adele decides to impersonate him and enrolls at Yale in his stead--an educational privilege that is simply unimaginable for a woman in that era. As Adele encounters bigoted professors, wealthy bookworms and dashing WASPS, she begins to see her true self emerge--in however unlikely a package. On Borrowed Wings is a lovingly researched social history, tinged with the intrigue of gender-play and the pathos of a coming-of-age novel.

I was excited to read this as I always enjoy discussions of gender, social status, racial, and familial identity, and from the looks of the description, Prasad seemed to touch on each of them--all in a period context, which I especially like.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

During the first 50 or so pages of the book, I was fondly reminded of a little-known but critically acclaimed novel from the late 1930s, Christ in Concrete by Pietro di Donato; both Prasad's and di Donato's main characters are thrust into family leadership roles because of the deaths of their fathers, but Adele’s status as a young woman adds a unique twist to Prasad’s story. And it was a true pleasure to watch Adele come into her own not only as the leader of her family but also as a woman in her own right.

Prasad does a great job of painting the scene, making the reader part of an old quarry town in Connecticut, feeling what it was like for small town girl Adele to stand on the stone steps of mighty Yale and caress them just to feel closer to her father. In fact, Prasad's writing shines in her scene descriptions; her clearly meticulous research, though, sometimes comes off as a bit heavy and is incorporated awkwardly in parts, but is always full of interesting tidbits--great for an information geek like me.

Prasad succeeds in ushering the reader into Adele’s everyday world, one in which she is stifled by so many characteristics over which she has no control; I can feel the constriction of Adele's breasts bound under her clothes every day. This emotional connection with Adele's struggle turns this story, in which this young girl learns about herself, her intelligence, her talents, and her sexuality, into an inspirational tale as well.

Some could criticize that since the book is set in a time long-past, its applicability to modern life is a bit strained. Prasad effectively eases this disconnect, though, by creating a cameo for one of history's great women, Amelia Earhart--a timeless heroine. And so, Prasad's basic message of believing in your abilities and working hard despite obstacles transcends period or place.

I can't end my review, though, without mentioning the character who stuck with me even after having finished the book: Adele’s mother. She is rather inconsistent--sometimes showing outright hatred for her daughter while other times doting on her like a woman enamored. I still can't decide whether this was character sketching genius or flaw, although I suppose since it's made me consider her inconsistencies more closely after I closed the book, at the very least, I suppose it's a little of both.

I wouldn't mind reading a book featuring this former Philadelphia socialite mother who married an Italian immigrant quarryman--especially as a follow up to On Borrowed Wings.

Overall, I'd give this book 4 espresso cups out of 5 and look forward to reading Prasad's second effort.

-----------------------------------

*On this, the 6th anniversary of 9/11/2001, my thoughts are with the victims and survivors of the events of that horrible day.

I urge all my readers to watch "Loose Change" if you haven't already and read what the government has to say in the 9/11 Commission Report. That day changed the world along with millions of lives, and the only thing I know for certain is that we deserve to know the truth.

Information is a good (and patriotic) thing.

answering your questions: italy edition

Hey, remember when JennieBoo tagged me with the eight things meme and you wrote in with your questions after I asked for help?

For those who haven't been following, go read parts one, two, and three of my answers to catch up because now we're on the fourth installment of responses...and I *still* won't have gotten to all the questions by the time I'm done here.

You are such an inquisitive bunch!

These questions all have to do with Italy in some way or another, so let's start with a photo to get us in the mood.


Now settle in and get a cup of whatever it is will get you through this--it's a long one.

1. Sharon in Sicily asked me to name the strangest thing I've seen in everyday Italian life.

Oh where to begin? I'm going to go with something that truly baffles me and that no one has been able to adequately explain to me thus far.

Italians are notoriously obsessive about the cleanliness of the inside of their homes. So then why, oh why, is there so much litter, graffiti, and occasional bouts with garbage piles *outside* of them?

The juxtaposition of the two extremes is just...well...it's quite simply the strangest thing I have seen in everyday Italian life.

2. My Melange would like to know what my favorite spot in Italy is and where I'd like to go that I haven't yet been; in a related question, Kimberly wants to know where I'd suggest a first time overseas traveler head first.

You probably don't know this and maybe won't even believe it, but I'm not well-traveled within Italy at all--Calabria, yes, as I've seen everything in depth and many times (except the area around Cosenza--no offense to the Cosentini!). But I've never been to the biggies like Rome (gasp!) and Florence.

Wow. That felt like confession. I feel better now.

Anyway, right now, I'd have to say that my favorite spot in Italy is, well, home.

But a close second is Serra San Bruno, the site of an 11th century monastery nestled up in the Serra mountains (part of the Sila range) about 45 minutes away from me. It's a wooded area with walking trails and spots for picnics--there's even a little stream running through it. So peaceful and relaxing.

I also like Taormina in Sicily, which is gorgeous although quite touristy.

I've meant to travel more, I swear, but it's kind of expensive especially since I've been busy working to save up for various other things; travel just hasn't been a priority.

But on Kimberly's point, the first place we'll probably head once we get out and about is Rome--I think it's the most logical starting point for discovering Italy (but then I've never been very logical, which explains my roundabout route). Plus P's sister lives just outside the city, so that'll cut down on our costs.

3. Bec wants to know more about how long it took me to be fluent in Italian, or at least to be able to understand and respond.

First, as background for those who don't know--I came here without speaking Italian aside from "ciao" and some food words.

Now on becoming fluent, let me put it this way: the basics are easy, especially when you're immersed and don't have a choice but to learn, as was my situation. I went back to the US after six months here, and I was getting along just fine on a day to day basis by the time I left.

That said, four years later, I'm still not where I'd like to be, but I can hold my own in pretty much any situation. I think in Italian, dream in Italian, and often count in Italian, so I'd say I'm well on my way. What I need to do now is really study grammar and expand my vocabulary, and then I'll consider myself truly fluent.

I'd say it'll take a couple more years, though, because this, unfortunately, isn't much of a priority either. I've gotten a bit lazy, I'm afraid, and I'm quite happy to simply not struggle every day with easy things. When I'm ready for a challenge again, I'll pick up some books and study.

4. Stefania wanted to know if Italy's lifestyle really is more laid back and how I spend my days.

Great question, and I'm so glad you asked!

I live in a 350-person village in southern Italy, so yes, the lifestyle here *is* pretty laid back; people do things on their own time and when they want, thus our many expat complaints about lines at the post office and the doctor's office and not having our phone lines fixed for months.

That said, there are also cities in Italy, especially the farther north you go, that are very much like cities anywhere--a lot of rushing around and, unfortunately, a lot of stress. Our friend Michellanea is in Milano, and I think she'd be the first to tell you that she ain't taking afternoon naps and sipping limoncello all day.

Of course, neither am I, but I'm also not rushing around trying to get as much done in a day as possible--or having to cover great physical distances to get those things done (this is a general difference between city and rural life, I think, and not Italy-specific).

My average day? I do the same things as most everyone else only I work from home (except when I'm teaching) so I can schedule things when I want--some mornings I have errands, for example, and those are always more stressful than anything else I do. Other than that, I do yoga, take Luna on walks, work, get cappuccino at the bar with a friend, work, cook, eat, do laundry, clean, talk to my mom on the phone, blah blah blah.

Oh, and blog of course.

5. And finally, we have Anno:

It seems to me that there are so many romantic memoirs published about life in Italy (Eat Pray Love, which I Loved Loved Loved; and Under the Tuscan Sun); when you read these books, do you snort in derision, or is there something in them that still resonates with you?

This is a fabulous question. I'm laughing as I imagine my snorts of derision. I'll have to work on those--sounds like fun!

Hmm. How can I say this? There are some authors' styles that I appreciate more than others. Frances Mayes in Under the Tuscan Sun really pours it on; she's a flowery writer recounting the stresses of restoring a villa while she's in the US and trying to find creative ways to use all the wonderful flowers and vegetables in her Tuscan garden. She's half in the US and half out and obviously had a considerable amount of cash to work with.

Let's just say we didn't share the same experience.

That said, I didn't hate the book, and indeed, I found some passages that I liked enough to copy into my quote book such as:

Where you are is who you are. The further inside you the place moves, the more your identity is intertwined with it. Never casual, the choice of place is the choice of something you crave.

I identified with this sentiment as I read it during the year between when I decided to move here and when I did. So no snorts there.

On the other hand, I *really* enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert, and yes, I keep promising a review, and it'll come at some point. I definitely recommend it as I enjoyed following Gilbert's journey, but interestingly, more on a spiritual level than anything.

Again, no snorting.

But I will say that if you want to read a spirited, down-to-earth "I moved to Italy" book, check out Extra Virgin: A Young Woman Discovers the Italian Riviera, Where Every Month is Enchanted by Annie Hawes.

Here are some of my favorite parts:

No matter how much you feel you're in the middle of nowhere around here, completely unobserved, you're sure to come across someone who saw exactly what you were up to--or who knows someone else who did.

Expats in small towns? You with me on this one?

I mentally take my hat off to whatever unbelievably desperate person first discovered the edibility of the olive--I'm sure I would have starved without ever guessing for a moment that the things weren't poisonous.

For those who don't know, raw olives aren't fit to be eaten--and if you don't believe me, you're welcome to try for yourself.

Lucy [Hawes' sister] and I are thinking longingly of a quiet place up a mountain, a place where people only speak one at a time, and in English. We need to rest our reeling brains.

Here here!

And finally, addressing a subject near and dear to my heart:

I, meanwhile, far from being modernized, have recently found myself being put through a typically Italian trauma...I have transmuted, inexplicably yet inexorably, from a signorina to a signora.

Perhaps I should explain that "signorina" means a young woman, and "signora," well, doesn't.

And that wraps up today's Italy Edition answers.

P.S. Figs Olives Wine--I haven't forgotten about your Italy-related question; I just have bigger plans for it.

P.P.S. If you haven't checked out the Bella Bags E-Party and Contest, get there! And do keep checking Bella Bags because Marcía's adding new bags all the time.

gone bloggin'

Not much going on here today, so go check out my post about trolls in the blogging world over at She Who Blogs.

If you don't know what the H-E-double-hockey-sticks I'm talking about, all the more reason to head on over to:

Trolling is for the Birds

on

Comment here, comment there, comment everywhere!

I'm really interested in what you have to say about this issue as it's becoming increasingly important in our little Blogosphere; I do hope you'll share your thoughts.

Also, the Bookworms Carnival Edition 1: Novels that I mentioned last week is up and running at Dewey's the hidden side of a leaf:



Great reviews there, of course, but be sure to check out Dewey's entire site for an astounding number of quality book reviews. I'm thinking she likes to read or something.

And if you haven't yet, please do take a moment and fill out the fun meme I posted yesterday--thanks so much to all who've commented so far, as each and every one of you has made me smile!

Buon weekend a tutti!