One Chapter

The Outdoor Cook: How to Cook Anything Outside Using Your Grill, Fire Pit, Flat-Top Grill, and More by America’s Test Kitchen

5 stars Cookbook

Yes, I need this one! I think they need to stop coming out with such great cookbooks. I have bought quite a few cookbooks over the past couple months and this one, is next on my list. Living in the Midwest, my grilling season is limited but that won’t stop me from adding this one to my hoard. It’s a Test Kitchen cookbook so I know the recipes will be great as I already have quite a few of their cookbooks on my shelves.

Inside this book, there are 8 main chapters on food: Let’s Go Outside, Snacks and Small Plates, Both Hands Needed, Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Gatherings, Over an Open Fire, Grilled Breads, Don’t Forget Dessert. There is also Nutritional Information for Our Recipes, Conversions and Equivalents, an Index and a Welcome page.

If you’ve never had a Test Kitchen cookbook, you’ve been missing out because they test their recipes over and over again and they actually tell you why their recipe works. They’ll tell you what to expect and sometimes, why other things don’t. So, if you look at a Test Kitchen recipe and think perhaps: it looks a bit difficult or time consuming or why do they do it like that? There’s a logical reason and it’s probably written by the recipe.

Let’s look inside this book. Inside the Let’s Go Outside chapter, they discuss the different types of grills and charcoal. They talk about cleaning grills, discuss smokers, and other equipment you might want for your grill, etc. In the Snacks and Small Plate chapter, there are 26 recipes. From Charred Guacamole, Grilled Potato Wedges with Lemon-Dill Mayo, Grilled Butternut Squash, Apple, and Goat Cheese Flatbread, and Burnt Whisky Sours. In this chapter, I’m looking at the Smoked Nachos, the Bruschetta with Marinated Grilled Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella, Grilled Onion, Pear, and Prosciutto Flatbread, Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Quesadillas and the Charred Pineapple Margaritas. That’s only from this one chapter!

In the Both Hands Needed Chapter the Philly-Steak Cheesesteaks, Tacos al Pastor, Smashed Burgers, Grilled Smokehouse Barbecue Burgers are calling me but you might like the Smoked Salmon Tacos, Grilled Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Feta, or the Eggplant and Mozzarella Panini. I’m going through the book and the Stir-Fired Cumin Beef sounds fantastic!

There’s lots of seafood, vegetarian, and beef entrees to choose from. Pesto chicken, grilled tofu, grilled vegetable salad, and a clam bake. They packed in more recipes: breakfast recipes, ribs, chicken, prime rib, bacon, and a vegetable platter. You want bread? Of course, you do! Biscuits, flatbread, pizza dough, cornbread, dinner rolls, focaccia, and even tortillas. Finish it up with some upside cake, a hot toddy, a skillet cookie or brownie, apple crisp or an ultimate s’more.

I couldn’t include everything in my review but I touched on the ones that looked tempting to me. With each recipe, you’ll get a detailed ingredients list, step-by-step instructions, serving size, the total time it takes to make the recipe, and which type of grill is perfect for this recipe. There are also a few tips with each recipe and of course, “Why This Recipe Works.” I suggest you read the “Why This Recipe Works” as I feel it helps when preparing this dish and other dishes like it, in the future. Also, with each recipe, you’ll get a colorful illustration of the recipe. The index at the back is also fantastic. This cookbook is a keeper in my eyes. 5 stars!

A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt

5 stars Children’s Chapter

You shall have it; I will find a way. Samuel’s father was resourceful as he taught his son a valuable lesson, that day in January. It wasn’t about what his mother wanted for herself that day, it was what she wanted for others. As Samuel followed his father that day, a storm was moving in but his father had a job that he wanted to do.

Opening this book, I noticed this story had a unique setting. The characters clothing, their language, and how the characters went about their day was different than my typical day. Settled around the table one morning, Mama remarks that she wished, “we had a brown-eyed cow to give us milk for the baby” and for father’s tea. Immediately Papa stands up and gets ready to find that cow. His oldest son, Samuel gets ready to accompany him while Mama and the baby stay home. Before walking out the door, Papa takes his best Barlow knife and they set off.

The story gets interesting as Samuel and Papa go from neighbor-to-neighbor trading items they acquire from each neighbor. In the first trade, Papa trades his Barlow knife for some tin lanterns. The neighbor needed the Barlow knife but Samuel doesn’t know why Papa would trade the knife for the tin lanterns when his mother wanted a brown-eyed cow. Papa then trades the tin lantern to another neighbor for a book of poetry. This trading continues all day while the storm brews overhead. Papa and Samuel have some great conversations and I enjoyed listening to them talk, as they made their way around to their neighbors. They are creating some great memories while also working together. Samuel starts to get concerned over whether Mama will get her brown-eyed cow while Papa keeps trading, knowing that they need to get home before the storm hits.

This is a short chapter book containing twelve chapters. Most of the chapters were about 3-4 pages long and most of the chapters included one picture. The text was large and it was easy to read and the story was easy to follow. I think this would make a great read aloud as children would love the trading aspect of the book and the anticipation of whether and when, they actually get the brown-eyed cow. I thought it was a sweet gesture that mother asked for these items for others and not herself. The conversations that the father-son had together added to the adventure that they had together. This was a good-feel book and a simple yet entertaining adventure. Don’t let the cover of this book scare you away, as I feel there’s nothing enticing about it, read it for the contents inside. The name of the book is brought up a few times in the book and could be something that children could respond with, when reading this as a read aloud. 5 stars

The Children’s Book of Birdwatching: Nature-Friendly Tips for Spotting Birds by Dan Rouse

5 stars Nonfiction Children’s

This is marked a children’s book but I think it could be used for all ages. This nonfiction book is a great beginner’s book to learn about birds. There’s quite a bit of information included inside this book and the pictures are cute and informative. Don’t pass up this book just because it’s earmarked for children as it’s suitable for anyone who is interested in birds and someone who doesn’t want to get bogged down with too much detail.

I liked how the chapters were set up and all the different information that was included inside the chapters. You have the typical where to find birds, what do birds eat, birdfeeders, birdbaths, etc. but this book goes beyond all that. There are chapters on nest boxes, ponds, bird bills, what seeds attract which birds, and why birds need plants.

You want to get creative? There are chapters on making bird food, a bird feeder, a dust bath, seed bombs, and growing your own plants for the birds. The book doesn’t stop there as you’ll find information on caring for the outside birds, what they need to make nests, watching the birds, and how to find some unexpected nests.

Loads of fun and informative information inside this book and it’s presented in an entertaining way with pages that have a lot of illustrations with short text boxes. The book is fun to read and it’s a book that you can pick up and read a few pages and put down and return to again and again. So whatcha’ waiting for? Go pick up this book, get bird educated. Help these little winged creatures and listen to them sing in a yard near you. 5 stars

The Call of the Wild adapted by Ellyn Alcott

5 stars Picture book/Wonder book

This was a wonderful picture book. I was fortunate enough to get this in a Wonder Book so I was able to listen to the book after I read it. From the way the story was presented to the illustrations, this book was prefect.

I don’t remember much about this book when I read it as a child. I do remember having to read it in school with my classmates and how the dog Buck, found himself in some new surroundings, trying to adapt. There are some individuals who get all emotional when you mention this book but as you can see, I’m not one of them. After reading and listening to this I can understand how they feel.

The story begins with Buck living comfortably on a ranch. He’s alone but he’s the “king of the ranch,’ and he enjoys that. One night while out for a walk with one of the farm workers, Buck gets dognapped. Buck is confused as he travels not just by truck but by trains and ship to his final destination. Buck’s new home is a noisy, busy place. Buck is no longer alone but he’s now become part of a team, a team of sled dogs.

The sled dogs were mean and the work was hard. Buck was smart though and knew that if he had to work hard, if he was going to survive. His owners had only one thing on their mind: seeking their fortunes. Working in the snow was new for Buck but he got used to it and soon he became the lead dog. Buck’s owners came and went but Buck, he was always the lead dog. As spring arrived, Buck heard a calling in the wilderness, a summons that pulled deep within him. This past winter had been a rough one for Buck but also a good one. Buck was different and he noticed it. This is a great transition in the book. A terrific section where it’s good to think back over everything Buck has been though this past winter and to think about what will happen with Buck in the future. Buck is ready to take the lead again when he gets a new owner, but Thornton is different. I liked how Thornton and Buck came together and the adjustment they made for each other. The ending was perfect and I can see why some individuals get emotional when this book is mentioned.

The illustrations were terrific. Bright, bold colors and just enough details to bring the story alive on the page. There were instances of turmoil and chaos in the book and I liked the way that the frantic and wild illustrations that accompanied this. The easy-to-read text had a great flow and the print was bold and easy to understand. 5 star read for me.

The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel adapted by Salva Rubio

4.5 stars Graphic Novel Middle School/YA

Edita loved her books, an adoration that would lead her on quite a journey in her life. As a young child, Edita enjoyed reading and was a sponge, immersing herself into books, as she wanted to know everything. With her parent’s encouragement, Edita was on her way. Edita’s greatest fear was time. Edita feared was that she wouldn’t finish all the books that she wanted to read, in her lifetime. I can totally relate to how Edita felt. The adults in her life had other fears they were dealing with which were now starting to hit closer to home. The troops were beginning to march in. Whispered conversations were now the norm, schools started shutting down and stars were being stitched on clothing. Edith was lucky as she used her stories to help her get through the days. When the family is finally forced out of their home, Dita can’t decide which books she wants to take with her. With her ONE suitcase limit, this is a difficult decision. NONE!?!

Now, that was crazy talk! Dita leaves with her family, carry no books inside her suitcase. The family is shuffled and pushed around like cattle, following all the other individuals who are forced out also. They’re lost, scared, and nervous. What is happening? The illustrations do a terrific job showing the feelings and bleakness of this time period as the individuals try to grasp exactly what is happening in their lives. Now is not the time to be modest or arrogant, Edith’s family knows they need to do what is expected of them to survive. When they finally stop drifting around, the camp they find themselves in, is trying to organize itself. They’re utilizing the talents of each of the prisoners, to benefit themselves. Dita’s special talent of reading is one that I didn’t think she realizes how special it was. With her ability to read different languages, Dita is able to assist many other prisoners and she becomes the secret librarian. Dita takes this job seriously but there were other important roles that she had. Fourteen-year-old Dita, taking risks that some adults were afraid of taking, and putting herself out there for the benefit of others: that’s one strong teen forced to live in a concentration camp.

This is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, an Auschwitz prisoner in WWII. A graphic novel adaptation is from Antonio Iturbe, The Librarian of Auschwitz. I found that this graphic novel touched on the important topics of Dita’s life and that the story moved quite quickly. Given that this book covers only 120 pages and Iturbe novel covers over 400 pages, Rubio did a great job showing the highlights of Dita’s life and how important she was. Having read both books (I loved Antonio’s novel!), and knowing that this is a graphic novel adaption, a lot of the details of the original book had to be left out. The author did include in his Epilogue some great information that I feel is important to this book and should be read. 4.5 stars

The Sky is Not the Limit by Jeremie Decalf

5 stars Nonfiction Childrens

Our universe is vast. What is out there is anyone’s guess. Can Earth actually be the only planet now with life on it? What secrets do the other planet hold and what can they tell us? I find myself glued to whatever social media platform presents me with information about life out beyond my trees. Meteorites? Another star? A Black Hole? Another Moon mission? Sometimes, I admit, I don’t understand everything that’s happening amongst the stars but I do find it fascinating. In The Sky Is Not the Limit, the book addresses NASA’s Voyager Mission. These twin spacecrafts captured some amazing photographs starting in 1977 when they were launched and they’re still taking photographs today.

I think it’s pretty amazing that these two spacecrafts are still taking pictures today, some 46 years later. When they were first launched, these twin spacecrafts were the first probes to photograph pictures of both Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons. Splitting up, one of the spacecrafts headed towards interstellar space while the other one headed towards the rest of the planets. Flying past Uranus, this spacecraft set another record as it discovered new moons and new rings around this planet. Years later, this same spacecraft made the same discovery while flying past Neptune, where it also discovered a “Great Dark Spot.” These were just the beginning years for this mission, the first photographs, which began to open up our minds to the endless possibilities and wonders that were out there.

This picture book explores the early years. The photographs which are printed on glossy paper gave me the feeling of wonder as there are endless stars which float across most of the pages. You won’t see bright colorful pages inside this book as space is mainly black and white with a few hues of grays. There are a few pages of life on Earth which contain some color otherwise you’ll see what the Voyager Mission saw: the blue of Uranus & Neptune, the colors of Saturn’s rings, the hues of Jupiter, and I can’t forget about Earth with its shades of blue, green and white. The stars, oh the massive number of stars printed inside this book, as Voyager makes its journey, fills each page. The text is not difficult, nor is the number of words on each page. I believe that is another reason I enjoyed this book. It’s the silence you feel when you read it, the calmness, the “what’s-next” feeling as you move along with Voyager on the pages. You really don’t need a lot of words in this book to enjoy it, you need guidance but not hand-holding. Make sure you read the information pages at the end of the book.

“Learn more about the Voyager mission, view photo captured by Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, and find news update on the probes’ journey at oyager.jpl.nasa.gov.”

When a Killer Calls by John E. Douglas

4.5 stars Nonfiction Crime

It was a circus performance. Standing trial, the case was held in court but his performance before those in attendance, was more like a show. He was a performer, putting on quite a show for all those in attendance. He’s proud, he’s bold, he’s talking in circles. He’s been careful, precise, and patient so what’s with this performance? Are we seeing just another side of Bell that he tried to keep hidden.

https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/48-49-larry-gene-bell-part-1-2

This book was a very comprehensive look into this case. From the police, the family, and other individuals close to the case, I got a detail look at this case. Beginning from day one, they discover that Shari’s disappearance might be tied to a similar case (Debra May) and Bell might be another serial killer. This book left no stone unturned as Bell might be tied to other disappearance as they start to link similar ties together and we see Bell lose his composure. I liked how the book gave a lot of details as I felt I was a part of the team, doing the research with them. Each evening, as the family waited to hear from Shari or her abductor, my frustration grew. This family is being strung along, how could they be so patient and composed? How were the authorities ever going to catch this guy when he’s being so careful? When the FBI started to link other cases to him, why? What led him on this journey? I thought this was a long book to read when I picked it up but I did find it interesting and engaging and it was a 4.5-star read for me. I want to thank NetGalley, Scene of the Crime, and Dey Street Books for my copy of this book that I received in exchange for my own honest opinion. This review in my own opinion. #WhenaKillerCalls #NetGalley

Kat Kong by Dav Pilkey

5 stars Children’s Picture Book

The mice are at it again! The Captain is sailing her ship with her passengers to explore a strange, uncharted island. But it is really uncharted? Looking at the picture on this page, I see a shape of a feline on the hillside. Some natives are performing a ceremony as the group arrives on the island when suddenly the island starts to shake! Through the forest comes Kat Kong!! It must have been the can of tuna they were using or perhaps it was the chant that they were saying that drew Kat Kong to the ceremony. Falling over the can of tuna, Kat Kong falls, hits his head, and passes out.

Acting fast, the explorers decide to tie Kat Kong up and take him back to the city with them. The city of Mouseoplis is excited to pay to see Kat Kong, this” nine-lived wonder of the world!” Kat Kong though is not excited to be shackled and on stage while all the mice stare at him. He must escape and he must escape now!

Ah…. This book is so funny! I thought it was better than Dogzilla. I loved all the little cat references and the movie tie-ins from King Kong. The illustrations are terrific and you really do need to read this one. I did think that the ending was sad. 5 stars

Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey

4.5 stars Children’s Picture book

You have to love it! As First Annual Barbecue Cook-Off was getting underway in the city of Mousepolis, the succulent scent of BBQ filled the air. He was hidden so the mice didn’t realize what problems awaited them. Inside an ancient volcano, the scent reached Dogzilla and he emerged. Soldiers, alerted of Dogzilla’s appearance, had their plans to capture the beast fail and now, he was roaming their city, causing chaos. Well, maybe not chaos but “things that come naturally to dogs” like: chasing cars (“right off the freeway”) and chewing furniture (“and the furniture store as well”).

The Big Cheese needs to get Dogzilla out of the city, but how?

Some individuals might find this book cheesy but I thought it was cute and funny. The book is packed with lots of dog references which some children might not understand or get. My three-year-old grandson didn’t understand all of them but he still liked the book. The pictures in the book are just as cute as the text. Fun, entertaining story. 4.5 stars

Everything is Teeth by Evie Wyld

3 Stars Graphic Novel

Obsession with sharks. Evie spent her summers in Australia and she was mesmerized by sharks. Not just the horror of them (although she does get consumed by this) but everything about them. “I make up stories about myself and my schoolmates getting attacked by sharks.” “I learn where the spleen is positioned, how deep a tooth would have to go to pierce the diaphragm.” As I read this, I thought, as a child, who thinks about these things? Especially a child and if they do, why? I picked up this graphic novel because the illustrations grabbed me. Reading the text, I thought the book was chopping at times and her obsession with sharks was rather comical at times and then, she’d go off into something interesting about sharks which could grab me. It was a rather interesting book to read. If it hadn’t been for the illustrations, I think I wouldn’t have made it to the end of the book though.

I did enjoy the illustrations in this book as they were different. The use of mixed was used in some of them as that was fun and interesting. I also liked how the illustrator used color in this book.

We go from black and white pages, to adding a light yellow to the mix, to adding shades of gray, to highlighting the colors of the sharks, to the bloody scenes of the sharks, the use of color changes the chemist of this book. I’m glad I picked this book up, it was interesting and the artwork wonderfully done.