"Black Moon" by Kenneth Calhoun

I found this book to be pretty cool. I've read a lot of reviews on it and most people are commenting on how many "insomniac apocalypse" books there are out there. However this is the first I've ever encountered, so if you haven't either, then perhaps your experience will be similar to mine.

First of all let's get it out of the way that by the end of the book you realize Mr. Calhoun needed a better editor because the fate of one character is completely missing; just something you can't do if you've followed that person throughout the book. Also, some other characters were quickly dropped and given a hasty ending. Why were they even followed? They were interesting, and I thought that they were all going to converge experiences by the end of the book. Spoiler: they don't. The book could've been a lot longer. Also, Chapter 12, although fascinatingly grotesque, gave me a nightmare (Bonus? Deal breaker? I'm not sure what you're into).

What is great about the book is the idea and Calhoun's wonderful gift at painting with words. He described the relationship of a wife and husband in such a way that made me miss my husband sleeping in the next room. Plus dystopian literature? Who doesn't love it? I enjoyed the experience, and am glad I read it despite the disappoints at the end.

Source: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

"A Good Food Day" by Marco Canora

   This recipe book was an enjoyable experience for me. In the introduction, Marco describes how he used to eat when working full-time with long hours. Contrary to my assumptions (he is a chef), he ate lots of terribly unhealthy foods and eventually became so sick that his doctor had to intervene. Once placed on a restricted healthy diet, he was afraid that he'd be forced to eat tasteless foods while pining for the rich, gourmet foods he once enjoyed. He managed to use his skills and knowledge of food to create simple and delicious foods that are also great for your health.
   On the back cover the question is asked: "What is a good food day? A day when feeling well and eating well go hand in hand". This is completely possible using the recipes outlined in this book. The chapters include breakfast, salads, veggies, beans/lentils, grains, fish, meat & poultry, snacks, and sweets, leaving no meal left behind. My favorite smoothie recipe is on page 27, the Dark Berry Shake, is absolutely delicious and healthy with no added sugars. I drink it everyday! Also, the Japanese-inspired soup on page 206 is fantastic, so light and tasty and has been a huge asset in helping me lose weight. I was also very excited to see on page 213 Marco teaches us to make Flavor Pounded chicken, something I have never tried before, and now use every time we eat chicken.
I highly recommend this recipe book if you are serious about eating less manufactured foods and don't mind buying a few special ingredients in order to enhance the flavor of your daily food.


Source: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

"Daily Painting" by Carol Marine

  Reading this book has been absolute fun and has inspired me to get back into painting myself. 182 pages long with beautiful colored photographs, this book has realigned my creativity in the short time it took to read it.
  The first chapter is as far as you need to get to begin feeling your inspiration rise up as you turn the pages. She begins with an explanation as to how 'daily painting' has changed her career and life. In the next few chapters she goes on to address subjects that most art books tend to have, materials, colors, composition, drawing, value, and subject matter. Then in chapter 8, she has instructions as how to "stay fresh and loose with oil paints', which is very helpful. Chapter nine addresses artist's block, an experience known to us all, and she gives very helpful advice on how to break free from the rut. The last two chapters also are immensely helpful..."How to Photograph and Edit Small Paintings" and "Tips for Better Online Sales" are pages that I will be turning back to for some time.
  Carol Marine not only incudes her own oil paintings, but also other artists as well. Her main focus is oil painting, but she invites artists to use the daily painting method with all mediums. I will, as I have said before, be referencing this book for some time and would recommend the purchase.

Source: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.