Confections of a Closet Master Baker by Gesine Bullock-Prado

3 out of 5 stars

This is a book that I desperately wanted to love. After all, I am a total foodie and nothing helps me devour a book like lustful descriptions of my all time favorite, the pastry. Gesine did a delightful job recounting her story. A Hollywood cog burnt out on Hollywood life, discovers a love of baking, moves to Vermont with her Husband and on the fly opens a bakery. She recounts her struggles in becoming a baker and small business owner, as well as, shares a little of her personal life. I was fascinated to read about her mother, a beautiful German opera singer, who sadly died to young. I loved reading about her experiences in Germany, with her family, the traditions they shared and the food that came to shape her. I especially enjoyed the part when she went on a sugar bender through the neighborhood. Each chapter ends with a mouth watering recipe, which I loved! She did have a poor me tendency, which after awhile I found bothersome. But in all, it was a fun (and quick) read. Oh and by the way, she's Sandra Bullocks sister.

Rape, A Love Story - Joyce Carol Oates

4/5 stars.

Teena Maguire is gang-raped after a 4th of July party. Her daughter, 12-year-old Berthie, hides while Teena is beaten and left for dead, and is the one asking policemen for help. The story addresses Berthie -"you see your monther..."- as we follow the aftermath of the rape and how it changed the lives of Teena, Berthie, and those close to the case -prosecurot, policeman, the accused.

The story is short -about 150 pages- and Oates does not waste any word on useless details. The title itself is proof of this, bringing together two opposite ideas -rape and love, central themes of this book- without a pause. She focuses on actions and thoughts, adeptlly describes people's feelings with a few words, from depression to despair to hope, and writes powerful dialogues. The reader is drawn to the characters and the outcome of the ordeal.

I finished the book quite depressed, recognizing all too well the dynamic between an abused and depressed mother and her teenage daughter, and amazed at Oates' talent.

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

2/5

Professor Robert Langdon is back! This time he's in Washington DC, trying to save his friend Peter from a very certain death at the hand of a lunatic seeking the lost word, which will make him the most powerful man in the world. His sidekick is Katherine, Peter's sister, a noetic scientist who analyses the power of the mind on objects and events. This adventure focuses on the Masonic world, myths, and symbols.

I really enjoyed The Da Vinci code, didn't read Angels and Demon, and was interested in this book. I was disappointed. I didn't really care for the story itself -quite boring and without surprises. I felt that Brown's main goal was to impress the reader with his knowledge of symbols and of the Masons without linking much of the knowledge to the story. Readers who like puzzles will evidently enjoy this book, since Langdon has to fit all the pieces and symbols together. The end of the book sounds like a summary of The Secret, whereby our minds are the center of the world and have the power to alter anything. After finishing the book, I felt I lost my time and didn't care much for what I had learnt about the Masons -much of which I have already forgotten.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

3.5 out of 5 stars

Kate Jacobs first novel hits at the core of female friendship. Main character, Georgia Walker, is the common thread to the relationships formed in an after hours knitting club in her Manhattan yarn shop. At first this group of regulars and a couple oddballs come together for knitting tips and help. Soon enough the walls begin to come down and each woman's life becomes its own story. Each woman's struggles are unique. Each story woven together. It is through this that their lives begin to change. Through a series of twists and turns the stories take on real meaning.

I really enjoy this theme. The bond of women, each struggling with her own issues, coming together. It is a book about friendship, love, and forgiveness. I came way being so thankful for the amazing friendships I have.