Archives for December 2021

In June of 2018, the world was shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Anthony Bourdain. For those interested in learning more about him, be sure to check out these two books.

As Tony Bourdain’s longtime director and producer for No Reservations and Parts Unknown, Tom Vitale shares insider details and memorable stories of traveling the world with Tony and crew in his new book, “In the Weeds.” Tom cautions us that, “Incidents included in this book are not intended to glamorize or endorse acts of cannibalism, drug use, smuggling, torture, extortion, bribery, wire fraud, attempted vehicular manslaughter, or the poaching of endangered species.”

“Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography” by Laurie Woolever is a thought-provoking collection of interviews to help us see the many facets of this complicated man. Those interviewed include his mother and brother, Gladys and Christopher Bourdain, well-known chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andres, writers, producers, editors, kitchen colleagues, friends and his daughter, Ariane Busia-Bourdain.

Truffles are not beautiful to behold. However, they are an expensive delicacy that can easily fetch $3,000 a pound. Why are they so expensive and how could something so unattractive be worth all that excitement? Food writer Rowan Jacobsen travels to Europe in search of answers. He meets Matteo and his dogs Artu and Miro in Italy, Zack and his black lab Stanley in England, and Ban with dogs Candy, Betty and Lela in Istria as they hunt for culinary gold. Find out what Rowan discovers in his latest book “Truffle Hound.”

Nestled in the little town of Freedom, Maine stands a restored nineteenth-century gristmill. Housed within its walls is one of the country’s most sought-after restaurants called The Lost Kitchen. Reservations are accepted by postcard only and lucky diners are drawn from a pool that can average 20,000 requests a year! Erin French is the talented owner and chef of this amazing establishment. “Finding Freedom” is Erin’s memoir of survival, perseverance, and the life-changing purpose found in cooking meals for others.

If the above books have whetted your appetite for more food-related memoirs, you may be interested in reading these recent titles: “Eat a Peach” by David Chang, “Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a chef in training, father, and sleuth looking for the secret of French cooking” by Bill Buford, “Rebel Chef: In search of what matters” by Dominique Crenn and “Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet memoir” by Ruth Reichl.

The year is quickly coming to a close and with the New Year comes a chance to revitalize and learn about our outdoor spaces. Take a look at these reads to find new ways to establish some new methods and new connections with the outside world.

The Secret Life of Fungi : Discoveries From a Hidden World by Aliya Whiteley, is less an encyclopedia of mushrooms and more of a biography of them. Whiteley uses the life stages of mushrooms as the structure of the book and creates the body of it through fungi facts and anecdotes of the author’s own life. Whiteley highlights the interesting way fungi live in symbiotic relationships with many of not just the plant kingdom, (orchids cannot grow without mushrooms), but the animal kingdom as well. Whiteley even takes time to describe man’s history with mushrooms and the various ways they are used. The result is an engaging examination of the mystery of mushrooms.

If you are looking for more of an encyclopedia style book about mushrooms, check out How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying by Frank Hyman. Hyman is a certified mushroom forager and is spreading his knowledge in the hopes of calming people’s fears of foraging. The author uses detailed descriptions, pictures, and checklists to help insure the safe harvesting and storage of the fruits of your labor. Much like Whiteley, Hyman brings in tales of his own adventures and how foraging has brought many great memories into his life. One great aspect is that Hyman shows look-alike mushrooms and how to differentiate between similar types. He even shows mushrooms that might not be edible but might prove useful in other ways.

While both the previous authors are lovers of the natural world, the third takes it one step further. Stefano Mancuso, author of The Nation of Plants, has created a manifesto on behalf of plants. A leading authority in the field of plant neurobiology, Mancuso has written as if he were the voice of plants and plants certainly have a lot to say. Written akin to a nation’s constitution, the work aims to remind us that plants are necessary and we need them to continue our survival. Mancuso urges the understanding that we are not separate from plants but live in a symbiotic relationship with them and that our survival and theirs is intertwined.

Interested in how to be more of a friend to plants? Check out Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds & Other Animals That Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving by Frederique Lavoipierre. Lavoipierre explains how to cultivate a garden that welcomes different creatures that will actually help it grow and keep down pests. Lavoipierre goes through a myriad of organisms and their different stages and shows how each may be an aid or a hindrance to the home garden. Lavoipierre advocates for the growing of native species in a garden that allow for a diverse ecosystem to grow. By doing so a garden will be more resilient, and pollinators that we rely so heavily on for our own food will be protected. By protecting the plants and animals in our gardens we also inevitably protect ourselves.

Read these books and enjoy a bountiful New Year.

The California State Library has generously made use of State COVID-19 funding to supply A.K. Smiley Public Library with six new electronic resources to help with job hunting and skill building.

These new eResources will be available through September 30, 2022. They may be accessed at the Library or from your home.

 

• Coursera partners with colleges and universities to teach interactive courses leading to “gateway” certifications, which help people get into entry-level jobs where they can continue learning as they move up in their careers.
• GetSetUp is specifically for adults over 55. It features live classes on physical, mental, social, and vocational health. The main objective is to help close the digital divide and teach adults over 55 new skills.
• Learning Express has many test preparation resources and also teaches basic adult core skills such as reading and writing improvement, grammar, and college preparation. This resource can also be used to prepare for the citizenship test. Learning Express is integrated with the job searching website Indeed, so you can search for appropriate jobs without having to leave the site.
• LinkedIn Learning offers state-specific exam preparation in seven languages. Coursework in business, technology, and related areas is offered. This resource is designed for people who have a good working knowledge of technology and wish to keep learning.
• NorthStar Digital Library is helpful for adult learners looking to expand their job opportunities and basic computer skills. You may log on to take an assessment test leading to a specific learning pathway. Essential computer skills for people in today’s job market are taught at a slower pace, and certificates or online badges are awarded when a class is completed.
• SkillShare is an interactive online learning community with a focus on creativity. Learning goals are suggested depending on individual interests. You can use this platform to learn everything from crafts to web design.

These resources can be found on Smiley Library’s eLibrary page at www.akspl.org/elibrary/, along with many other electronic resources for research, learning, and entertainment.

                                  

Teens, is it just me or do you feel like food is everywhere at this time of year? Like, right after I swallow my last slice of pumpkin pie, somebody’s showering me with gingerbread and gelt. Perhaps I am alone in this observation, but before I can wipe the mashed potatoes from my sticky fingers, I have eaten an entire yule log.

All this to say that food is on my mind, and so I am compelled to tell you about several food-adjacent YA titles you may wish to scarf down this month. Let’s dig in…

Okay, okay, “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” by Laura Taylor Namey only refers to a beverage in the title, but don’t be deceived, there are plenty of food references throughout to make your stomach growl. Lila, 17-year-old wonder chef, does not want to go to England. But after her boyfriend breaks up with her, her abuela dies, her best friend ditches her, oh, AND she has a full-on mental meltdown, Lila’s parents decide she needs a change of scene. They send her to stay with her aunt in Winchester, England. The moment Lila steps off the plane, she starts counting down the days until she can return to her beloved Miami home and her life as a baker phenomenon…that is, until she meets the charming, funny, motorbike-driving tea-shop clerk Orion and his artistic, quirky group of friends.

As Lila takes over the kitchen at her aunt’s inn, she slowly begins to imagine her life away from Miami, and what it may mean to heal from the traumas of her previous year. If you enjoy romances that include the English countryside, Cuban pastries, self-discovery, and a little spice, you may want to carve out some time to devour this one.

I have a confession to make about my next recommendation, Kelly deVos’ “Eat Your Heart Out.” I did not want to read this book. It’s a zombie novel, and zombie novels aren’t typically my thing. I forced myself to choke down the first chapter because the book had the word “eat” in the title and (kinda) went with my theme. Hmmm, it wasn’t bad. I kept going. Breaking news: I think zombie novels may now be my thing.

The premise of this book is straightforward. Featherlite is a camp for overweight kids, and Vivian, Allie, Sheldon, Paul, and Rachel have all been sent there to take advantage of an incredible new scientific method for losing weight. The problem? The miracle cure seems to be turning the campers into flesh-eating zombies.

While this book is full of electrifying action—every chapter ends in cliff-hanger fashion—it’s also a profound social commentary on the business of diet culture and the damaging, dehumanizing effects of what the author calls “fat-phobia.” The characters are deep, complicated, and they kick butt. Each takes a turn narrating the heart-pumping story, which results in a fast-paced, insightful ride that will leave you turning pages well past your midnight snack time. Warning: if you love happy endings, you may want to pass on this one.

If neither of these titles made your mouth water, consider one of the following YA specials:

“The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling” by Wai Chim

“Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet” by Laekan Zea Kemp

“A Pho Love Story” by Loan Le

“The Cupcake Queen” by Heather Hepler

“Butter” by Erin Jade Lang

“Puddin’” by Julie Murphy

“Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food and Love” edited by Elsie Chapman and Caroline Tung Richmond

All of these titles and more can be found in the Teen Underground area of A.K. Smiley Public Library, and several are available as eBooks through OverDrive. I wish you extra helpings of adventurous reading (and eating) in the month ahead. At the library, you are always invited to come back for seconds.