Review: Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson

Summary
If by chance you don't know the name Marcus Samuelson, you might recognize him from shows like Top Chef, Chopped or Iron Chef. If not, than that is ok but one thing is for sure after reading his memoir "Yes, Chef", you will never forget who he is. Unlike many of the the well known chefs out there who seem to have the same homogenous background, he is as uniquely flavored as the food he prepares.

After losing his mother to tuberculosis at the age of three, unlike the fate of so many others in his same region, he and his sister where adopted by a Swedish family where he was given a new life of hope and love. It is there where he met his most impressioned influence, his Swedish grandmother Helga, whom ignited the spark within him to capture the dream that he was so destined for. 

Review
Yes Chef, not only takes you on a chronological journey of this critically acclaimed chef but it immerses you in this moving and incredibly humbled honest life journey. It truly embodies the quest of someone whose heart wanted to achieve the ever sought after American dream. Beginning his culinary journey at home helping his grandma, to a young man holding his own in some of the most demanding and Hell Kitchenesque experiences around the world and coming full circle carving his path to complete his dreams here in New York City. His vibrant personality, assiduous approach to preparing food and his impeccable work ethic will  capture you through the pages from the heart of this passionate chef.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: 6/12/12
Pages: 336

Review: My Boyfriend the Squire by Tracy Kauffman

Summary
On her way to see her brother in Italy, Lucinda finds herself unexpectedly back in time to the Middle Ages. Unsure and confused by what is happening, she is mistakened to be Princess Grace. Without a clue to how to return back to her own life, she is befriended by a handsome young squire name Chadwick, who teaches her everything she needs to know and tries to help her find the answer she so desperately needs. 

On the way to show Lucinda his special place, they run into a tiger named Char. Char is Countess Hildegarde, who is wife of King Charlamagne. They learn that not only was she turned into a tiger by her husband the King but he also had something to do with the disappearance of her daughter Princess Grace. Praying for answers and her safe return, Lucinda learns that because of her resemblance to her daughter, she was brought here to help discover the truth of what really happened. While trying to help Lucinda, Chad finds himself falling her. A plan is devised, the King gets defeated and Lucinda finds her way back to her life. 

When Lucinda returns to her life and gets to see her brother, she is taken back by his friend Chad, who resembles Chadwick. With an immediate connection, he thinks he is Chadwick but learns that they are related by ancestors. As they fall in love, they are tested by distance, an unexpected trip back and difficult tragedy. Will their love withstand all?

Review
I must say before I read the book, there was a certain predictability of what I thought it would be because of the Middle Ages theme but I was so wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and couldn't stop reading. After the first chapter, you get so swept away with the storyline that you don't want to put the book down. Tracy wrote her characters in a way that you feel what they feel and are going through the experiences as it is happening. Even though this book is geared towards young adults, this is one of the stories that seem timeless and ageless. There is this magical feeling that captures your imagination as you share the journey with Lucinda as she experiences life, love and lost.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Strategic Book Group, LLC
Release Date: 1/24/13
Pages: 108

Review: Beauty Rising by Mark W. Sasse

Summary
Martin McKinney, has experienced a life that many dread. Having to endure an alcoholic father and a verbally abusive mother, the long suffered emotional pain has left him scarred, broken spirit and no self-confidence. Dreading being in a room with the doors closed, Martin is summons to speak with his dying father for what would be their last conversation. Not having the best relationship and anticipating the worse, he is surprised and taken back when his father tries to make amends for his wrongdoings and speaks about his past in Vietnam which reveals a part of him that he never saw or heard before. He sees for the first time how his experience was what changed him. Taking in the moment not knowing which way to feel, he is hung on to his every word which unravels a locked boxed of secrets that would forever change his life.

In his last requests, he asks Martin to fulfill his dying wish. He asks Martin to spread his ashes where he was haunted by the image of a woman who he was mesmerized by and where he lost his brothers to war. Feeling obligated, he sets out to do regardless of what has happened. Against his mothers’ wishes, he set forth on an emotionally life challenging experience that took him across the world of uncertainty that unravel old secrets that would forever haunt them. On his journey, he encounters a young woman who with only a brief encounter would hold key to confronting the past and unfold a series of events that leads up to redemption and closure.

Review
If there is a book to read this year, this is definitely one to put on your list. The way this book was written seemed a literary seamed perfection. The plot is so cohesively bounded and just flows from beginning to end. From the first chapter, you become invested into this family’s lives with their secrets and unraveled truths. This was one of those page turning books that your mind quenched for more because you wanted resolution, redemption and to experience that plight to get answers because you not only wanted but needed to know. The characters were written in such a way that the dialogue and the storyline just pull you in where you feel like you know them and share their experiences as it happens.

This is genuinely a book reading not only for the story but if you appreciate a well written one. You won’t be disappointed. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Release Date: 1/12/13
Pages: 247

Review: Dolls Behaving Badly by Cinthia Ritchie

Book Summary
Carla Richards is a lot of things. She's a waitress at Anchorage's premier dining establishment, Mexico in an Igloo; an artist who secretly makes erotic dolls for extra income; a divorcee who can't quite detach from her ex-husband; and a single mom trying to support her gifted eight-year-old son, her pregnant sister, and her babysitter-turned-resident-teenager.

She's one overdue bill away from completely losing control-when inspiration strikes in the form of a TV personality. Now she's scribbling away in a diary, flirting with an anthropologist, and making appointments with a credit counselor.

Still, getting her life and dreams back on track is difficult. Is perfection really within reach? Or will she wind up with something even better?

Review
If you are a woman, grab this book for yourself, or a friend. Not only is this book funny and makes you blush here or there but with each of the characters you see yourself or someone you know. You find yourself affirming to a thought or reacting to an experience as if this was about you or them.

If you like Bridget Jones, than you are going to love Carla Richards. As a woman, you really can connect with the characters because it is written from the point of view of the main character through journal entries which makes it more honest, personal and realistic. You get so engrossed in their lives from the beginning that you feel like you know them personally by the end of the book. There is definitely something for everyone. 
 
Carla, a single mom who is divorced but like her ex can't let go, has a child who is extremely smart. Just like everyone else is doing what you have to do to survive by trying to pay the bills, comes across an ad for an adult website and secretly makes dolls to have more income. So like so many other women in her situation, lives to support their children they push aside their own dreams and goals. After being inspired by a Oprah like personality, she starts to write a journal that helps her with her journey to find happiness and reach her own goals.

Sandee, her best friend wants love and happiness but is afraid of it at the same time. She was married and her husband just left one day with no answer to why. She dates losers but finds one that she finds happiness with but is afraid to face it. 

Laurel, Carla's sister, has everything on the surface. I say she is a bit of a snob. She has a nice big home, great job, a husband but is unhappy. Like so many other women who people look on the outside and wish they had their life but behind those walls it's not as wonderful as it looks. Goes out and tries to find happiness by having an affair that turns bad. She experiences the consequences of such decision which brings her down a few notches that forces her to experience life at a more humble level.

Stephanie, the babysitter, with her quick wit and isms is beyond her years is absolutely hysterical. A product of a home that is not very stable, she becomes a part of the family. Like so many teens that have to grow up fast because of the choices of their parents, she brings a fresh perspective to the story that really is enjoyable to read.

So, with that sneak bit of some of the characters, there is so much to enjoy without giving anything away. These women can be anyone you know. I think it gives so many women out there a chance to see their thoughts and feelings on paper that some will never be able to say. That truth gives the book that validity of you are not alone and your story is just like mine, what did you do to find your rainbow? That's what makes this more enjoyable. Like I said before, because the main character took a job making erotic dolls, you might find yourself blushing here or there but ultimately you will find yourself just laughing because it is so funny. I promise you won't be disappointed. Not only will you laugh and be rooting for them but you will just absolutely be thoroughly entertained. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: 2/5/13
Pages: 352

Review: Just Beyond The Clouds by Karen Kingsbury

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I must say that I wasn't expecting or I shall say that I haven't encountered in a long time a book that had me captivated from the beginning until the end. I just finished reading Just Beyond The Clouds by Karen Kingsbury, my first read from this author, and it was probably one of the best written stories I have read.

It was a beautifully written story that grabs different emotions within you. The love story that develops between her characters Elle Dalton and Cody Gunner will truly make the most harden heart melt. What really amazes me and is actually inspiring is how beautifully written she embodies the emotional depth of each character especially the characters of Carl Joseph and Daisy, which both had Down Syndrome. She did an amazing job at dismissing the connotations attached to a perception out there. You see through her words a real person, not just a physical limitation.

This book really takes on the battle many face today of being afraid to love again when you heart gets broken deeply. So many people give up because they don't want to be or are afraid of being hurt again. Sometimes when you take a chance even when you are scared so deeply, you might find the strength you need unexpectedly in a person that will show you how much it is worth it to take a chance.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Book Information
Publisher: Center Street
Release Date: 9/14/07
Pages: 352