Appetites: A Cookbook by Anthony Bourdain

Mr. Bourdain is known for his ecclectic style. His television programs have been interesting and enlightening over the years. Although I have never met the man, I am intrigued by the variety of foods and places he has introduced his viewers to.

This cookbook offers readers and cooks an opportunity to explore some of his family's favorite dishes. The introduction includes a brief account of his family life which draws the reader into a sense of familiarity. Each section of the cookbook has wonderful notes written by the author. The food photos are beautiful and mouth-watering. Some of the recipes will no doubt be familiar, some will have a twist of something you may not have included in the past and others will be brand-new.

The recipes include black bean soup, buttermilk biscuits wild boar sugo malloreduss to name but a few. In addition there is a funny pull-out in the back which gives the reader instructions on how to make the perfect burger.

This is indeed a book to savor.

Ladybokbug!

House of Thieves by Charles Belfoure

The setting for this title is New York City in the late 1800's. The main character is an established and reknown architect. He is responsible for designing many of the prestigous homes in Manhattan.

The architects' son is a gambler and has amassed substantial debt. The gang holding the debt approaches the father with a plan. The father will supply the gang with the blueprints for some of the homes he has designed and the son's debt will be reduced as time go by. The gang's ulterior motive is to break into these establishments and escape with the goods.

I found the premise of this title to be interesting. In addition, there are several book discussion questions at the back of the book, including some insights from the author.

Ladybookbug!