Brad Leithauser’s The Norton Book of Ghost Stories

Overview: It’s getting to be that time of year again. The time when ghosts and other denizens of the otherworld come to scare us. Or, at least this book is trying to. Shall we see how well it does?

Story Telling: This anthology is loaded with stories from the early turn of the century to the mid-80’s. The only similarity is the fact that every story is considered a ghost story.

Dislikes: It may be my naiveté speaking, but I didn’t really get this anthology. Sure, I enjoyed a few stories, but most of them went over my head. “The Beckoning Fair One” in particular left me feeling sick. This feeling usually comes from Stephen King movies (I don’t have any desire to read any of his works) and the one Peter Straub book that I’ve tried. I do believe that one reached my “The Fallen” list.

Likes: Some of these stories were fun. Or maybe that was just watching those who thought that they knew so much be proven wrong.

Favorite Story: Oh! That would be “Casting the Runes” and “The Open Window.”

Conclusion: This is a decent book for those who are interested in ghost stories. Enjoy the read.

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Lynette Jensen’s The Thimbleberries Guide for Weekend Quilters

Overview: Have you ever wanted to quilt? Did you used to quilt, yet quit because there never seems to be enough hours in the day? Well, the Thimbleberries have you covered with this book.

Story Telling: This is a tutorial book, yet it is for the more intermediate quilter.

Likes: This book has tips for working your quilts faster. Now, this book doesn’t pretend to be for the beginner. This book actually presumes that you already have the basics of either machine or hand quilting.

Also, the book includes other projects to correspond with the showcased quilts.

Favorite Quilt: It would be the “Piece of Cake.” It’s the one that I think might be fun to play with.

Conclusion: Once you get comfortable with quilting, this might be fun. Otherwise, this book will help you remember the joy of finishing some terrific work.

Anne Renaud’s Mr. Crum’s Potato Predicament

I received this book for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Mr. Crum has a dilemma. He is known as a famous chef. Yet, there is this one customer that he just can’t satisfy. What will he do?

Story Telling: We have a historical, partially, fictional story for the young. It’s complete with a sing-songy rhythm to the narrative.

Artwork: We have realistic illustrations in this one.

Likes: Ms. Renaud was smart. She referred to the story as “fictional with a helping of truth.” She also included the truth, as far as we know, of Mr. Crum’s story as an appendix.

Favorite Character: Mr. Crum ought to inspire any child.

Conclusion: This is an excellent book. Enjoy it with your aspiring chefs.