Book Review: Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

 Well, I've got the vampire bug.  After caving in and reading all the Twilight books and late finding myself waiting in line at 7 p.m. for a midnight showing of Eclipse, I decided that I needed MORE vampires.

I bought the first season of True Blood and was quite leery of it.  I mean, I was convinced that my love of Twilight was a fluke (and maybe had more to do with Robert Pattinson and my fascination with Mormons than vampires).  It took me about five episodes to finally get into True Blood, but now I'm hooked.  I love it.  I really admire people's ability to create alternative worlds.  "Out of the coffin" is just so freaking clever.

My mother-in-law, of all people, informed me that True Blood was based on a book series.  I know, who has a mother-in-law that is into True Blood?  I do.  She's also mostly responsible for inspiring my love recipes.

So, I up and bought a box set of the first eight books in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Dead Until Dark is the first book.  Like the show, it took me about 150 pages to really get into it.  I don't know why that is.  I was amazed at how close the book and Season One compare.  It's pretty dead on.  EXCEPT there is one fairly major character in the TV series that is not in the book, Tara.  I'm gathering she's based on (and named after) a few different characters in the series.  Kudos to HBO for creating her and adding her to the story, because I just love Tara.

Book Two, Living Dead in Dallas, was much more action-packed than Dead Until Dark.  I haven't seen Season Two of True Blood (doesn't come out on DVD till May), but if it's as good as the book, then we're in good shape.

It's a fun story with fascinating characters.  So far, they're easy reads - good escape stuff, you know?  I've decided that individual posts for each of the books is unnecessary.  Either you'll read the whole series or not.  If you enjoyed Twilight and are curious if other vampire stories are your thing, then I strongly suggest giving the Sookie Stackhouse series a try.

Keep in mind, though, Twilight is for a young adult audience and Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood is written for adults.  They're, umm, more graphic in both gore and sex.

Book Review: Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang

If you know me well, you know that I love Chelsea Handler.  I love Chelsea Lately and look forward to - one day - seeing her live.  I enjoy most all the comedians on her show (except you Wendy Cummings or is it Natsha Leggero - I can never remember which is which and which one is NOT funny) and the show's take on pop culture.  She's a bit vulgar, and I like it.

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang is Handler's third book.  It's a quick read filled with a dozen stories and lies.  Not everyone gets her brand on humor, but I think that can be said for any comedian (umm, Andy Dick, Dane Cook, Conan O'Brien, etc.).  I will say that I think she's a bit hard on her then-boyfriend, which might explain why he's now her former boyfriend.

I especially love her memories of wanting a Cabbage Patch Doll.  You know, it's the important things in life.

I don't think it's as good as her first book, My Horizontal Life, but if you enjoy Chelsea Handler, then you're sure to enjoy Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

I thought it would be fun to do a little Irish-inspired menu for St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Chicken and Dumplings

I'll let you know how it goes.

Recipe: White Castle Sliders from Mommy's Kitchen

I discovered Mommy's Kitchen a few weeks back and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs.  It features kid-friendly food that reminds you of your childhood. 

I made her White Castle Sliders tonight and they were phenomenal. A little less greasy than the real thing, but oh-so-good.  They were so good that they disappeared before I could even get any pictures.

I used 1 lb. of ground turkey instead of 2 lbs. of ground beef. (I didn't realize I needed 2 lbs., but they were still meaty enough - my husband didn't complain).  I also used Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls instead of the brands she recommended.  Also, no pickles.  (I didn't have them handy and forgot about them anyway.)

Can't wait to try more of her recipes!  She has some beautiful stuff on there!

Happy National Pig Day!

A pig that has wings

Does impossible things!

Over clouds it can fly

In the wink of an eye!

She may tickle you pink

But she wants you to think

Of her messge to each

"Nothing's out of your reach!"

©LMastalski 2007

 

Thanks to Lorraine at Paper Vernissage for bringing this most excellent holiday to my attention.