What I'm Reading: The Glass Castle: A Memoir - Jeannette Walls

Thumbs way up! I just finished The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls and found it to be so interesting. What I found most surprising, was that even though the subject matter was often difficult to read (Walls' life was filled with neglect and the struggle to survive each day), it was done in such an un-drama-like way. It was partially so striking because I listened to the audio version and the reader did a great job reading the horrors of Walls' life with a sense of nonchalance and at times, even mirth.

Walls recounts her childhood from about 3 to adulthood and the many difficult things she had to endure (from getting burned, eating out of school trash cans, moving and being on the run, and almost raped to name a few). I know some people have criticized Walls' ability to remember things that occurred when she was a small child, but I think she should be given a little slack. While the events may not be 100% accurate, her story is one of survival and shows that if you put your mind to something and work hard, that you really can accomplish great things. It would have been so easy for Walls to play the victim, follow in her father's footsteps (a very smart man, who unfortunately, was very in love with the bottle), or live a life convinced that she wasn't worth anything, but she somehow managed to get past that and come out standing on top. It's well worth reading and makes me thankful and grateful for the childhood I had.

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Since the cranberry bars were such a hit, I decided to try another recipe from Ocean Spray (I really am addicted to Crasins). I typically don't care much for cookies that have white chocolate, but I decided to try the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies. I read all the reviews before I began and was surprised how many people either loved or hated them - there were hardly any luke-warm comments. Some people said that it was missing something so I added 1 tsp. of pure vanilla flavoring. One reviewer questioned if the brown sugar should be packed. Yes! Brown sugar should always be packed unless stated in the recipe. The mix wasn't dry and after a quick chill in the refrigerator, it was very easy to work with.

I used a cookie scoop but it was larger than the suggested heaping teaspoon. Mine were tablespoon size which I think is much better - I like a cookie that you can really sink your teeth into!

As you can see, they don't really spread very much. The result, however, was a very soft and chewy cookie that tasted AWESOME! Bill approved and demanded seconds but then I wrapped the rest up to take to work with me.

The response to these cookies was great. They disappeared within an hour (many people going back for two or three) and someone even suggested that I bring them in every Monday from now on.

So, I would say this recipe is definitely a keeper. I would highly recommend adding the teaspoon of vanilla - it was delicious and had a very tasty flavor. The Crasins and white chocolate combo worked really well and the oatmeal made it nice and chewy. Ignore all the negative reviews and go ahead and make these cookies!

Red Sox - May 2, 2008

For once I was in the right place at the right time. One of the Project Managers I assist ended up getting tickets for the Red Sox game on Friday night which he could not use! I had absolutely nothing planned for the evening (except a potential game of Boggle with Bill) so I was thrilled to get the tickets! Bill picked me up from work and we drove to the city, stopping at Bertuccis for a quick bite to eat. It was packed and there was a ton of excited energy in anticipation for the game. On the way there I even spotted John Lithgow walking towards Fenway. We ate in record time not wanting to miss the opening pitch, and dashed back to the park. But it was raining...pretty hard actually.

After a 2 1/2 hour rain delay the game started and it was COLD. I had a rain jacket and winter coat layered on over a t-shirt and sweatshirt and I was still freezing! Thankfully we were in the grandstand (really good seats!) so we didn't get wet. I had thought I'd be a tough chick and stay till the last pitch, but at midnight I couldn't feel my legs so we left at the top of the 7th. We listened to the game on the way home (yay! The Sox won!), picked up my car from work (very spooky at 1AM!) and crawled into bed at 2AM.

Now that I'm warm and dry I can look back on the game and think nice thoughts about it. It was very neat, for example, to see them run the tarp off the field and prep the dirt for the game. We also had really good seats that in warmer weather would have had me dancing in the stands. Actually, I did dance for most of the game - I had to so I wouldn't freeze solid!

What I'm Reading: Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen

Thumbs way up! I recently read Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen and really enjoyed it. The story was good, but I was really impressed with the way Allen created an environment where you felt like you could literally smell, taste and feel right along with the imaginative characters she created. Her descriptions were so good that I swear I could feel the sun or smell the herbs and flowers she was writing about.

The plot reminded me of the book/movie Chocolat a bit since it's about influencing people with food. There is good character development and drama, and the characters are quirky and fun. As an added bonus, the cover is really pretty and looks nice on an end table!

On Allen's website: http://www.sarahaddisonallen.com/ she lists some recipes that characters were making in the book which is wonderful. I really want to try the Lavender Bread. Yum!

It seems like Allen is on a roll because soon to hit the shelves later this month is her second book: The Sugar Queen. I am eagerly looking forward to reading this one as well and will be sure to pass along my opinion once I'm done!