All Consuming : Kimberly

A story about "Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer: How to Win Top Writing Assignments"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:27:58 GMT

Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer: How to Win Top Writing Assignments

by Jenna Glatzer

There are so many books about how to write, or how to sell novels, but it’s difficult to find something good about how to sell articles. Glatzer’s book is a wonderful reference for anyone looking to break into the freelance business, or improve their sales and earnings!

Frenzied Fun (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:46:14 GMT

Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words

by Susan G. Wooldridge

I’m almost as obsessed with books about writing as I am with writing itself. I’ve read more than I can count, and Poemcrazy broke into my top ten list. Wooldridge writes with a passionate frenzy that made me jump up and write.

Don’t pick up this book expecting a formal study of poetry and structure. What Poemcrazy does is make you reexamine how you use and combine words, and work up an appetite for creativity!

Why I recommend "The Whole Truth Eating and Recipe Guide"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:37:28 GMT

The Whole Truth Eating and Recipe Guide

by Andrea Beaman

Knowing my fondness for reading about food, one day my mom said to me “You know, Andrea from Top Chef wrote a couple books.” She lent me one, and it finally came to the top of my must-read pile (ok, I procrastinated).

Beaman’s advice is common sense—eat natural, seasonal, local ingredients as much as possible. Stay away from anything fake and processed. Listen to what your body is telling you.

Her writing style is what makes this book something special. She is smart, funny, and concise. It sounds like she is talking to a friend, not trying to impress the reader with her credentials. Her personal anecdotes are relatable, and I laughed out loud on two different occasions (how often can you say THAT about a cookbook?)

I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, but they all look terrific! The food is simply prepared so any home cook can follow along. It is the ingredients and the combinations that make them look special. I am a baker and pastry chef, and looking through the desserts I got hungry.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get off the diet roller coaster and start eating for your health, not your weight!

Why I recommend "Coach Carter (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:34:48 GMT

Coach Carter (Widescreen Edition)

by Thomas Carter (II)

I added this movie to my Netflix list because I grew up in Richmond. Although I attended private high school, I played against Richmond High and was in school when the real Coach Carter locked out his team for their poor academic performance.

After hearing other reviews, I went into this movie with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised! It lagged in a couple places but overall held my attention. Samuel L Jackson delivered a compelling performance as Coach Carter, pushing his team to the limits and motivating them to do something better with their lives.

Political Views of an Inspirational Writer

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:21:27 GMT

Why I Write (Penguin Great Ideas)

by George Orwell

I was given this book by a friend, who knows that I love Orwell almost as much as I love books on the subject of writing. Why authors write, how the do it, where they do it—I read them all.

This book does not fall in that category.

Why I Write provides an illuminating view of the political and social history of England during Orwell’s lifetime. Through these four essays, I saw deeper into the world that sparked him to write his famous novels. If you enjoy history and political thought, then definitely give this book a try!

A story about "A Writer's San Francisco: A Guided Journey for the Creative Soul"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 03:42:30 GMT

A Writer's San Francisco: A Guided Journey for the Creative Soul

by Eric Maisel

I loveo books about writing and writers. They make me laugh, they make me angry, and they make me get back to my computer and continue writing on whatever project that I am currently stuck in the middle of.

The second book is Maisel’s series about the major writing cities of the world, this book features a city I love more than all else. I have lived within a short drive of San Francisco for my entire life, and this book captures much of it’s spirit. Familiar coffeshops and neighborhoods dot the writing as the book reflects on an author’s journey through a city like San Francisco.

The illustrations are beautifull done and reflect the Bohemian nature of the stories captured here.

Highly recommended!

Why I recommend "Beloved Infidel: Poems"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:05:44 GMT

Beloved Infidel: Poems

by Dean Young

Dean Young has been my favorite contemporary poet since I read “First Course in Turbulence”. I was so excited when they reissued this book, because it was a challenge to find a used copy.

There is something amazing about Young’s writing that I have never been able to put into words. It is intense and frantic, with thoughts and associations melting into one another. it is the human mind on paper, with all its twists and turns and gaps in logic.

When Young writes, I am there. I can feel the moment, see the woman downstairs, hear the sounds in the restaurant.

Everyone who enjoys poetry should give this book a try!

Why I recommend "Michael Mina: The Cookbook"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:37:02 GMT

Michael Mina: The Cookbook

by Michael Mina

I read new cookbooks cover to cover like I would a novel. This one made for an excellent read! Mina covers two main things in the book—his concept of trios, and his classic recipes.

The Trios section offers three variations on each main ingredient, which can be served together in small portions, or made individually. I love this because I can be a picky eater, and for every dish there is at least one variation that looks appealing to me!

My one complaint with this book is the photography. It seems to want to be more artistic than I personally like from a cookbook. That can make it hard to get a sense of what the dish is supposed to look like. However, since they did include a visual reference to all the trios, it isn’t a huge problem.

A story about "Celebrity"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:21:30 GMT

Celebrity

by Woody Allen

I really wanted to like this movie. A black and white film with some amazing actors, directed by the wonderful Woody Allen.

Unfortunately, I knew within the first fifteen minutes that this movie was going to be a chore to finish. The pacing was off and the dialogue seems forced. There were a few good performances among the legions of characters, but it was not enough to make the movie anything but a yawn.

I generally adore Kenneth Branagh, but he spent the movie doing a poor imitation of Woody Allen that just made him tedious to listen to. The film would have been much better if Branagh had made the character his own instead of doing a straight imitation.

The parade of celebrity cameos could not save Celebrity. Don’t waste your time—watch something else.

A story about "A Briefer History of Time"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:54:43 GMT

A Briefer History of Time

by Stephen Hawking

This was a challenging read, but I am glad that I attempted it. Hawking and Mlodinow wrote this book for a general audience, and they actually managed to make subjects like general relativity and quantum physics very accessible!

I didn’t understand all the concepts that they put forth, but it is a book that I look forward to reading again.

Why I recommend "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 03:13:31 GMT

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism

by Bob O'Gorman

This book answers any questions you might have about the Catholic faith, rituals, or history. The format is accesible and easy to read. It contains a wealth of trivia and humor that keeps it interesting the whole way through.

It is being used as the “textbook” for the RCIA program at my church and I give it a very high recommendation.

A story about "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:15:19 GMT

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

by J. K. Rowling

This is an adorable, textbook-style creation (complete with margin notes) that should be on any Harry Potter fan’s wish list. It is a very quick read, which can be a good or bad thing. I was left wishing that it had been even more in-depth! It is part of a pair, with Quidditch Through The Ages.

As an added bonus, the proceeds from sales go to charity!

A story about "Rescue Ferrets at Sea"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:17:12 GMT

Rescue Ferrets at Sea

by Richard Bach

This is the second of Richard Bach’s “Ferret Chronicles” books that I have and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first. Bach packs his animal fables with stories of self-empowerment and determination. They are an inspirational read, without being overly preachy.

It is a short tale that would be an excellent gift for someone who is interested in sea travel or going into a dangerous service industry. I recieved my first Bach book (“Jonathan Livingston Seagull”) as a graduation gift, and this would be excellent for that as well.

Why I recommend "Tomorrow : Adventures in an Uncertain World"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 02:28:02 GMT

Tomorrow : Adventures in an Uncertain World

by Bradley Trevor Greive

I recieved this book as a graduation present, and it is absolutely adorable. It combines animal photos with a short narrative to create a funny, sweet, inspirational little book. I highly recommend this as a gift!

Why I recommend "Writer Ferrets: Chasing the Muse"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:34:31 GMT

Writer Ferrets: Chasing the Muse

by Richard Bach

I wholeheartedly suggest this book to all the aspiring writers out there. I have loved Richard Bach since I first read Jonathan Livingston Seagull. In Writer Ferrets, he follows the life of two writers, one out to change the world with his writing, and his wife, who is having fun with controversial characters.

It’s an encoraging, motivating book that will ring true for many people out there.

Why I recommend "Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Restaurant Reviews, Articles, Memoir, Fiction and More"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:10:34 GMT

Will Write for Food: The Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Restaurant Reviews, Articles, Memoir, Fiction and More

by Dianne Jacob

I have two major passions in life—food and writing. I started to wonder how I could get into the food writing industry. A few ideas were floating around my head, just begging to get out.

Then I stumbled across this book.

Ms. Jacobs does an excellent job of presenting different types of food writing (critiques, cookbooks, literary nonfiction, etc) and how to pursue those options. Each chapter ends with some writing exercises, so by the time you’ve finished the book you also have developed some of your ideas and skills!

Food writing will not make you wealthy. In fact, most people do not make enough doing it to support themselves. However, if you are passionate about food, this book can help you hone your skills and write!

A story about "13 Conversations About One Thing"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 10:27:00 GMT

13 Conversations About One Thing

by Jill Sprecher

I recieved this from Netflix and was excited by the premise and cast. However, I had trouble staying with the story. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. It left me with a feeling of “who cares?”

I keep thinking that there must be something I am missing about this movie, but I just don’t think it was my cup of tea.

A story about "Star Wars, Episode VI- Return of the Jedi (Widescreen Edition)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 23:38:35 GMT

Star Wars, Episode VI- Return of the Jedi (Widescreen Edition)

I don’t remember the first time I watched the Star Wars trilogy—it’s basically been a part of my entire life. But Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite of the movies. I can’t help it, I love the Ewoks!

Why I recommend "First Course in Turbulence (Pitt Poetry Series)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Kimberly) — Sat, 03 Dec 2005 23:24:05 GMT

First Course in Turbulence (Pitt Poetry Series)

by Dean Young

I’ve always been a huge fan of poetry, and Dean Young quickly became one of my favorite modern poets to read. The way he plays with language and rhythm is amazing. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys a good poem!