A bit of a “lazy” book, in that it is a compilation of brief articles. I’d like Xinran to tackle a full-length book about one story . . . I think she could do it brilliantly . . .

The original Novak’s Hungarian restaurant in Albany, OR (the original one, off the highway) was probably the only place I ever found in Oregon that made baked goods taste the way I thought they should. American chocolate cake is “fudge-y”; Hungarian chocolate cake is not.

If you have consumed Gypsy Johns, and prefer them (light chocolate cake, rich chocolate/sour cream frosting), you understand. It’s like a secret society handshake.

Important read. Necessary read.

Why does she have to write in such a myopic style, though?

Everything with ONE lens, ONE eye . . .

Reminds me in tone a little of “Local Hero,” yet with a darkness and edge that characterizes intelligent Japanese drama. Peculiar ending, but definitely worth seeing.

Has Yakuzas.

This Adventist vegan cookbook was published in 1968. One of the best all-purpose vegan family cookbooks you’ll ever find . . . but the photographs are ultra-retro-creepy. (The cover says it all).

Remarkable collection of recipes, accompanied by horrific black & white shots of bruised fruit and homely vegetables.

Did anyone else think sororities aren’t that different to the cult of Heathers that exists in so many other female social circles?

It’s the last one.

Very satisfying if you like anime that is sweet, a little dumb, and happy :)