The book I initially set out to order was the cook book which Jennifer had recommended. I first saw it at her place, since she too is being careful in her cooking, looking for organic foods and health-conscious choices.
We dedicate this book to organic farmers and small farmers
the world over, including backyard and balcony gardeners.
That's nice...that includes me even though I mainly plant herbs and tomatoes. This year will be different. Once again, I want the pleasure of getting lettuce greens daily from my little patch that I've been dutifully turning over and over in the hopes that the soil will be good.
This cookbook has a great introduction section including interesting and informative items such as Organics, Pesticide Levels in Fresh Produce, and a super section called Guide to Ingredients. Some of the ingredients are very different from what I've been used to and so haven't tried too many recipes yet. But one great food item I learned about through this book, and thanks to Jennifer actually cooking some for us, was "Quinoa", a grain type food and one which agrees with Al's stringent diet. That alone is worth the price of the book for us!
On a totally different plane is the book, Son of Hamas.
This is the gripping account of the ongoing battle between the Palestinian people and the Israelis. From ancient times, yes from the initial conflict between Sarah and Hagar, the battle has been raging. Mosab was born to devout Muslim parents and lived in the Westbank until he was 18 when he was captured by the Israelis. In and out of prisons over the next 12 years, he lived a very dangerous life and ended up in espionage, working for the Israelis. The details of how this happened, how he came in touch with a group of Christian students and what it cost Mosab to reject Islam and embrace Christianity, are all excellently woven into his remarkable story. Mosab fled to the States and has been living there for the past two years. The book was just published in 2010. A very good read, although a harsh one in many ways.
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*By ordering two books I saved the shipping costs but then of course they got me, right? I bought two books! However, I was going for the cookbook but when I saw the title Son of Hamas splashed all over the site, I knew it was one we'd like to read since Al had already mentioned it prior to this. My total bill was $40.00 which I thought was reasonable indeed. When today I saw the "Hamas" book at one of our local bookstores selling for $30.00 I felt kind of smug at not having had to shell out that extra ten bucks but then again...what about supporting local business, especially when you like the business? Aha.
1 comment:
I think it is very cool that you are trying out new recipes, new ways of cooking. I love many of the cooking ideas of the next generation...very healthy and unique new flavours...i also have enjoyed quinoa. And good for you on the special deal. :)
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