Louisiana Books

It was the first book for Terri that I read! I could not put it down and I ended up buying the rest of the series! This is a must read series!!!!!!

This book is great! My best friend told me to read this and I think it is her favorite too. The whole series is about the same town and the same people so when you read the first book you will have to read all of them. I also recommend anything by Terri Blackstock.

I'm a new Terri Blackstock fan, but she has me hooked now! I love the way she manages to get the message of Christ into each book. And the suspense in this kept me on the edge of my chair. I like to read anyway, but I literally could not put this one down until I had finished it. I hope she writes more Newpointe 911 novels!

This novel focuses on the firemen in Newpointe and their wives. First one wife is murdered--and then another! It soon becomes obvious that a killer is stalking the firemen's wives. Mark Branning is determined to keep his wife safe, but that is difficult to do because she kicked him out of the house for a suspected affair. But they each love the other, and they are Christians, so they reach out to God for help. And we know that the Holy Spirit is always there with us, regardless of what happens. It is definitely an exciting and fulfilling read!

I am reading the "Cape Refuge" series and love it. Now she has scored another homerun with the first installment of the "911" series. I love Christian mystery and Terri Blackstock does it better than any author I have found.

Having just finished the Cape Refuge series, I moved on to another by starting Private Justice, the 1st book in the Newpointe 911 series. (Subsequent books, in order, are: Shadow of Doubt, Word of Honor, Trial by Fire, and Line of Duty.)

I would agree that the premise of this book may be somewhat far-fetched, but suspension of disbelief is part of the enjoyment. Everything doesn't have to be so totally realistic.

As in the Cape Refuge series, Newpointe 911 introduces us to characters we grow to care about. Assuming they continue throughout the series...have only read this 1st one so far.

I will admit I grew a little tired of the "misunderstanding" between Mark and Allie about Mark's supposed straying from the marriage vows. She jumps to conclusions after walking in on Mark hugging a female colleague and he gives in and moves out way too meekly. As his devotion to her proves itself over and over, she steadfastly continues to be angry. It takes a near fatal injury to bring them both around....too formulaic? Maybe, but I say overlook it and just enjoy the book.

My friend had this book and from the moment I laid eyes on it, I thought "I have to have one for myself" I am addicted to it. I read it every night. I can picture the finished recipes in my head, when I read them. The best thing that I love about the book is that it brings you back into history on when, who, and how the recipe was, first, created. If you love Louisiana food and the Louisiana way of life, you will be obsessed with it. Christina Laborde, Marksville, Louisiana.

Like it says its a Encyclopedia, theres a bit of history in the front that makes for great reading. The best part is the recipe's which are varied and very good. My Wife's a great cook and has well over a 100 cookbooks already but she uses this one quite often.

I purchased this book recently. It is very large and will not fit on many book shelves. Includes a great variety of recipes including many that you would probably classify as italian, german, or of other origin. Attractive pictures, and a large number of pages devoted to the history of cooking in Louisiana. I would not call it exhaustive, but it has a nice variety of recipes. I have only tried making the gumbo so far and would say that I prefer the recipe in Paul Prudhome's Louisiana Kitchen. If you could only buy one book, I would recommend the Prudhome cookbook over this one. I found the Prudhome recipies more appealing and the book is much less costly.

This book is unbelievably impressive. After four years, I finally got my copy. This book is roughly 800 pgs. About 100+ are dedicated up front to the story of the seven nations that make up Cajun and Creole cuisine. I love this insightful info. Does it help you cook any better know, but if you like a little background info with your cookbooks, this over-achieves.

What I thoroughly enjoyed was the brief explanation of the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisines. It was only a couple of paragraphs, but I appreciated the plain English. (It's the little things that make me happy.)

The recipes, as expected, are voluminous and accommodate a range of skill sets. Each recipe has a short comment. I would've liked a little more information about the origin of the particular recipe, but I'm greedy like that. (For instance, are these Folse's recipes or a particular family's recipe, etc.) The recipes are organized into the following chapters:

-Roux, Stocks & Sauces
-Breakfast & Lunch
-Appetizers & Hors d'Oeurves
-Soups
-Salads
-Veggies
-Seafood
-Poultry
-Meat
-Wild Game
-Desserts
-Breads
-Dairy
-Beverages
-Festivals
-Plantations
-Holiday & Special Occasion Menus
-Lagniappe

Now here is why four instead of five stars: this is a definitive text (which should have earned a James Beard award), but the photography leaves a lot to be desired. There is a ton of it, but it is poorly lit. It and the graphic design of the book give the entire thing an `80s feel. This was first published in 2004! Although this is a classic reference on Southeastern Louisiana cuisine, the photography makes it feel slightly less than polished. With that said, it is still more than worth the cost of ownership.

In the past, I spoke about my love for Williams-Sonoma New Orleans: Authentic Recipes Celebrating The Foods Of the World (Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World). It is still a valid text because it is a great quick reference. The photography is drop-dead gorgeous. However, if you want comprehensive and in-depth, this encyclopedia is for you.

Thank you, John Folse, for this epic undertaking. Any other cookbook you purchase for this cuisine will simply be for collector's purposes. Trust me, you don't need anything else!

This is the most impressive book yet on cajun/ creole cooking. Outstanding in every way (except perhaps the cornbread, all of which had sugar in it, and grandma would whop him over the head with her iron skillet for THAT). Can't wait to cook from this.

The recipes, history, festivals, photos, and everything else make this HUGE book indeed an encyclopedia. Impressive that the Italian and German settlers to the state were included in the history and recipe tradition as well, as they generally seem to be left out.

This cookbook is a classic of authentic Louisiana recipes. They are all based on the true methods of Louisiana cooking that is so famous. I have lived in Louisiana all my life and I can tell you that you will not find a cookbook that is better if you are interested in "the real deal." I have wanted this cookbook to add to my collection and although I have been cooking Louisiana food for many years, these recipes produce truly astonishing results. You'll think you are in New Orleans!

Good. Authentic. Full fat, full flavor (no 2% milk, "fat-free" sour cream, or "non-fat" chicken broth here)!

Great tasting recipes. 'nough said!

This is Louisiana food at its best. I follow the recipes with conplete condifience to be simply wonderful and they never fail.

This is Cajun/Creole cooking at its best! Paul Prudhomme is the master. I've spent hours reading through this book and I still find myself coming back to it. Recipes are perfect as they are but are also easily modified to suit different tastes. It's hard to find redfish in my area but I blacken other fish to substitute using Paul's method and it is always delicious (I cook professionally so I know what I'm talking about). This book is both practical and entertaining and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Louisiana cuisine.

This is the best cajun cookbook. It's asy to read and follow. All the recipes are great. This is actually my third copy. I've had to give away the first two to family.

As a concierge at one of the French Quarter hotels, I recommend One Dead in Attic to any guests interested in learning the true story about Katrina. I draw the floodline line on the city map, mention Chris's book and tell them they must go on a city tour that includes the Katrina areas, only 80% of the city. The news media has certainly covered the 9th Ward but visitors need to see the rest of the city.

I tell our guests to buy an extra drink, buy another t-shirt and tip the waiter a little extra. It helps to feed a family. I wish there was a way our guests could write off their trip to New Orleans as a charitable donaton on their federal income tax return. It's better than charity.

Thanks to all the volunteers still coming down to help. We appreciate it!
Anne Brett

In those dark days after Katrina, after having moved 5 times in 10 days, after having finally settled into an environment where 10 people, 5 dogs, 8 cats and no electricity lived. But I had to have my newspaper. I had to have Chris Rose talk to me. I had to be comforted by commiserating with his words. He spoke for our beloved city. He was the comforting word of our disfunctional town that we couldn't abandon. Why, why would we stay, so many asked us. How can you abandon such a great love because she is sick and in danger of dying? Never under such terms could I leave her. Many days passed that had Red Cross food deliveries, CNN helicopters buzzing overhead and I prayed, "please don't let me be on CNN tonight as I rummage through the wreckage of my world." Spare me the humiliation. Where is Chris? Where is his column? I need to cry today, as I do everyday. I need to have his words torment me and comfort me and tuck me into bed in my FEMA trailer (that I was extremely thankful to have) I jumped up and down like a Publishers Clearing House winner when the little white box was delivered. It was the size of my walkin closet in my home, but it was the ability to stay with my city and my people that was delivered. Chris, if you ever left us, I couldn't handle that. His book is LIFE IN NEW ORLEANS after the storm. To read it, is to know our pain and to feel the shock of suddenly leaving America, to land up in a third-world country and to understand what we take for granted every day as Americans. This book describes that journey--from fat and happy American to 3rd world refugee. WE LOVE CHRIS HERE IN NEW ORLEANS. Only those who lived it will know what those newspaper columns that wound up as 1 Dead in Attic did to speak to us and to let those far and away experience our feelings.

Rose, Chris. "One Dead in the Attic", CR Books, 2006.

Feeling the Pain

Amos Lassen

I am very surprised that more books were not published about Hurricane Katrina given the literary heritage of New Orleans. There have been a few but there have not been many personal accounts. Chris Rose, a newspaper correspondent in New Orleans, put some of his newspaper columns together and gives a picture of what New Orleans was like after the storm. Reading it is painful and shocking and shows how much that we as Americans take for granted. (Believe me, I know. I was stranded in New Orleans for a little more than a week after Katrina hit).
He writes of what was once my city and the journey many of us took--from living comfortably to roaming around looking for somewhere to live. He brilliantly describes what day-to-day life was like for the citizens of New Orleans after the storm. I am sure many of you have never known what it is like to have to depend upon the kindness of others or to live on a cot in a convention center in a strange place with over 200 roommates who you do not know.
Rose gives us the anger and frustration and the sadness and the joy that we experienced and the beautiful way we were treated by people we did not know,
This is the book to read about Katrina because it is so honest and so well written. Rose accurately describes the sights and sounds of New Orleans and how it feels to see a city almost disappear. I cried and I laughed as I read.
This book is not about the levees that failed or the building that were destroyed or the ineffectiveness of the state and federal government. It is about the people who had to deal with losses which are beyond human comprehension, about loneliness and heartbreak and despair and above all, fear. But it also is compassionate and hopeful and has wicked humor.

Quite simply the best book about the aftermath of Katrina. Rose is a feature writer for the Times-Picayune, and this book is a reprint of the columns he wrote between August 30, 2005, and January, 2006. A must read.

I am a native New Orleanian. Although I evacuated for the storm, I endured all of the ongoing tortures of its aftermath. Chris Rose did an unbelievably wonderful job in this book, conveying the desperate insanity we all seem to have experienced. The two things this book does not convey (and believe me, be very, very glad of this) are the heat and the smells. The heat was constantly, unbearably oppressive. Even after Labor Day, when we usually get some small relief from the skyrocketing humidity, the weather remained like an enormous hot wet blanket weighing one constantly down. The odors best remain undescribed. THANK YOU, Chris Rose.

If you've ever had a yearn for warm Southern food and a feeling of home, this book is perfect for you. While it does introduce several delicious and unexpected ways to enjoy collard greens, these are certainly not the only food on the menu. Dozens of wonderful recipes are included, along with food facts, entertaining stories about the different cooks who contribute, and some lovely Scripture quotes for good measure :)

Author Mary Lou Cheatham has not only great culinary skill, but a wonderful family and a warm heart, both of which show through her writings here. Reading this book gives me the feeling of being surrounded by good company, enjoying great food as well as nice tidbits of advice and Southern wisdom. Recommended!

The low-down, nitty-gritty bits of dirt and information about collards in this book is the appetizer before the main course of recipes that makes even the most over-boiled critic salivate. The dessert of stories is a fine finish to this unique cookbook that even cooking-phobic readers will enjoy. Read it in one sitting or read sample chapters as time permits -- either way, you'll learn something and be inspired to cook and eat these greens that are so good for you.

This is the most entertaining, interesting cookbook I've ever read, second only to the great Pat Conroy's cookbook. And that's a compliment of the highest degree because Pat Conroy is my all-time favorite author, living or dead! Does that tell you how "taken" I am by this book?

I generally don't buy a cookbook to "read" it; I buy it to skip around through the recipes, but after reading all the delightful accolades about the charming stories the authors have published, in addition to the scrumptious recipes, I started reading from page one. And guess what? I couldn't put it down! Between the variety of recipes for this long-neglected vegetable with the unlikely name of "collard greens," and the interesting, often humorous, tales of the authors' friends and relatives, I had the time of my life.

Other reviewers have likened this reading experience to visiting old friends or relatives. I relate to that because it took me back to my Ohio childhood where I could envision my mother and aunts, shelling green beans (or other kitchen chores) as they told one "cooking" tale after another. My memories were so vivid I could even hear the Kentucky twang still evident in their voices.

I'm not a "true" cook, by any means, but even I could make the Stir-Fried Greens, and it was mouth-watering with the suggested sweet-and-sour sauce recipe that was included. The next time we have a family "pot-luck," I'm going to ask one of my daughters to prepare the Collard Crock-pot Casserole. That sounds "to die for." I can't wait to taste it. Oh, yummy!

In addition to the above, The Collard Patch contains many intriguing facts. I enjoyed learning how to grow and harvest collards--not that I'll ever do it. It's just good information.

And I must rave over the soothing green cover. It makes me want to take off my shoes and run through fields of grass (or even collards) as I did when I was a child. It doesn't get any better than that, "y'all!"

Thanks, Mary Lou Cheatham and Dr. Paul Elliott, for stirring my long-dormant memories and for sharing yours, also. You have another California "Collard Convert" on your hands now. I was pleased to note that Californian Dorothy Reinhold, a well-known food author and the supervisor of "Cut'n Clean Greens," contributed several delicious recipes and some great information, as did Yvette Freeman, another "collard lover" who is best-known for her role as Nurse Haleh Adams on the popular TV show "ER."

Kudos for collaborating on this book. You have a winner on your hands. Fly with it!

I highly recommend "The Collard Patch" and Cheatham's other cookbook "Flavored with Love: Mary Lou's Family and Friends Can Cook" to anyone who loves to cook AND to read.

Reviewed by Betty Dravis, November 2008
Author of "1106 Grand Boulevard"

Back in the middle ages, every grand lady in her castle kept her own book of cooking and healing lore which might be passed down from mother to daughter. These "commonplace books" might have quotations from sermons, tips to kill insects, notations on how to skin wild boar and instructions for serving roast peacock with the feathers on. Later on the tradition became more like a scrapbook, a way for an accomplished young lady to show an elegant hand in setting down a favorite poem, dash off a watercolor sketch and collect the recipes for the favorite dishes of her best beau--soon to be her husband.

THE COLLARD PATCH is an American edition of a "commonplace book" inspired by the homey 'mess of greens' that Southern children have gagged on for generations. There are recipes, many with a useful nutritional chart that shows the sodium level! There are stories, some of which shade into "yarns". There are more recipes, mouthwatering and fancy--who knew the humble collard could keep such company? The authors chat with us as if we have just dropped into their kitchen. I love the stories. I am thrilled by the section on cornbread, which contains some marvelous recipes for this Southern staple. I laughed over the instructions to Paul's Midnight Chili which begin "Far up the Crock Pot" and end with "Stop any flowing blood and apply Band-Aids as needed"!

These people speak my language. My one gripe? A cookbook needs tabs so the cook can find the recipes fast.

Highly recommended. Band-Aids not included.

The Collard Patch
By Mary Lou Cheatham
Paul Elliott

What a great idea for a cookbook, with stories and recipes.
This is a beautifully written book, with details on growing, and preparing collard greens.

I live in Utah. I didn't even know collard greens from spinach, kale or turnip greens.

I looked for frozen collards, with no luck. Next I looked for the fresh variety, still no luck. I did find some at the Whole Foods store. I later saw collard greens at Walmart, as well. They looked fairly sturdy, compared to other limp varieties of greens.

I have been reading the stories in the cookbook each night. Finally, on Saturday I began my chopping and freezing. It is very simple to remove the inner tough stem, and twist like a cigar. Then you slice at an angle and chop each section. Quick and easy.

Did you know there are two ways to soften the collard greens? One is by freezing, and the other is by adding a pinch of baking soda.

On Saturday, I picked out four recipes: Cherry Chocolate Cake, Apple Collard Raisin Pie, French Onion Collard Soup, and Collard Corn. The cake, although you need to note the missing ingredient, cherry pie filling, is a supper tasty and moist cake. Beware, it would be a very good idea to have company over. As a family of three, now, we ate and ate on the cake. Now it's time for some exercise. I walked the dog all over town, trying to fit back into my clothes.

The Collards Corn went very well with the Lasagna, I made for dinner tonight. I admit that I cut the garlic in half. My husband isn't a big fan of garlic. I thought this dish was great and very tasty, as a side dish.

The French Onion Collard soup great. I embellished it, a little, by adding two packs of onion soup mix to the four cups of water. I also added two whole onions, to get the real onion texture. I added the chopped collard greens on top of each cup of hot soup, browned the French bread rounds with a little butter, and added cheese, mine was mozzarella. It tasted just like Mimi's. Do they have Mimi's in the south?

Tomorrow, I will make the Apple Raisin Collard Pie, with the remaining 5 cups of collards, in my freezer. It sounds good, as well. I don't know why I picked two deserts. I guess I was just curious. If I like the desserts, I will surely like the collards. I remember the time my mom made cookies out of mashed potatoes. They were good, with a strange texture.

Now that I have tried collard greens, I will try to keep some in the freezer, for any future taste treats.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat

I've read all there is to read about Grant vs. Lee
but Rhea's works are the finest. From the Wilderness
to Cold Harbor, each book is a fascinating. There's no
way these books will ever leave my shelf! I usually reread
them every couple of years. Highly recommended!


Matt Looby

Having previously read Rhea's first volume on the 1864 Overland Campaign, I moved on to this work. Just like the first volume, Rhea has written a winner here. I had gotten somewhat tired of "military history" books because they were either overly detailed and dry and boring or they often focused too much on the commanders and not enough on the ordinary soldier. Well, no such problems with this book. Rhea has a very balanced prose focusing on the generals, the privates, and everyone in between. Furthermore, despite being full of enough detail for any military history buff, the book is very readable and Rhea writes in a style that makes you feel as if you are amongst the action, making you turn page after page. Other reviewers can probably write much better than I, but simply put, this book is a must have for anyone interested in military history or the Civil War.

I have recenty - in the past two ot three years - become interested in the Civil War. The Shelby Foote series is wonderful, but still leaves a lot of detail to be fleshed out. The more you read the more you want to know. Much about the War remains a mystery. The battles can be presented in much detail and Rhea's writing is clear and lucid. There is considerable detail in presenting excerpts from diaries, reports and the like to make the battles real from a human standpoint. The books are much like the work of Stephan Sears.
All are well written and enjoyable, although I do recommend a bit of lighter reading between volumes.
The only quibble that I have is with the maps. They often neglect detail that could help follow the action. Plaaces mentioned in the text are sometimes not to be found on the maps.
This complaint can be applied to virtually every Civil War book that I have read. If you are interested in the civil war, this series is excellent.

The Battle of the Wilderness May 5-6, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 520 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (July 1994)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807118737

The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern May 7-12, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 483 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 1997)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807121363

To the North Anna River: Grant and Lee, May 13-25, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 505 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (May 2000)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807125350

Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26-June 3, 1864
Product Details
* Hardcover: 552 pages
* Publisher: Louisiana State University Press (September 2002)
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0807128031

I am reviewing the four books a single series although each book is a full stand-alone history. This is a highly detailed military history of Grant's Overland Campaign of 1864. Two of the best generals commanding two of the best armies, in American history, decide the Civil war in the East. Gordon Rhea gives this month the detailed attention it requires and had never received. The 2,000 pages allows for the full story of the campaign, the personalities, failures and success.

The first book covers the major battle of The Wilderness an area Grant wished to clear and Lee hoped to trap him in as he had Hooker in 1863. Through a series of Union miscalculations and command problems, Lee manages to get in Grant's way. What follows is a confused bloody two-day battle that has been termed "Bush whacking on a grand scale". An excellent series of maps, help the reader stay abreast of the battle and understand the confusion of both sides. Lee loses Longstreet and starts to make the hard decisions about personnel that he has avoided since 1862. Grant while testing his relationship with Meade and Burnside, is trying to learn the AOP's generals too. This process dominates the four books as repeatedly Grant is forced to deal with the problems this creates and Lee takes steps that were unthinkable in 1863.

The second book moves the battle from The Wilderness south to Spotsylvania and Yellow Tavern. Grant refuses to "play the game" and retreat behind the Rappahannock but pushes past Lee and continues south. What follows is a race from defensive point to defensive point, which the AOP concedes to the AoNV. Union commanders hesitate at critical moments while the AoNV reinforces the objective. This allows Lee to stay up or ahead producing one of the bloodiest battles in our history at Spotsylvania. In addition, this book covers the critical cavalry operations, Grant's reasoning, and the price paid in taking Sheridan away from Meade. J.E.B. Stuart's death, is well covered. Both in terms of what it means to the AoNV, to Lee and to the Confederacy.

After one of the hardest weeks in their history, the two exhausted bloodied armies eye each other over their entrenchments. Lee understands that he is being trapped and that defensive war can only end in defeat. Grant is trying not to be stuck in a siege and determined to continue south. What follows is a series of forced marches and small battles as Grant and Lee test each other. Each general wins and loses daily as the armies march, counter march and fight. However, at the end of each day, Grant is always closer to Richmond. Lee produces a brilliant trap, Grant takes the bait but circumstances keep lee from springing it. Almost to late, Grant sees the trap pulls back, changes direction and continues south. Book 3, To the North Anna River covers this brilliant and exciting time in detail. Rhea produces some excellent analysis of both commanders and the developing personnel problems they are facing. Neither man is having an easy time of it and both understand they have never faced an enemy like this.

The last book takes us to Cold Harbor, one of the most controversial battles of the war. The detail history and excellent analysis leads us through this battle and produces some startling conclusions. As always, the author provides full support and justification for them. This might be the most important book of the series and the definitive book on the battle of Cold Harbor.

Each book has a full set of maps and illustrations. The writing is uniform and very readable. While detailed, the actions are understandable and you are seldom lost in a sea of names and/or unit numbers. Each book is a stand-alone history and is readable as such. The books were published from 1994 to 2002 and had to be written that way. This is the best account of the Overland Campaign available. It is both an invaluable reference and a great reading experience.

The Battles for Spotsylvania Courthouse and the Road to Yellow Tavern
By Gordon C Rhea

Between the opening round in the Wilderness and the culminating blood-letting at Cold Harbor there were two other major areas of action in the Overland Campaign.

In volume two of Rhea's extraordinary four volume series the action moves out of the wilderness as Grant seeks to outflank Lee and force a battle in the open where the weight of Union artillery and manpower would give it the opportunity to break the Army of Northern Virginia.

In a pattern which would remain true for this entire campaign, Lee's army simply moved faster and counterattacked faster than the Union Army. The culture of the Army of Northern Virginia was a culture of automatic aggressiveness. When attacked they immediately began to organize a counterattack. When they discovered the Union Army they immediately began to probe to see if they could get around its flank. When they had to defend they immediately began entrenching and dug as deep and fast as possible to give themselves the maximum advantage in stopping a Union attack.

Grant' had a much bigger Army but it was simply a lot slower and a lot more hesitant than its Southern opponent.

The Army of the Potomac was a very courageous and stubborn army when it was attacked but it had a hard time spontaneously engaging Lee.

Grant kept trying to overcome these institutional weaknesses by surprising Lee with night marches, diversions to distract him, and carefully planned mass assaults.

At Spotsylvania the Union Army almost gained an advantage using a surprise move which, if it had worked, would have put Lee at a huge disadvantage. Unfortunately the Confederate Army moved fast enough to get there first and by the margin of a few hours entrench enough to stop the Union advance.

Grant then prepared a massive assault at a vulnerable salient and actually won a shocking victory. Unfortunately , in a pattern which would become the norm in the first world war some fifty years later, the disorganization inherent in breaking through made it impossible to exploit the breakthrough and by the time the Union forces reorganized the Confederates had created a new and equally formidable line a short distance back.

Rhea carries you step by step through the agonizing bloodletting in which two powerful armies tried to maneuver but found themselves again and again engaged in bloody fights of attrition which were sapping northern morale and southern capacity to fight at about the same rate.

These books are a remarkable accomplishment.

I ran across Jane Riley's cookbook, just kind of flipped open to a random page....and was hooked with humor!

So I started at the front of the book and laughed and ate my way through the entire 320 pages...

Willlie Walt's Seafood Gumbo is a must...I served it over rice...man...

Some of her stories will make you laugh out loud...some will make you feel encouraged...some will make you tear up...and some will just make you gain weight(try the Mood Rescuing Dessert)...

Somebody asked me the other day, "What's on your nightstand that you're reading?" I said, "A cookbook..."

But folks, it is way more than that...You need to get this one!

I read FLAVORED WITH LOVE, MARY LOU'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN COOK from cover to cover, like I would a novel. Reading FLAVORED WITH LOVE is not like reading a "normal" cookbook. Rather, it is like curling up with the journal of a good friend, reading her family gossip and her fun, familial anecdotal lore. And the best secrets revealed are not only juicy, they are tasty, too.

I am the first person to admit that I am not a cook. Oh, I can feed my family. No one will starve or die from food poisoning. But my husband is a COOK. Just as his parents from New Orleans are. I *am* an excellent sous chef. I can chop, prepare, clean up, follow directions, and stir with the best of them. I enjoy being in the kitchen helping my husband. And so do our kids. One of the delightful witticisms liberally sprinkled throughout Mary Lou's book says "you should start teaching your kids to cook prior to the age of two." My husband has done that. Since the age of nine, our 11 year old has been able to prepare dinner for the family. She can make (her) Grandma's meatloaf, and it is just delicious. My husband has taught her other family favorites as well.

My three year old loves to pour and stir. And she really knows who cooks the excellent food in our family. The other morning I opened the door to the "toilet room" in the master bathroom. There was my youngest, sans all clothing, sitting on the potty, "reading" FLAVORED WITH LOVE. The wee one then looked up at me, smiled sweetly, and said, "Mom-Mom, this book is about cooking. You should read it, and then we can all make something together with Daddy." I laughed so hard, I cried. But isn't that the point of Mary Lou's book? Cooking together with friends and family? My youngest has it right. Out of the mouths of babes...

While I am not a "cook" per se, I am a pretty good baker, and FLAVORED WITH LOVE is loaded with excellent recipes that I can't wait to try. The Big Orange Cake is at the top of my list. I have never had an orange cake, and this sounds incredibly yummy. Myrtle's Chocolate Fudge sounds very close to the fudge I make every Christmas, and I really want to experiment with this variation, as well as with Grandmother's Peanut Butter Fudge. I know a little girl who would love the Strawberry Upside Down Cake. And Diane's Brownies would be gobbled up by my entire family. The above just scratches the top of the list of baked goods I am dying to try.

I also have list of "regular" food that I want my husband to prepared. At the top of this list is the Spinach and Artichoke Soup, the recipe for homemade Hot Sauce, the Stuffed Artichokes, and any number of Corn Bread variations. As he and I go over the recipes together, I know there will be a large number that we will decide to try, and that they will become favorites. All Mary Lou's food sounds so delicious.

FLAVORED WITH LOVE is arranged by chef, because Mary Lou wants you to get to know her family and friends. I really loved this homey, loving approach to this cook book; it makes the entire reading experience so delightful. But I am also grateful for the recipe index in the back, which helps me quickly locate all of my new favorites.

Reading FLAVORED WITH LOVE is like spending an afternoon with my wonderful mother-in-law. Mary Lou as a vast extended family as well as many dear friends, and she know the details of every life as well as what that person cooks best. My mother-in-law (from New Orleans) is exactly the same way and it is one of the reasons that I love her so much. I cannot wait to share FLAVORED WITH LOVE with her. How could I not love this book?

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for cooks and non-cooks everywhere.

This is an odd book. It is, at base, a cookbook. But there are reflections scattered throughout as well, vignettes. The author, Mary Lou Cheatham, is writing under the nom de plume Jane Riley (Mary Lou's imaginary cousin). The focus of the book (Page 4): "The stories in 'Flavored with Love' should not be construed as totally factual, and none of them is intended to offend the sensibilities of readers or the relatives. The cookbook is meant to give some fresh ideas about food we can prepare and something to make us smile while we cook it."

The recipes themselves are interesting to take a look at. One recipe that I want to take a shot at in the near future is "Mamaw's Old-Fashioned Meatloaf" (my son is clamoring for me to make some meatloaf, so this caught my attention). Ground beef, onions, oats, ketchup, tomatoes, evaporated milk, an egg. salt, pepper, and honey. That's different from my standard recipes, so my interest is piqued.

I like a broccoli salad. On page 55, this book describes something very different from what I make. Among ingredients are broccoli, raisins, nuts, onion, celery, bacon bits, mayo, sugar, and vinegar. It really sounds easy to make and quite tasty!

An easy to make Portobello mushroom salad. Any recipe that is 2 lines long and still sounds like it would be fun to eat is a winner in my eyes.

Finally, Chicken a la Venezia. Boneless chicken breasts (or supreme de volailles in French), asparagus spears, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic power, olive oil, and Italian bread crumbs. I like chicken breast recipes, and this one sounds like it is pretty easy to make and appears as if it would be delicious.

So, all in all, an interesting cookbook, with a twist.

Let's be honest for a minute, guys and cookbooks are two words you usually don't put together. Therefore, you can understand my apprehension of picking up a cookbook to read. My first thought, "How do you read a cookbook anyway?" Well, I found out right away how you can do just that. "Flavored With Love" is more than just a cookbook, it's a delightful family history with a meal ideas included.

The detail included with each recipe brings the ingredients to life. One of my favorite examples is the recipe for Fried Bream. How many times have you read a cookbook that gives this kind of advice? "First, it is necessary to catch a good mess of fish...To catch a good mess of bream, you will need a wasp nest. Remove the grubs carefully because some of them turn into full-grown wasps before your very eyes, fly up into your face, and sting the fire out of you." Now that is something I understand. Just from reading the stories, I can almost taste each meal as they cook on the page.

"Flavored With Love" peppers its pages with numerous creative recipes. One of my favorite has to be Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffins. Where else could you find a place to combine those ingredients in such a brilliant way? Did I mention Canecutter (Rabbit) Spaghetti? Yes, the recipe's main ingredient is rabbit. If Peter Cottontail is not your cup of tea, then how about the scrumptious Peter's Crawfish Quesadillas in which the question is asked, "How much cheese do you use?" The reply, "As much as you want." Now that's what I'm talking about right there.

Each recipe placed within the book combines care and purpose. The skill of cooking each dish derives from personal experience. Those techniques of preparing the food come alive as you follow stories of grandparents, childhood, marriage, birth, and even death. The reader will find it hard to hold back the tears as they read a heartwarming poem written in honor of a good husband and father. I find it hard to put into words all the touches that make this book so much more than just measurements and herbs.

To pick up a copy of "Flavored With Love" is to invite a family into your heart. The tile of the book is definitely apropos because the reader learns that a meal is priceless. Personally, I have reevaluated each meal with my own family. As we sit down to enjoy a banquet around the table, I take in the stories between each of us. The memories will live on so much longer than the food ever could. I challenge you to read between the recipes and find the message sent to you from within. A good meal is nice but it is the time in-between where you create the real magic. And just maybe you will find your own days unfolding like the pages of a book; a life that is flavored with love.

PATRICK RALEY is the author of the mystery, detective novel entitled "Precedent of Justice". Find out why Publisher's Weekly calls him "the next John Grisham."

Good news! I went to Mary Lou Cheatham's for dinner. How did I know I was invited, you ask? Simple -- I read this in the preface to Flavored with Love: Mary Lou's Family and Friends Can Cook by Jane Riley:

"Mary Lou ... considers her family to be those still here and those who have passed on to the better place. There are her blood relatives, her in-laws, and her in-laws' in-laws. Also she includes a few of her wonderful friends, her family's friends, and some people inexplicably connected to her."

See me there on the list? Mary Lou says I don't have to explain.

I didn't worry about any diet at Mary Lou's, what could be better for you than good fresh ingredients? We started with SAUSAGE BALLS and BOOGIE WOOGIE DIP with fresh vegetables. That dip got us dancing with its spicy ingredients. Some of the guests don't like hot stuff -- how crazy is that, at Mary Lou's? -- so they nibbled the MELON BALLS IN A WATERMELON BASKET, even though it was almost too pretty to eat.

Once we'd danced up an appetite, we settled in to a real feast. Everyone brought something. I sampled the MISSISSIPPI GUMBO with Mary Lou's secret ingredient, and Cousin Brandi's TOMATO BASIL SOUP. I was sorry to miss out on WILLIE WALT'S SEAFOOD GUMBO but with all the varieties of biscuits and cornbread, I just ran out of room.

I was planning to go very easy on the main dishes but couldn't resist CHRISTIE AND MIKE'S CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA. Somebody brought my favorite side dish, RUTH'S PRIZE-WINNING BROCCOLI SALAD. I don't know who went fishing that morning but we had FRIED BREAM done the same way my father used to cook his brook trout, so I had to make room for some of that pan-fried goodness. NED brought his STUFFED EGGPLANT oozing with cheese and garlic and olive oil ... and it tasted as good as it sounds. I haven't told you the half of it but you get the picture: the table was packed with wonderful dishes.

Along with the food and the dancing, I got to meet a big crowd of Mary Lou's relatives and friends and hear their stories. They sure know how to tell tales on each other, and isn't that half the fun of a family party? I may have spun a story or two myself, it was such a friendly bunch. I'll be coming back for sure!

When I thought we'd eaten all that was reasonable, the desserts came out. I brought my favorite fruitcake and Mary Lou asked me to send along the recipe. There was a BIG ORANGE CAKE with marmalade between the layers that was to die for. I had to pass up Cynthia Breaux' WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING -- well maybe I did have a TINY piece but next time I'll save more room for that incredible treat.

I went home happy, still in the mood for a little dancing. Believe me, if you get a chance to go to Mary Lou's for dinner you're in for a great big treat. Her food is truly flavored with love.

Linda Bulger, 2008

I have NO idea how to use this deck, even after purchasing the product and reading the book that goes along with it. I am unfamiliar with many of terms that are used (but i do have an understanding of the lwa and voodoo in general), therefore, I don't understand how to set these cards up. I want to be sure that I do this correctly so that I can get he best use out of them as I have never used tarot before, and not offend the lwa while doing it =). If any of you have any idea how to use this and can help me through email, or whatever is comfortable for you, I am even willing to pay. Please contact me at

missmartin08@yahoo.com

Thank you so much!

This deck is a wonderful tool for working with the Lwa AND Orisha. The text in the book is wonderful, and worth the price of the set alone. The cards open up a path to meeting and working with the spirits of Africa, and is a powerful tool for all, whether interested seekers, intrigued students, or adept Mambos, Houngans, or Santeros.

Filled with beautiful artwork, and a book that talks about Voodoo and simple ceremonies that will aid you in your work with the cards and Spirits, this deck is a powerful personal tool.

I haven't used them yet but am quite pleased with the cards and the book.

I love these, they have an air of mystery about them and always satisfy.

I've used various decks throughout the years a couple I grew some what attached to and others not at all. I found after working with this deck just a couple times that every reading I have done has been extremely accurate. The cards seem to speak to me metaphoricaly speaking of course. No other deck have I found this to be so at least to the same extent. I highly recommend to at least give this deck a try.

Expendable Elite: One Soldier's Journey into Covert Warfare Dr. Mary's Monkey is a book that should capture your attention if, in fact, you care about this nation, the truth and the mystery surrounding the deaths of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, and US Navy LCDR William Bruce Pitzer. I know many of those talked about in this book. I know the covert action system that uses compartmentalization, subterfuge and undocumented actions to silence those who would bring the truth to bear on tragic, illegal activities of our government that uses the Mafia, US Army Special Forces and CIA to accomplish what would otherwise be legally impossible. I was one of those trained to kill and terrorize.

Mr. Haslam has written a fantastic book, and one I probably would have never even known about had I not stumbled on a video clip of him on Wim dankbaar's website jfkmurdersolved.com . This man is a wealth of information from the 60's and Oswald and cancer causing monkey viruses. I had a hard time putting the book down and read it in two days. That is UNHEARD of for me to do.

I was amazed when I read Dr Mary's Monkeys. This is honest research and shows just how corrupt scientists and governments can be. It also explained the connection to why JFK was murdered.

An incredible journey.Absolutely Brilliant writing! A book that should be in everyone's home. The millions of children innoculated with the polio vaccine,that were contaminated with monkey virus'. This led to a possible
development of soft tissus in later life,(and possibly AIDS). Even worse after the discovery,was the cover-up by the Government.You can NOT put this book down.The documentation and footnotes,are flawless. The new Orleans Connection,Lee Harvey Oswald,Jim Garrison,the death of President Kennedy,and the homicide of Dr. Mary Sherman,The links to the finest researchers brought to New Orleans to try to keep the secret while trying to find an answer. One of the best and most riveting books I have EVER read!

If you don't want to be challenged, or you want to believe the Warren Commission Report that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and unaided in the assassination of JFK, or that New Orleans and the events taking place there played no part in the assassination, don't bother to read Dr Mary's Monkey, for it will disrupt your complacency and demolish your assumptions.

This book is a serious attempt to move into an area of research that is as-yet mostly uncharted with little documentation. And it is no surprise -- most of the people involved are dead -- something happened to them soon after the assassination. One has survived, though; a woman who has created more controversy and discussion than anybody connected to the assassination, save for perhaps Lee Oswald himself.

Judyth Vary Baker, who now resides outside of the US for her own safety, is the witness whose statements pull together this book into a cohesive theory of what might have happened behind the scenes of the assassination. In addition, Haslam is a good writer who uses his own experiences (they create rather eccentric credentials for his passion for his subject-matter) to give us a book that is a real page-turner. An updated and expanded version of his earlier outrageously fascinating book "Mary, Ferrie and the Monkey Virus", which gained a considerable cult following over the years, this edition has photos and documentation galore.

The Dixie Association is a perfect book. It is hilarious, wise, profound, and unbelievably beautifully written. It should not be subtitled "Voices of the South". It is THE voice of the South, perfectly captured on paper. Donald Hays has perfect pitch for Southern language, on the street and in the locker room. The basdeball portions are true, interesting and exciting. The picture of the last game remains one of the great descriptions of an epic encounter in sports. There are more great characters than you can count. I read it in the 80s when it was published and probably bought a dozen copies before I was through giving it to people who I thought needed it. And finally, I simply loved the book so much that I tracked down the author and called him to tell him directly how much I was moved, and touched, and thrilled by it. I am about to launch into another buying and giving spree with this new edition.

The Dixie Association was a well written and thought out novel, written by an author who knew how to grab his audiences attention. A baseball team full of rejects that noone wanted around and did not have any respect for, but they knew the game of baseball and that is what they all loved and it is all that mattered to them. Donald Hays writes the book through an ex-convicts eyes. With the rudeness, foul language, and racists remarks the author offends everyone. In all I really liked the novel and give it a thumbs up, cause I could actually read the book without dreaading it.

I thought the book was very well written. The author showed a great deal of knowledge in the sport of baseball. The characters were interesting and fun to read about. I enjoyed reading about the games and the way it was portrayed through the eyes of an actual ballplayer.This book is defenitly one of the best baseball books ever written, not only because of its portral of the game, but because of the conflicts its characters deal with off the field as well.

The Dixie Association which is about a team of outsiders who come together and create a chemistry that is unforgettable. The book details a season throught the eyes of Hog Durham, a ex-convict. His blunt, yet persuasive analysis of baseball is intriging and also repulsive by way of his language. Though repulsive, the language is manageable by way of being able to identify with Hog Durham and the times in which the story takes place.
The manager named Lefty Marks is the one who provides the best of the book. His unconvential wisdom of life and baseball are a view in which is not used enough because it is seen as American political taboo. He provides a refreshing and heartful determination to do the things in which make him feel successful, without money standing in the way. Some may view him as throwing away his life while most who understand his points will respect and appreciate his unconventional wisdom.
The Dixie Association while harsh on racial sensitivity is a joyous read that almost anyone can read. The story is simple but the characters are full of explosive personalities that protect a weak story. This is by far the most entertaining baseball book ever written.

This was one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. Although the story is played out in a baseball environment, you really don't have to be a baseball fanatic or even a sports fan to get caught up in the drama and exicetment of this novel. The main characters are all well depicted and they each have conflicts they must resolve both on the baseball field and in society. There is a quagmire of underlying themes, and you can't help but become intrigued with at least one aspect of this story.