"Blood Red, Snow White" by Marcus Sedgwick

Some novels give you exactly what you expect (like Kelley Armstrong's books), and there's something to be said for consistency.  Some books disappoint you (for me,  "Eat, Pray, Love").  Other books are so utterly surprising that they take your breath away.  Whatever expectations you had shatter, and you are completely spellbound in the story.

"Blood Red Snow White," by Marcus Sedgwick, is one of these rare books.  It was charming, entrancing, and powerful.  It weaved together Russian history, fairy tales, and beautiful writing in such a way that I was completely engrossed by the book and disappointed when it ended (only because it meant that I had to stop reading).  I wish that I had written this book, but--as I didn't--I am so glad that I read it.

To read my full review of Sedgwick's "Blood Red, Snow White," click here.

"A Slice of Organic Life" edited by Shererazade Goldsmith

Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
August 2012, photo by me (Keri Withington)

I am very interested in the idea of living a more organic life.  My husband and I dream of buying a small farm where we could grow most of our own produce, keep a small amount of livestock, and install renewable energy sources.  Although we aren't in a position to realize this dream yet, we do try to live a more organic day-to-day life in our normal activities.  Whether it is eating less processed food or composting our garden waste, the benefits are clear for both us and the planet.

Given this captivation with organic living, I was immediately drawn to the attractive coffee table book "A Slice of Organic Life."  It is beautifully presented, and provides a great sampler on organic life.  Whether it is a lifestyle that already interests you or something that is new and you're mildly curious, this book will have some information for you.  It is very accessible no matter what your situation is.  I would have this book out on my coffee table (if I didn't have a toddler and could keep a nice coffee table with books), but even if not it's definitely worth flipping through.

To find out more about A Slice of Organic Life, please click here.