Review: The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo

The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of General Alex Dumas, the father of famed author Alexandre Dumas, père. General Dumas was the son of a black slave woman and a French nobleman who grew up during the slave days of 18th century France. He later proved himself in the military during the French Revolution, but was ultimately betrayed by Napoleon Bonaparte due to his heritage. Dumas was certainly an inspiration for his son's acclaimed novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

This is an exceptionally written account by Tom Reiss, who spent 10 years researching the General's life. It is engaging and entertaining. Reiss' admiration of Dumas certainly shines through.

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Review: Whale of a Crime

Whale of a Crime by Karen MacInerney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whale of a Crime is Karen MacInerney's 7th installment in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series. I have enjoyed this light and fun mystery series that takes place on the little Maine community of Cranberry Island. Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn Bed and Breakfast, is having a wonderful summer until the inn plays host to a nature tour. Captain Bainbridge of Northern Spirit Tours shows up dead off the anchor of his ship the Summer Breeze and Natalie launches her own investigation to help clear her friend who is fingered as the killer. As if that is not enough, Natalie's headstrong sister shows up on the island and someone seems to be sabotaging the inn.

I generally don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. There are bonus recipes at the end of the book of all the food mentioned in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Review: First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies

First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies by Kate Andersen Brower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book details the White House lives of modern First Ladies from Jackie Kennedy through Michelle Obama. Each woman is profiled from the time their husbands became involved in politics and continues through their time as a "Former First Lady". The book shows the good, the bad, and the ugliness of the job and on the attitudes of each lady. Some of the women became quite close, while others seem to simply tolerate their peers. Each woman brings their own attitude and charm to the White House and each has her own triumphs and hurdles. Ultimately, they all belong to a special "sisterhood" that no one else could completely understand. This book gives the rest of us a glimpse into what it really means to be the First Lady of the White House.

Brower gives the reader a no-holds bar look at these ladies. None of them are without fault. Indeed, all of them have some not so great moments. It is at time scandalous and at times you are humored with some of their antics. My perception of all of them has changed, mostly not for the better. However, for some, I have a better appreciation of them. I'm not sure how much the author's own political ideals were coming through. There were some women she seemed harder on than others, but none of them were shown as flawless and often quite the opposite. Being the wife of a President cannot be an easy job and after all, these women are human. Most did not ask or want to be a First Lady, but they have all handled the job with their heads held high. It will be interesting to see what the future holds and to see if there some day might be a First Husbands edition of this book. The book could also have been a little more cohesive. It did bounce around some and was not always chronological as you would expect it to be. I still enjoyed it thoroughly.

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Review: The Forks Over Knives Plan: How to Transition to the Life-Saving, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet

The Forks Over Knives Plan: How to Transition to the Life-Saving, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet by Alona Pulde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a companion to the documentary Forks Over Knives which discusses a plant-based diet and its effects on a person's health. The authors posit that a diet rich in whole grains and whole plant based foods can reverse what ails you, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Studies are cited that back the claims and first person testimonials are also included. The bulk of the book lays out a four week plan to transition to this new way of life with 100 recipes to get you started.

I have to be honest and say that I have not yet watched the documentary. I've done enough research on my own to know that a diet in whole foods is a much healthier option to a high processed lifestyle. It should come as no surprise to anyone, these days, that processed foods have tons of chemicals that just are not healthy for anyone. I don't necessarily agree with the authors that a completely plant-based diet is the right diet for everyone. There are people who cannot handle soy based products or who need added animal protein. I've done a bit of homework to read the "other side" to find that some of the claims and studies cited are not the whole story. It is always best to do your own homework and consult your own physician before starting any diet. I was also not charmed with the way the authors start out saying "this is not a diet but a lifestyle", yet continuously refer to this way of life as a diet. The authors also say that all oil, including olive oil, avocado oil, etc. are bad for you; however, use maple syrup when you need a sweetener, and oh, if you need some sugar for your sweets, that's alright from time to time. It just seems like they are very strict on a couple of points, but lax on others.

This book has not convinced me to move to a vegan diet. I honestly have tried some recipes that turned out to taste like dirty socks. There are some that work very well, though. The book did reinforce / remind me how it is best to keep moving away from processed foods and cook healthy whole foods at home whenever possible.

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