Talk About Nuts

This is not an issues blog. I rarely get involved in controversy, especially the kind unrelated to books but something has come up that has so upset me that I haven't been able to discuss it coherently with anyone but my husband. I've put it on the backshelf of my mind until now, even though my hands are shaking as I write this.

Chatelaine magazine is a Canadian publication for women. I've always bought their issues over Cosmo or Women's World because I felt I could relate to it. That will change. In December's issue, right on the front cover is an article called "The Making of the Peanut Allergy Myth" by a woman named Patricia Pearson. This came to my attention through my Anaphylaxis newsletter.

Pearson starts off her article with an axe to grind, her son is a picky eater and she'd like to send him to school with a peanut butter sandwich. She can't because she thinks the school are overreacting to other children's peanut allergies. I sympathize with Ms Pearson, I really do, because my daughter is a picky eater too but she will never have a peanut butter sandwich at school or at home because she has a life threatening peanut allergy.

I'm glad that my daughter's school is an "overly cautious" peanut free school that requires her to wear an Epipen and a Medic-Alert bracelet. I don't know how many times I've had to go up to the school because I forgot her Epipen on the counter! At least, when she's there I have one less thing to worry about.

Why are food allergies so dangerous? They are unpredictable. The first reaction is generally the mildest reaction. There is no telling whether the next attack will be mild or severe. A severe reaction is one in which a person's throat closes over and death from asphyxiation can occur without the intervention of adrenaline (in the form of an Epipen shot). This is called anaphylactic shock.

My daughter's first reaction was the first time I gave her a peanut butter sandwich when she was 2 years old. I wondered why she wasn't eating it (I love peanut butter) until I took a look at her. Her face had puffed up like a balloon and her eye swelled shut. Her face was covered in blotches. You can imagine my reaction. Since then we've had Benadryll and an Epipen with us at all times. Then her only other reaction she had was this past summer when she had skin contact with peanut butter at the playground. She broke out in hives. That surprised me because she did not ingest peanut butter.

I know my daughter has to take responsibility for her own health; I'm trying to teach her that but right now she's not even ten. The way kids of that age spread viruses and lice the way they do doesn't give me confidence that they will be diligent enough to wash their hands. What if one of them picked up a crayon? What if then my daughter did? What if she put her fingers in her mouth? I can't even think of the consequences.

Pearson's heartless article is like a slap in the face. I'm shocked that a mother would be so dismissive of a known medical condition and so careless of the lives of other mothers' children. Of course, that is her opinion. This is a free country and anyone with any foolish, misguided opinion can stand on any street corner and proclaim it to the world. Go free speech! But I am very disappointed with Chatelaine magazine for being irresponsible enough to print it. As Gwen Smith put it in her rebuttal on the CBC News Website,

In Canada, getting taken down in Chatelaine is as close as it gets to being kneecapped by Oprah.

Chatelaine still stands behind this writer and as long as they do I will make a statement with my wallet. Instead of buying Chatelaine I will spend my money on some other publication. Maybe I need to know how to please a man in the bedroom as Cosmo is always shouting from the cover. Not long ago, lover's of Young Adult fiction sent a message loud and clear to the publishers of Liar by Justine Larbalestier that the cover showing a white girl for a book about a black girl was unacceptable. The cover was changed. If the reaction on the Chatelaine message boards is any indication, Chatelaine will follow suit and publish a retraction, though I believe the damage is already done.

If you'd like to more about Food Allergies go to:

Anaphylaxis Canada

Allergic Living Magazine

If you'd like to learn about the No Child Without program for schools (they provide Medic-Alert bracelets for children with any life threatening medical condition) see this website.

And for fun, here's Binky Goes Nuts (Arthur series):

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Decisions, Decisions

I'm foreseeing a busy couple of months ahead with Christmas coming. I have several projects on the go, including making Christmas gifts. I also decided to spend a little more time on my sad Etsy shop and actually put some items in it. Then there's the concerts, parties, cleaning and baking that will need to be done. Last year, I caught a really bad flu and ended up in bed for a couple of weeks. I hope that doesn't happen this year.

At least I'm thinking ahead and even managed to get my Christmas shopping started. I bought a lot of books this past week as gifts. I'm doing my part for Buy Books for the Holidays! I also was tempted by the cashier to buy their member card so now I must buy more books. Oh and the library sale is next week so I'll be stocking up on old books as well.

So what does this all mean? Well, I might be a worse commenter than I already am now though I'm always reading your comments and blogs. I'm already spending less time on Twitter and on the computer in general. As for reading, I have a couple of books to read for the Classics Circuit tours but other than that I'm keeping a relaxing reading pace until the new year. I'm going to try anyway.

Hopefully by the new year, I'll be refreshed and full of new ideas!

I finally decided on some of the books I'll be reading for the Women Unbound Challenge. I'm going to be a Bluestocking and read 5 books:

• Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte (Fiction)
  
• The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell (Non-fiction and also a Classic Circuit tour book)
• Governesses: The Lives and Times of the Real Jane Eyre's by Ruth Brandon (Non-Fiction)
• The Blythes Are Quoted by L.M. Montgomery (Fiction)
• The Custom of the County by Edith Wharton (Fiction)

I might change one of two in the future but for now that's what I want to read.

Anyway I have lots to do! If you do the holidays, have you thought about it yet? Done any shopping?

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Remembrance Day 2009

National War Memorial

More Wordless

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No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer: Review

Wally Carter's been murdered. Shot dead in his backyard. The people with the motive to kill Wally are numerous. The Russian Prince in love with his wife, the disgruntled brother of his pregnant lover, or his angry wife; the list is endless. But they all have alibis and Wally's end is a head scratcher for the local authorities of this small English village.

Enter Inspector Hemingway from Scotland Yard. He's been around his fair share of murder cases but even he's stumped. Every lead comes to a dead end. One way or the other, the Inspector will get his man- or woman.

No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer is my first Heyer mystery. Unlike her Regency or historical novels, No Wind of Blame is contemporary- for Heyer that is, written in 1939.

No Wind of Blame is not just a mystery; it's funny and entertaining. The characters are quirky and the dialogue witty. Retired actress Ermyntrude (how's that for a handle?) is the epitome of the word diva, with her hysterics and drama. Her daughter Vicky is following in her footsteps. She never enters a 'scene' without being in character, complete with the appropriate costume. Mary is the straight man in this comedy trying to wrangle the characters together and make them act sensibly. The women are the stars of this story, even Inspector Hemingway takes a backseat to the ladies.

As for Inspector Hemingway, we know he'll solve the case, of course, but although I suspected the who, the how surprised me. Everyone had a reason to kill Wally; he wasn't a well loved guy. The Inspector is never fazed. He knows that there is much that the suspects aren't telling. The evidence will solve the case.

If you enjoy mystery, humour and a pinch of romance, you'll be entertained by No Wind of Blame.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for this review copy.

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Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger: Review

Elspeth Noblin has died and left her apartment in London to her estranged twin sister's twin daughters in the US. The 20 year old twins, Julia and Valentina, can only be described as 'precious' with their childish outfits and looks. They do everything together- everything. Their mother is reluctant to let them go. She suspects Elspeth wants to get back at her for a falling out they had 20 years earlier, even if she has to do so from her deathbed.

Once in London, the girls find that the apartment building is more than just a place to live. One neighbour is the bereaved lover of Elspeth and another an OCD sufferer trapped in his apartment by his own illness. The twins are drawn into the lives of these lonely people. The apartment itself isn't vacant. Elspeth hasn't left. She watches the twins and grows in strength until the girls can't fail to notice her. What happens when they do sets a bizarre series of events in motion.

Okay, so I was looking forward to reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger long before it was released. I'm a big fan of The Time Traveler's Wife so I had high expectations. That's my own fault.

Things started out promising. I loved the writing style and the plot was interesting. I liked the atmospheric setting of Highgate Cemetery. I was reading along quite happily and then *BAM* Valentina has a Very Bad Idea, I mean an Unbelievably Bad Idea, and things just fell apart for me there. I can suspend my disbelief to a certain extent but it was too much for me. But let's look at what I liked first.

One positive aspect was the complexity of the relationships. There are so many. Obviously there is the 'twin thing' between both Julia and Valentina and Edie and Elspeth. Seeing how unnaturally attached Julia and Valentina are I kept wondering what the rift was between Edie and Elspeth. It's hard to imagine twins never speaking to one another. Then there is Robert and Elspeth, who are attached even in death but it's an unhealthy attachment if you ask me. One of the most interesting relationships was Martin and Julia's friendship which I enjoyed watching develop. Julia was a better character when she was with him.

In the end, I pretty much disliked every character except for Martin. Elspeth is just nasty and selfish and even Robert, who I liked in the beginning, wussed out. Did any of them know the difference between right and wrong? When I finished I had this overwhelming sense of disappointment mingled with an appreciation for what Niffenegger was trying to do. But still I kept coming back to that turning point in the story that made me so angry. I think that if you can get around that then you will probably enjoy the book more than I did.

I might eventually feel differently about it as time goes by. That happens. In fact, I'm not nearly as emotional about it now as I was when I finished the book a week ago and have started thinking about it with a little more distance. I've stopped muttering to myself about the book anyway.

I predict that if you haven't read it yet you will either think it was brilliant or will be supremely pissed off when you do. It's that kind of book.

You can read some of more of my and others' thoughts on Carl's Spoiler post for HFS if you want to get involved in the discussion.

Recommended? Use your own judgement here people.

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This Old Thing?: The Endless Steppe

When I saw The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig  on my shelf, I knew it was perfect for today. See that through my window? That's snow. Snow! The cover of The Endless Steppe is appropriate for the day.

There was another reason I chose it though. With the Buy Books for the Holidays campaign underway, we're starting to think of books for our loved ones. My parents bought me this book for Christmas when I was a teen. I've kept it all these years, I loved it so much. Esther tells of her experience of living in a work camp in Siberia during World War II. She was Jewish and her family very wealthy but after the Russian occupation all that changed. Even though Esther and I are different people, I related to her. She had the same teen angst I had. She worried about her looks, she had a crush, and a frenemy. Of course, these trials are small in comparison to the harshness of life in the camp. After all this time, so much of it stands out in my mind. I really should reread it.

If you have a young person in your life, I encourage you to find The Endless Steppe and buy it for them.

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Friday Bookish Buzz: 'Tis the Season

We're supposed to be getting some rough weather today. I hope it won't be snow. With Halloween over, I'm thinking about Christmas already. Are you? I have a few holiday related items in this week's buzz.

*If you're a book blogger, you might want to sign up for the Book Blogger Holiday Swap. This is my first time participating. Should be fun!

*Buy Books for the Holidays is up and running again. I'll be signing up this time. I have lots of book ideas for my family and buds.

*No bums on the ferry in BC, so don't go looking.

 *Did you hear? Nicole from Linus's Blanket has a show on Blog Talk Radio: That's How I Blog.

*Are school libraries and librarians becoming extinct?

*I saw a few of these Penguin Classics at the bookstore and nearly ruined the covers with my drool. Meet the cover designer on Design*Sponge.

*Well, that's one way to avoid the word "banning" though why shouldn't our children read controversial books?

*You don't have to wait for the movie. You can see New Moon in a condensed version- now with Barbies!

*Did Penguin sell out? I don't know but I love those mugs and these postcards.

*Etsy Love: For smart girls, you or someone you know, Smart Girls Are Cool Button or Magnets from Pure Vintage Gold's Shop.

Have a great weekend!

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Confections of a Closet Master Baker by Gesine Bullock-Prado:Review

Confections of a Closet Master Baker is the day in the life of a popular bakery owner. Gesine Bullock-Prado never imagined herself as a professional baker. When her sister, Sandra, hit the big time and started her own production company, Gesine headed to Hollywood to help out. She was successful, making big deals and meeting celebrities, and also unhappy. She felt incomplete.

So Gesine started doing what she loved. She baked. And baked and baked. This didn't make her popular in the land of liposuction. So after a trip to Vermont, she decided to move there and open her own bakery. There were bumps along the way but she found happiness doing what she is most passionate about.

My confession: I requested this book from Shelf Awareness because of the cover (chocooooolate!). I had no idea what it was about. I think I was into the second chapter before I realized that the author is Sandra Bullock's sister (duh) even though she talks about her in the first chapter. I was hooked though by Gesine's breezy writing style. It was like talking to a broad at a bar who just happens to have a killer cheesecake recipe.

Gesine recounts her childhood obsession with sweet confections. Her mother was a fabulous baker of German goodies but believed they should be enjoyed only on special occasions. Gesine couldn't understand why her mother was so against the chemical filled treats from the supermarket until she opened the bakery. It's not just a snack, it's an experience. There ain't nothing like the real thing, baby. Running a bakery has been bittersweet. Many of the goods she makes were made by her mom who died of cancer a few years ago.

Confections is an interesting mix of memoir and cookbook. While Gesine tells us how she got where she is, she offers us her recipes to try ourselves. She's unapologetic about her ingredients. It's butter and eggs or nothing. Although I sometimes found the narrative meandered a bit, it's forgivable when the writer has such a passion for the topic. And she's funny. For me, that's the best kind of non-fiction.

I'm going to put this one on the cookbook shelf. I really want to try that Espresso Cheesecake recipe. Be warned. If you are on a diet, you will be tempted.

Recommended

PS- I liked this Book Trailer. I got to see the bakery I had been reading about.

Confections of a Closet Master Baker Trailer from Raymond Prado on Vimeo.

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French Milk by Lucy Knisley: Review

I read French Milk by Lucy Knisley during the 24 Hour Read-a-thon when I needed something quick and light. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting.

I never read graphic novels. I haven't had much experience with them and most of the ones at the library just didn't appeal to me. French Milk was something different. Lucy was just finishing up her schooling and thinking about the future when she took a trip to Paris with her Mom. And what a trip! They spent 6 weeks exploring Paris with an apartment as their base. They could come and go as they pleased and really marinate in the French culture. I was so jealous. French Milk is the illustrated journal she kept during this trip.

They wandered around looking at the sites and art, eating, shopping, sleeping and just enjoying themselves. It wasn't all fun and games though. Lucy couldn't help thinking about her future. She reminded me of myself at 22; a ball of indecision just wanting to get out on my own. (I'm still a ball of indecision.) She has moody moments where she draws manatees all day.

I enjoyed this book so much, I want to save my money and take my girl to Paris for a month when she's 22!

So I loved my very first graphic novel. I loved the style and the format. I'd like to read more like French Milk. Do you have any recommendations for me?


Thanks to my local library for carrying this book!

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Challenge Roundup for October 2009

Another month, another challenge complete. I actually picked up my reading pace and finished the RIP 4 Challenge just in time.

*Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (Sept)
*Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal (Oct)
*We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (Oct)
*Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason (Oct)
*Short Stories by Daphne DuMaurier

I read just one book for The 3rd Canadian Book Challenge this month, The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

Lastly, I'm joining the Women Unbound Challenge. I try not to join too many challenges but this one speaks to me. I'm not sure whether I'm going to be a Philogynist or a Bluestocking. I haven't made my list yet but I do want to read Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte.

The ladies on the Women Unbound blog have a meme for participants:

1. What does feminism mean to you? Does it have to do with the work sphere? The social sphere? How you dress? How you act?
2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not?
3. What do you consider the biggest obstacle women face in the world today? Has that obstacle changed over time, or does it basically remain the same?

1. These are some big questions. I guess feminism to me means promoting the freedom and rights of women around the world. Men and women are different, yes, but equal. Both sexes have a right to happiness without one dominating the other. It doesn't matter how you choose to leave your life as long as it's the life you've chosen and not forced upon you by someone else.

2. According to my own definition then yes I am. The word itself often conjures up negative stereotypes that are unfair. I think one can be a feminist without sacrificing one's femininity.

3. It might be controversial but I think women themselves can be the biggest obstacle. I wish that women could be more accepting of one another. No matter what choices you make, there will always be people out there ready to criticize you. And often those people are female. Someone always thinks they can do it better or their way is the right way. There are so many important women's issues that we should be focusing on. All that energy wasted picking on each other could be used to help each other. Your issue might not be my issue but I should support you because it's a "women's issue".

I hope that made sense.

So that was my month in challenges. How was yours? Please leave a link.

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