Books!

6. Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl
This is a memoir about the first 30 or so years of the author's life. She later becomes food critic of the New York Times, and the editor of Gourmet. In this book, she learns to cook as a child and then grows up through hippie times in the 60's and 70's and continues her love of food. I really liked this book, the author's voice is really engaging and her story is very interesting. I'm looking forward to the other memoirs she wrote about her later years (although I think Laura didn't like some of the others as much?).

7. Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
Funny funny Discworld book about a woman who disguises herself as a boy to join the army and look for her brother. Many surprises and hi jinks ensue. Very entertaining. You basically can never go wrong with Terry Pratchett.

8. Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation: Invisible Rules for Success by Rita S. Brause
This book was not so good. I think it was too clinical and removed for me. Also, I am so cynical about grad school now that it was also too optimistic. She had way too much about how writing your dissertation is a fabulous experience and you should take time and enjoy it. Blah, I say! Anyway, this might be useful for someone just starting grad school, to get an idea of what a PhD program is like, but it had little to offer someone like me who needs motivation and tips on the actual dissertation writing.

9. La Villa by Francine Pascal
OK, I got this book from the library solely because the name Francine Pascal, creator of the lovely Sweet Valley High series, leaped out at me. Francine, Francine, you let me down so. The book is not even fun trashy, it is just bad. A woman is sad because her husband died, she moves to France, blah blah blah. I don't recommend this, unless you just really want to read something by Francine Pascal. Actually, if that is the case I recommend you re-read the Sweet Valley High books.