First off, I read all of George R.R. Martin’s saga – A Song of Ice and Fire – or at least – all the books that have been published so far. I started watching the Game of Thrones on HBO, but the story moved so slowly (as usual with hbo shows), that I had to start reading the books. I was enthralled. It is a fantastically told story, that will probably disappointment in the end, but each chapter is written from the view of a different character and Martin is deft at switching voice and tone to perfectly fit the different characters. That is 5 books, so I would be done, but I won’t do that.

Great House – by Nicole Krauss – is an excellent novel made up of short stories concerning the different owners of the same fantastic writing desk that was stolen by the Nazis from it’s rightful owners during WWII. The writing is rather heavy and complex, but rich and enjoyable; meaty – with plenty to chew on long after you’ve finished reading.

The Devil in the White CIty – by Erik Larson – is the story of the infamous serial killer during the World’s Fair in Chicago. I don’t normally like non-fiction, but this was a strong exception.

Both Ways is the Only Way I Want it – Maile Meloy – is a collection of short stories that focused on a the themes of may-december romances, parent child connections, lawyers and the law, infidelity, and the rocky mountains. I love short stories, and this collection is beautifully done.

So, I’ve got one more –

Swamplandia – by Karen Russell – this was a novel I read because I enjoyed the review in the NYT – it is the story of a family who own an alligator theme park off the coast of west florida on a island. There are elements of the fantastical, and some of the characters border on pathetic, but the story is laced with a history of florida and the everglades that I was not as familiar with as I would have thought. While reading it, I heard the hum of the mosquitos in the deep swamp and felt the pressure of the humidity in my ears.

1/2 onion, sliced thin (mandoline)
1/2 lb carrots, sliced thin (mandoline)
1/2 butternut squash, sliced thin (mandoline)
1 portabella mushroom, cut into small pieces
1 cup green beans (frozen – thawed)
1 cup green peas (frozen – thawed)

(basically just use whatever veggies you have on hand – I had all of the above)

saute all of above in 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with 2 tsp powdered ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, salt & pepper to taste, Sriracha hot sauce to taste, red pepper flakes to taste, 1 tbsp honey, & chicken broth or water to make it all the consistency you like. When everything is cooked to perfection, add the sliced beef & serve over steamed brown rice.

It was a man-pleaser AND a woman-pleaser! He’s been eating the leftovers for 2 days now – and I have fridge & freezer space galore.