Night Film

Night Film by Marisha Pessl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Though I will add the caveat that I have a readers crush on Pessel ever since I read Special Topics.... And I have been eagerly awaiting her sophomore novel ever since. So I might be biased. But I wasn't disappointed.
First of all, can I say I loved the apps and all the extra stuff that came with it?! It made the book that much more alive, and I sort of became obsessed with it. Yes, I read everything on the "syllabus" and looked up to see if I could find the ending of the story of Bartho Lore. The whole app thing made me giddy and it was not disappointing.
I liked the characters, and loved going down the rabbit hole with them. I didn't find the "multiple endings" annoying, rather it leads to an ambiguity that would have made Cordova proud. Another criticism I came across was that Cordova's films didn't even sound that scary. I think that shows little imagination or understanding of scary movies....it is rarely the plot that is scary but rather the way it filmed, the score, the tension, that makes a thing scary. And I assume that Cordova was the master of it. I found it interesting that the plots of his movies all dealt with depravity of man without any supernatural elements. I can't help but think Pessel did this intentionally.
The other thing I appreciated: though the novel had all of the elements of horror...supernatural stuff, S&M clubs, spooky kids, dream sequences, it was all very PG. But in no way boring.
What was distracting, I will agree is the abundant use of italics. At first I even thought there must be a secret second novel made up of the italicized words...there were so many! Also, she describes Ashley with dark hair and then has colored pictures of her with light brown hair...distracting!
Other than that, loved it and will try to be patient for another 7 years while Pessel reinvents another genre.

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Red Sparrow

TyRed Sparrow by Jason Matthews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like me a great spy novel. This was a spy novel but it was not great. It had some great concepts, however, that were never fully realized, and some pretty lame filler. The best part of the book is the recipes at the end of each chapter that told how to make foods that the characters ate in the preceding chapter. Needless to say the characters ate a lot. But for a foodie like me, it was a great tie-in. They all sounded delicious.
Another great concept is Dominika, the newbie spy, can see colors around other people, indicating that they are warm, trustworthy, or evil, sinister. Does she ever really put that to good use? No. In fact, she often misreads things like an ordinary person, so what is the use of her super power?
She is also essentially forced to go to Sparrow school, where spies learn to seduce to gain information. It is too detailed in my opinion, of degrading sexual exploitation. Especially since she never uses the techniques she learns. It only serves to make her hate the people she works for. Which could have been done in a different way.
I'll admit I liked Nate, the American spy, and his colleague Benford. MARBLE, the asset, was equally likeable. The plot and characters were pretty cliche for a spy novel, but I liked it nonetheless. John le Carre it is not, but if you feel like Polish dumplings along with your double cross, it's not too bad.

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Reached

Reached by Ally Condie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Why does every author writing in YA fiction feel like they have to write a trilogy? What was magic with Matched gets watered down, repetitive, and grinds to a halt before we reached the end of the series. If Stephanie Meyers doesn't have a poetic bone in her body, Condie more than makes up for it. The problem is, that as much as I like poetry, it tends to be achingly slow. And this novel flows like crystallized honey. Which is stored somewhere in that wasps nest she refers to at least 5 times but has no significance. That is the other problem with this lyrical book...she refers to objects, colors, and events so many times you feel there must be some hidden meaning, but no, just everything in Cassia's world reminds her of something trivial that happened in book 1 or 2, so read up before you attempt to plow through this. It was an okay story, just disappointed how it dribbled out at the end, when it had such a promising start.

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Enders Game

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It had a clear narrative, great story with an awesome twist, and plenty of Big Issues to think about, namely, why do we go to war (literally and figuratively) and what should our strategy be? Is there room for compassion or do you have to beat your opponent so badly he will never think about hurting you again? How do we judge those who are different than us and could a clear line of communication be all that is needed to resolve conflict? How is how we judge others linked in with how we judge ourselves?
Although it is about children, the mood is darker than I thought it would be (esp. with the word game in the title) but it paved the way for Harry and Katnis, and did a better job of it.
The only part that seemed confusing/extraneous was the story line of Valentine and Peter in their roles as political commentators.

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Gone Girl

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book with an intriguing twist. I didn't like any of the characters, though, and without a character to empathize with, it was hard to get involved whole-heartedly. It made me think about what love is, what marriage is, and how by binding yourself legally, financially, emotionally to another person, it changes you. How it changes you, for the good or the bad, is that wholly up to you, or does it depend on the person we chose to bind ourselves to? The decaying town was the perfect backdrop for this decaying, sick relationship.

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The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story opens with the hanging of a jongleurs, or a traveling storyteller, and it is essentially the story of why and how that happened and the characters involved in that scheme. The story is told like a jongleurs might tell it, with characters that are either very good and wise and others that are evil and cruel, though none of them essentially change. There is love and death, epic battles and amazing miracles. There is witchcraft and politics, pious monks and ruthless nobility. There is much hardship and suffering, small triumphs and dissappointments. But in the end, like every good story, everyone gets what he deserves. Oh yeah, and during this all a cathedral is built...a framework to hang the rest of the story on. If you are looking for a good story, this is a good story...but don't expect much else.
What I liked about the story: the clever and sometimes unexpected ways that the characters were able to overcome trials, especially Prior Phillip; that some of the men of God were rewarded with inspiration and miracles for their faithfulness and were portrayed as smart, clever, and compassionate.
What I didn't like: the sex scenes didn't need to be so detailed, in my opinion; there were several pages of descriptive architecture language that was hard to get through. An illustration here or there could have helped.

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BHG.com / Food / Desserts & Baking / Caramel Desserts log in join now! Caramel Desserts Get your caramel fix with one of our caramel dessert recipes that could satisfy even the most intense cravings. Wow your guests with sweet-and-salty combinations, or go straight for a sticky-sweet caramel overload. Whatever way you want it, we've got caramel desserts covered. By Myra Krieger-Coen save print comments SHARE related links Our Best Fall Pies and Tarts Fall is a wonderful time to try new pie recipes be... Healthy Fall Desserts Warm up with one of these fabulous fall dessert id... Our Best-Ever Fall Recipes from Better Homes and Gardens Every year, our Test Kitchen staff and Better Home... Must-Try Two-Layer Pumpkin Bread Go for two layers of pumpkin bread in one recipe. ... Your Comment: PREV1/26|view allNEXT Walnut Cake with Caramel Whipped Cream Caramel plays a delightful role in both the whipped cream and drizzling sauce in this walnut cake recipe, making it a sweet two-for-one caramel deal. Walnut Cake with Caramel Whipped Cream 12345 Makes: 12 servings Prep: 25 mins Bake: 35 mins to 40 mins 325°F save to recipe box Salted Caramel-Ginger Macaroons Impress guests with this sweet-and-salty French recipe. A few drops of yellow food coloring give the cookie its earthy hue, with a beautiful caramel color that is au naturel. Salted Caramel-Ginger Macaroons 12345 Yield: About 30 sandwich cookies Prep: 35 mins Stand: 30 mins per batch Bake: 9 mins save to recipe box Try all our salted caramel recipes! Dried Pear and Chocolate-Caramel Tart Sweet, juicy pears meet smooth, rich caramel and chocolate in this rustic make-ahead dessert recipe. Cinnamon and nutmeg play supporting roles to bring in fabulous fall-spiced flavor. Don't forget to add extra caramel sauce to each slice! Dried Pear and Chocolate Caramel Tart 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 35 mins Cool: 1 hr Bake: 10 mins 450°F save to recipe box Caramel-Toffee Cheesecake Creamy cheesecake, rich caramel, and chocolate-covered toffee pieces form a delicious dessert trifecta. A gingerbread crust adds another dimension to this caramel dessert with a satisfying crunch. Caramel-Toffee Cheesecake 12345 Makes: 16 servings Prep: 45 mins Bake: 1 hr 30 mins 350°F Cool: 2 hrs save to recipe box Find the perfect dessert just for you! Caramel-Apple Pudding Cake This gooey dessert combines raisin-caramel cake with warm cinnamon-apple pudding. It will be hard not to have all 12 servings by yourself! Caramel-Apple Pudding Cake 12345 Makes: 12 servings Prep: 25 mins Bake: 25 mins 350°F save to recipe box Caramel Apple-Cherry Pie The recipe for this fruit-packed pie calls for orange juice, lemon peel, and vanilla bean paste to complement its cranberry-apple filling. The end result looks and tastes just like fall! Caramel Apple-Cherry Pie 12345 Makes: 10 servings Prep: 2 hrs Chill: 40 mins Bake: 1 hr 15 mins 350° save to recipe box Avoid Burnt Crust Create a colorful and equally scrumptious Caramel Apple-Cherry Pie! Learn how to make a fall-leaf piecrust and protect the delicate layer from burning in the oven. Hazelnut and Cherry Caramel Clusters It only takes six ingredients to make these tasty bites that pack a flavorful punch. A generous drip of caramel goes a long way with the almonds and dried cranberries. Hazelnut and Cherry Caramel Clusters 12345 Yield: 18 pieces Stand: 1 hr 10 mins Start to Finish: 30 mins save to recipe box Caramel Apple Pie Add caramel to make a classic an instant favorite. If the caramel alone doesn't have you convinced, the sweet and crunchy brown sugar crumb topping will make you unable to resist. Caramel Apple Pie 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 40 mins Bake: 50 mins 375°F save to recipe box Salted Caramel-Chocolate-Bourbon Cupcakes Adult guests can get their sweet fix and night cap with one bite of this dessert! Just a bit of bourbon goes into this sweet-and-salty cupcake recipe for an irresistible flavor combination. Salted Caramel-Chocolate-Bourbon Cupcakes 12345 Makes: 32 servings Yield: 32 to 34 (2-1/2 inch) cupcakes Prep: 50 mins Stand: 30 mins Bake: 18 mins 325°F save to recipe box Cappuccino-Caramel Oat Bars A coffee-lover's dream dessert, these bars are packed with robust coffee flavor! Enjoy them with your after-meal cup of joe for the perfect coffee-caramel combo. Cappuccino-Caramel Oat Bars 12345 Yield: 48 bars Prep: 30 mins Bake: 20 mins 350°F save to recipe box Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls Put these warm and gooey caramel-pecan rolls on the table as a dessert that ends your day on a high note or a breakfast that ensures a sweet start. Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls 12345 Yield: 24 rolls Prep: 25 mins Rise: 1 hr Bake: 20 mins to 25 mins 375° save to recipe box Almond Flan with Golden Caramel Golden almond custard brimming with caramel sauce promises a sweet experience. Stick your serving plate in the oven for a minute to help the caramel spread with ease. Almond Flan with Golden Caramel 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 30 mins Bake: 50 mins 350°F Cool: 30 mins save to recipe box Chocolate Chunk and Caramel Pecan Pie Those with a sweet tooth will be giving thanks for this rich, chocolaty, and oh-so-sweet pecan pie topped with a luxurious, golden caramel drizzle for the ultimate sugar kick. Chocolate Chunk and Caramel Pecan Pie 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 35 mins Cool: 30 mins Bake: 45 mins 350°F save to recipe box Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Caramel Thumbprint Cookies Use a spoon to make your mark on these cookies by creating a small dip in each one to later fill with gooey caramel and chocolate. Top with a whole hazelnut to add an elegant finishing touch. Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Caramel Thumbprint Cookies 12345 Yield: about 36 cookies Prep: 40 mins Chill: 1 hr Bake: 10 mins 350°F per batch save to recipe box Aztec Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Basic caramel corn is a thing of the past. This recipe spices things up by adding chocolate, cinnamon, and espresso to the mix. An optional dash of ancho chile powder creates sweet heat. Aztec Chocolate Caramel Popcorn 12345 Makes: 40 servings Yield: 20 cups Prep: 30 mins Bake: 20 mins Oven: 300°F save to recipe box Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie This no-bake pie recipe hides a decadent layer of caramel and pecans under the fluffy, indulgent chocolate filling. Use a leaf-shape cookie cutter to create a decorative piecrust perfect for fall. Caramel-Pecan French Silk Pie 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 40 mins Chill: 5 hrs to 24 hrs Cook: 15 mins save to recipe box Caramel-Hazelnut Brownies Think brownies can't get any better? This brownie recipe with a bit of hazelnut liqueur and a decadent layer of caramel will change your mind. Caramel-Hazelnut Brownies 12345 Makes: 36 servings Prep: 30 mins Bake: 45 mins 350°F Chill: 15 mins save to recipe box Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake The fact that you can make a mouthwatering cake with cranberries, apples, caramel, and pecans in under an hour is sure to turn your world upside-down. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake 12345 Makes: 8 servings Prep: 35 mins Cook: 8 mins Bake: 30 mins 350°F save to recipe box