Ashley's reviews

Highly readable, hilarious, and at times even philosophical, Tweedy's memoir of discovering his passion for writing music and his rise to super-stardom is an excellent read. Like any good rock 'n roll memoir, sex and drugs make their appearance, but his wholesome stories about growing up in a small town, making a family and band-drama are what really make this book a memorable read. - Ashley

Friday Black is the best book of short stories I've read this year. At times I felt like I was reading horror, while other times I was laughing out loud. Adjei-Brenyah's stories are crazy, radical and not recommended for the faint of heart. It's a book that will stick with me for years to come. - Ashley

Everything I’ve tried from this new Moosewood cookbook has been excellent, from So Simple Banana Pancakes to Mushroom and Barley Salad. I love the diversity of recipes throughout (Nori Kale Rolls on one page, Russian Blinis on the next) and that the ingredients are inexpensive. I highly recommend this new book from the always excellent Moosewood Collective. - Ashley

This is a beautiful cookbook! With yogurt, saffron, tahini, and a few sweet additions (like sweet spices, orange zest, and pomegranate seeds) you can pretty much make anything in this book with things already found in a typical American kitchen. The Turkish Eggs with Spinach, Chili and Yoghurt Cream is fantastic, and the Potato Salad with Peas and Persian Spices is excellent and so easy to make. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to expand their palate without having to spend too much time or money doing so. - Ashley

This is an excellent book, perfect for people who love wine but don’t yet have the vocabulary to talk about it. I had a great time drinking my way through it and found myself making more informed and less stressful purchases. It covers the basics—like how to pour and serve, how to store a bottle at home, and what to do with leftovers—and it also includes tons of technical information and terminology for those who want to be nerdy about it. And most important, it is quick and easy to reference, even when you’re already a few glasses in. Cheers! - Ashley

This is not a How to Be Alone (though Jonathan Franzen’s essay collection is worth reading); it’s an exploration into loneliness as represented in the art of lonely artists. Laing beautifully examines well-known artists like Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol and introduces us to lesser known and incredibly interesting people like Henry Darger and David Wojnarowicz. After reading this book I found myself wanting more “alone” time with art. The Lonely City is a meditative read. - Ashley

Murder, revenge and unforgivable transgressions scar the pages of Tóibín’s latest novel. In his brutal retelling of the classical Greek tragedy, Clytemnestra vows revenge after Agamemnon’s sacrificial slaughter of their eldest daughter. I appreciated the first-person narrative accounts of the women in this book, although they were rife with hostility. Not recommended for the faint of heart! - Ashley

My favorite thing about this book is that it leaves you wanting to read more; full of literary references and name-dropping galore! A biography that’s more adventure than simply a book of facts, Hemingway and Dos Passos, saving lives to great effect. Two literary giants inspired by wartime woes, dodging bullets while their writing skills grow. It’s a quick read and lot’s fun, especially if you're like me and into WWI. - Ashley

In the not-so-distant future, a diverse cast of characters inherit a New York that has been flooded and overwhelmed as a result of the environmental, economic, and social disasters we are facing today. New York 2140 is timely and relevant and more realistic than the sci-fi I typically read. Significantly, it purposes a future in which ethics and moral reasoning are still being undermined by the status quo. I’d recommend reading it with friends! - Ashley

Local author Beverly Molina's book is fantastic! It's a straightforward guide/memoir about listening to oneself, living in the moment & overcoming fear! Molina tells the story of her transition from working in Silicon Valley to pursuing her dream of serving people through compassion. Her journey of self-discovery leads her on the path to becoming a firefighter! A must read for inspiration seekers! –Ashley