The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean

So now I want to buy an orchid -- a pretty one, one my cats won't devour. I enjoyed The Orchid Thief but found it tedious at times when author Susan Orlean steered off course, dealing more with the history of the Seminoles than the story of the orchids and their often-addicted lovers. I learned much from this book and would recommend it to other plant and non-fiction lovers.This is one of the few adult books I've ever read where I honestly believe photographs would have been good even though I realize they limit the imagination. The book also could have used a plant glossary, especially for the neophyte orchid and bromeliad admirers among us. It's a great book, though, and it left me wondering -- what might John Laroche be enamored with these days -- turtles, mirrors, computer porn or perhaps orchids once again? .... If you liked this book, you'll probably also like Miles Harvey's Island of Lost Maps.
By the way, The Orchid Thief was made into a movie, which was good albeit so different from the book, it was amusing if not downright irritating. For what it's worth, the movie, unlike the book, was clearly fiction, almost a satire of Fargo.

Christmas Recommendations for Children

For young readers, here are some recommendations. In some cases, older children, even adults, also will enjoy these books. Some of these also are good books for parents to read aloud to even younger children -- Silverstein's works, for instance.

Any of the late Shel Silverstein's works of poetry but especially Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree. He has a CD of the former in which he reads his poetry.

For girls, the Junie B. Jones series of chapter books. Not great literature, but a good introduction to light, fun reading. You'll also find that elementary-school girls beyond the first grade enjoy Junie B.'s adventures.

Any of Kay Thompson's classic Eloise books -- from just plain Eloise to Eloise in Paris to Eloise at Christmas. Movie tie-in now being aired on cable.

The Olivia books about the precious pig by Ian Falconer. TV tie-in.

The classics such as Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox and Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, both of which have movie tie-ins.

Carole Boston Weatherford's Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom.

Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library, an adaptation for children of the best-selling book.

Jan Karon's Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny. Fans of the Mitford series will enjoy the author's story for children.

Doreen Cronin's Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, Duck for President, Giggle Giggle Quack and Thump Quack Moo: A Whacky Adventure, especially the first two.

Helen Palmer's A Fish Out of Water. Good reading especially when you buy your first goldfish.

Almost any of Jan Brett's wonderfully illustrated books, but especially The Night Before Christmas, The Mitten and On Noah's Ark, the latter referring to the full-sized book, not the board book.

For younger children, especially those adopted from other countries, Rose Lewis' Crazy Cakes and Carrie Kitze's I Don't Have Your Eyes.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss.

Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas.

For mature children, Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory, keeping in mind that this story can be appreciated on different levels.

And reading-level appropriate subscriptions to such magazines as Highlights for Children, the National Wildlife Federation's Ranger Rick or Your Big Backyard and National Geographic Kids among others.

And of course, there's always Harry Potter.....

More to come another day....

Meantime, why don't you share a few of your favorite recommendations for children?

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

If you like to read about food, travel and home improvement, Under the Tuscan Sun is the book for you. I read it for a discussion at the now-defunct Savvy Traveler bookstore in downtown Chicago, and I loved it. The book made me want to try the author's recipe for sage butter ravioli, not to mention return to Tuscany, perhaps on a culinary tour. When I went there many years ago, I have to confess I had no idea I was even in Tuscany and didn't appreciate the region's food offerings. I want to go back now that I know a bit more about food and the country. At times, Mayes' writing is tedious, laden with boring details, but her content overcomes this weakness. I also greatly enjoyed her sequel, Bella Tuscany. Movie-goers, the film is very different from the book, which is void of any sexy waiters like the hunk in the popular film. So, don't read this book expecting any romance except, that is, for the romance of food and Italy.

How to Cook a Tart by Nina Killham

To whom would I recommend this book with the fun title, How to Cook a Tart? Anyone who wants a light mystery and doesn't mind stupid endings. ... OK, I bought the book because the independent booksellers recommended it on their Booksense list. I also was impressed by the food angle. Well, there's not much food writing herein. OK, I can deal with that. But the plot was, shall I say, over the top. I can deal with that, too. But the ending, excuse me. It was so ridiculous, it was insulting. Did the Booksense reviewer really read the whole book??