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The Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The World Atlas of Coffee, 3rd Edition
James Hoffmann
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729868, $39.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/World-Atlas-Coffee-3rd-explained/dp/1784729868
Readers might wonder at the need for a third updated edition of a book like The World Atlas of Coffee, but the expanding world of coffee requires constant updating to reflect new coffees, brewing mechanisms, ideals about coffee making and consumption, and influences on taste. This blends a history of coffee around the world with keys to understanding different approaches to its brewing and appreciation. It embraces nearly fifty countries, offering in-depth knowledge that usually is limited to the coffee industry rather than the consumer. Packed with color photos and illustrations and covering everything from coffee grinders to drinks and growing regions around the world, The World Atlas of Coffee is the one book that should be in any library as an authoritative guide.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Farm Kitchen
Abby Allen
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193075, $24.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Kitchen-Seasonal-Recipes-Garden/dp/1804193070
The Farm Kitchen: Seasonal Recipes from Field, Coast and Garden is the second book by the Pipers Farm folk to promote and cover ethical food with recipes for meat, fish, and vegetables gleaned from sustainable ingredients. These easy recipes are arranged by season and include a wide range of cultural influences, pairing full-page color photos of dishes as diverse as Mutton Chops with Beetroot Hummus and Dukkah, an Autumn Gardener's Bolognese, or a summer Chicken Schnitzel Burger with Cucumber Pickle. The diversity and attraction of these original recipes makes The Farm Kitchen a winner for anyone interested in utilizing fresh farm produce and ingredients for maximum flavor and easy preparation.
(Almost) Instant Noodles
Lily Martin
Hamlyn/Octopus Publishing
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600639527, $19.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Instant-Noodles-Ultimate-Speedy/dp/0600639525
(Almost) Instant Noodles: Rapid Ramen, Ultimate Udon, Speedy Stir Fries and More! covers all types of noodle dishes, arranging them thematically in chapters of main courses, soups, side dishes, and instant pot and other quick noodle concoctions. Recipes will appreciate the facing photos of completed dishes on nearly every page and the inclusion of such innovative fare as a Prawn and Fennel Curry, Aubergine and Sesame Salad, and Hoisin and Orange Veggie Stir-Fry. The dishes embrace the idea of quick, flavorful results with a minimum of special ingredients or fuss. (Almost) Instant Noodles offers the perfect recipes for success and home cooking enjoyment.
The Fromagerie
Claude Luisier
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781840919158, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fromagerie-Secrets-Recipes-Swiss-Cheesemaker/dp/1840919159
The Fromagerie: Exploring Pairing and Enjoying Cheese narrows the cheese focus to French and Swiss cheeses. It comes from a cheesemaker who features some 50 cheeses in recipes and history. Would-be cheesemakers and those who would learn more about these regions receive a travelogue that covers the different cheeses, which combines nicely with a history of how they are crafted and differ. Full-page color photos accompany recipes that range from an Asparagus and Ham Salad with Arradoy Shavings to a Swiss Gratin de Cornettes from the author's childhood. Full-page color photos complete this book's appeal and top recommendation for inclusion in any cheese lover's collection.
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
Two small cookbooks make perfect stocking stuffers and gifts for new cooks, offering recipes and formats that are inviting rather than daunting.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Spice-Cookbook-Recipes-irresistible/dp/0600639487
Eloise Goode's The Pumpkin Spice Cookbook (9780600639480, $12.99) presents some 40 recipes using pumpkin spice flavors, from pies and puddings to brownies, biscuits, and muffins. One might expect that using similar spice flavors would result in a collection that's hardly diverse, but the inclusion of such dishes as Coffee & Walnut Cupcakes, Sticky Toffee and Date Loaf, and Caramel Apple Crumble shows that these recipes, paired with full-page color photos throughout, are anything but similar and are packed with satisfying diversity.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cinnamon-Bun-Cookbook-Recipes-irresistible-ebook/dp/B0D9G1YHDR
Goode's The Cinnamon Bun Cookbook (9780600639466, $12.99) does the same as Pumpkin Spice, cultivating a small size, appealing color photos, and a diversity of recipes based on a spice (cinnamon, in this case) which demonstrates the extent to which it can appeal. From Clove and Cardamom Spice Cookies to Honey, Grape & Cinnamon Tartlets, the range of treats, ease of preparation, and appeal makes this book a winner - especially for those interested in exploring the extent to which spices can be used. Both are wonderful choices for gift-giving that encourage novice cooks to explore.
The Liquor Shelf
Tequila, Mezcal & More
Anna Bruce
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729769, $24.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Mezcal-More-Discover-Spirits/dp/1784729760
Tequila, Mezcal & More: Discover, Sip & Mix the Best Agave Spirits adds to the growing literature about drink mixing with a focus on Mexican-based agave spirits. It comes from a journalist and photographer who considers all kinds of mixed bottled spirits and many different ways to create cocktails from them. From differentiating between tequila and mezcal and what makes an agave-based spirit to discerning flavor differences and visiting mescal bars in Mexico, this bend of history and cookbook is nothing short of engaging, informational, and a 'must' for tequila and mescal drinkers.
The Genealogy Shelf
Genealogy in Reverse
Cheri Hudson Passey
Genealogical Publishing Company
www.genealogical.com
9780806321516, $19.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Genealogy-Reverse-Finding-Practical-Genealogists/dp/0806321512
It may be widely acknowledged that the fine art of genealogical research involves piecing together stories of the past, but Cheri Hudson Passey embraces a different approach in Genealogy in Reverse, which probes the art of finding living relatives who can fill those gaps in family stories and information. Her focus on tapping these relatives offers step-by-step insights into making connections with living family members and following clues that led not just to individuals, but filling in the family tree with current, living knowledge. Researching online, on location, and through a variety of approaches is covered in a survey that builds a fine skill set for anyone who would research their family's history, stories, and influences.
The Autism Shelf
Hi World, I'm Dad
James Guttman
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
www.jkp.com
9781805014249, $18.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/World-Dad-Awareness-Acceptance-Appreciation/dp/1805014242
Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation tackles the big issues involved in raising a non-verbal autistic child, providing a parenting's guide from one who has been there and done that, along with a fatherhood focus that is gender-specific and useful. From understanding traditional perceptions of masculinity both in the community and at home to communicating effectively with an autistic child, Hi World, I'm Dad is important reading for mother and father alike, offering many points of discussion about special child-rearing concerns that the entire family needs to know.
The Music Shelf
Legendary Guitars
Julien Bitoun
Cassell
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781788406321, $60.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Legendary-Guitars-Explore-Worlds-Most/dp/178840632X
Legendary Guitars is an oversized, slipcase tribute to guitars that features full-page stunning color photos by Eleanor Jane. These accompany a review of 100 of the rarest guitars ever made, spanning the 19th century to modern times. If only one guitar history book were to be selected for a library, it should be Julien Bitoun's celebration. Bitoun is a specialist in rock music who gathers a wide range of notable guitars that range from inexpensive to pricey, discussing not just how they were made, but their sounds, how they play, and the artists that employed them. Data on year of manufacture and approximate resale value accompany lively insights on how museum pieces and musical legends are crafted and created, making for an outstanding, highly recommended survey unparalleled in its subject.
The Pets Shelf
Summersdale
www.summersdale.com
Three new books make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations for dog and cat fans.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cats-Plans-World-Domination-Hilarious/dp/1837996490
Sam Hart's My Cat's Plans for World Domination: Hilarious Ways Your Cat is Cleverer Than You Think (9781837996490, $11.99) pairs hilarious, colorful drawings by Tatiana Davidova with real cat facts, making for the perfect pet companion for new cat owners. From territorial actions to getting work done with a cat in residence, these delightfully whimsical one-liners are both realistic and thought-provoking.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Parenting-Illustrated-Understanding-Training/dp/1837995753
Amy Pike, Elizabeth Mullen and Tara Murtagh's Dog Parenting: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding, Training and Bonding with Your Best Friend (9781837995752, $13.99) enjoys illustrations by Fin Kendall as it pairs how-to-train basics with a peppering of whimsical portraits. Many details about the dog training process embrace understanding, compassion, and intention in a different way, giving novice dog owners plenty of food for thought and practical applications.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Language-Dogs-Hilarious-Trying/dp/1837996512
Sam Hart's The Love Language of Dogs: Hilarious Ways Your dog is Trying to Show Their Love (9781837996513, $11.99) enjoys fun drawings by Tatiana Davidova as it surveys dog mishaps, humor, and communication attempts. Dog owners will readily recognize many of these hilarious moments, such as a last-minute dog's sniff before a human leaves the house, while newcomers receive a blend of whimsy and enlightenment which is fun and revealing. These small-sized appealing guides deserve consideration by any animal lover and make perfect gifts for new dog and cat guardians.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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