Teaser Tuesday: Portlandness

What if Portland's neighborhoods were defined by the sensory experience of living in them, like the things you can hear or smell? Most strong smells in Portland originate from particular types of pungent businesses, such as coffee roasters, breweries, bakeries, or (less pleasantly) heavy chemical industries or roof tarring.  

-- Portlandness: A Cultural Atlas by David Banis and Hunter Shobe, published by Sasquatch Books.

Portlandness is a book of "new cartography" that depicts Portland's "culturalness" through 150 infographic maps, including the one described above that maps Portland by the way neighborhoods smell. It is one of my favorite maps in the book because that hoppy brewery smell so common in Portland always reminds me of going downtown as a kid, back when the Henry Winhard brewery made most of downtown smell like that.

Authors David Banis and Hunter Shobe both work as geographers at Portland State University, studying how people connect to places and environments and how cartographers can tell stories with maps.

Here is the review from The Oregonian. Portlandness is a great mix of cartography, sociology, and graphic design.  It is definitely a good Christmas present idea for the wonkier friends and Portland lovers on your gift list.

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.

Book Beginning: Portlandness: A Cultural Atlas

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

TIE IN: The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice is a natural tie in with this event and there is a lot of cross over, so many people combine the two. The idea is to post a teaser from page 56 of the book you are reading and share a link to your post. Find details and the Linky for your Friday 56 post on Freda’s Voice.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

Maps have a strong hold on people's imaginations. When presented with a map, most people take it as authority -- this is what's in this place.  

-- Portlandness: A Cultural Atlas by David Banis and Hunter Shobe, published by Sasquatch Books.

This book of "new cartography" includes 150 infographic maps of Portland and explores the "culturalness" of the city, including it quirky side, like city chickens, wild coyote encounters, fests and paloozas, strip clubs, food-truck trends, and (of course) coffee and beer. It is a great mix of cartography, sociology, and graphic design.

Authors David Banis and Hunter Shobe both work as geographers at Portland State University, studying how people connect to places and environments and how cartographers can tell stories with maps.

Here is the review from The Oregonian. Definitely a good Christmas present idea for the wonkier friends and Portland lovers on your gift list.

Teaser Tuesday: Ancient Places

It is tempting to wonder if Ice Age floodwaters somehow contributed to such deft adaptations. The succession of floods that crashed across the Columbia Basin would have carried innumerable seeds along with the soil that was swept away.

-- Ancient Places: People and Landscape in the Emerging Northwest by Jack Nisbet, published by my favorite Sasquatch Books.

Nisbet is a historian, author and teacher focussing on the connection between human and natural history in the Pacific Northwest.  Ancient Places is a lively and engaging collection nonfiction stories about the region that is now Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Holiday shopping? Ancient Places would make a great choice for your Pacific Northwest friends, fans of Annie Dillard or John McPhee, or eclectic non-fiction lovers on your holiday list!

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.

Book Beginning: Ancient Places by Jack Nisbet

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

TIE IN: The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice is a natural tie in with this event and there is a lot of cross over, so many people combine the two. The idea is to post a teaser from page 56 of the book you are reading and share a link to your post. Find details and the Linky for your Friday 56 post on Freda’s Voice.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

In early November 1792, Hudson's Bay Company fur agent David Thompson led a crew of hungry men through the wilderness of lakes that exteded north and west of their York Factory headquarters on the bay.

-- Ancient Places: People and Landscape in the Emerging Northwest by Jack Nisbet, published by my favorite Sasquatch Books.

This collection of nonfiction stories explores the connection between human history and natural history in the region that is now Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Ancient Places would make a great choice for the history or nature lover on your holiday shopping list!

Book Beginning: The 52 Lists Project

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

TIE IN: The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice is a natural tie in with this event and there is a lot of cross over, so many people combine the two. The idea is to post a teaser from page 56 of the book you are reading and share a link to your post. Find details and the Linky for your Friday 56 post on Freda’s Voice.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

The act of list making is such an essential part of our everyday lives, whether we jot down those lists on paper or create plans in our minds.

-- The 52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration by Moorea Seal, coincidentally published by Sasquatch Books.

The 52 List Project isn't a book to read, it is a journal to keep, with beautiful pictures and prompts to inspire 52 weeks of journal writing. I can't resist a list, so I just love this. And based on it's universal appeal with every woman who has seen it sitting on my desk, I've decided to make it my default Christmas gift this year.

Mailbox Monday

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

Two books came into my house last week and they both look great:



Certainty by Victor Bevine. This historical novel is inspired by a true scandal in Newport, Rhode Island near the end of World War I, when a local Episcopal priest was accused of sexual impropriety with Navy sailors.



Ancient Places: People and Landscape in the Emerging Northwest by Jack Nisbet, published by my favorite Sasquatch Books. This is a collection of nonfiction stories about the connection between human history and natural history.

Jack Nisbet will be reading and signing Ancient Places at Powell's Books in Portland on November 19, 2015 at 7:30 pm.

Mailbox Monday: Portlandness: A Cultural Atlas

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

One very cool new book came into my house last week:



Portlandness: A Cultural Atlas by David Banis and Hunter Shobe, published by Sasquatch Books.

This book of "new cartography" includes 150 infographic maps of Portland and explores the city's quirky side, like city chickens, wild coyote encounters, strip clubs, food-truck trends, and (of course) coffee and beer culture. It is a great mix of cartography, sociology, and graphic design.

Authors David Banis and Hunter Shobe both work as geographers at Portland State University, studying how people connect to places and environments and how cartographers can tell stories with maps.

Review: The Lemon Cookbook

Ellen Jackson has produced the cookbook equivalent of a cheery bowl of lemons, The Lemon Cookbook: 50 Sweet & Savory Recipes to Brighten Every Meal. Everyone should have one on their kitchen counter.

This is not a big book, but it is perfect. Jackson, a classically trained pastry chef and food stylist, gets all the details right, from the bright, sunny cover, to the beautiful photographs and watercolor illustrations, to the selection of recipes.

The recipes are a reasonable mix of simple and more complex, with nothing too difficult for home cook. All try to have something a little novel to them, like charring the lemon for the chimichurri, adding parmesan and pepper to make a savory lemon biscotti, and using brown sugar in a meringue. The book could get by on its charm, but the recipes really do look good!

The Lemon Cookbook is my new Go To gift for weekend visits, new kitchens, house warmings, wedding showers, and for everyone living in a sunny climate with a lemon tree in their backyard. Yes, Mom and Dad, I mean you.

OTHER REVIEWS

The Oregonian

If you would like your review of The Lemon Cookbook listed here, please leave a  comment with a link and I will list it.

Mailbox Monday

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

A mixed trio of books came into my house last week:



The Lemon Cookbook: 50 Sweet & Savory Recipes to Brighten Every Meal by Ellen Jackson, published by Sasquatch Books. The bright sunny cover is irresistible!



The Anger Meridian by Kaylie Jones, published by Akashic Books, creator of the popular city-themed Noir Series. This looks like a murder mystery Mommy Dearest mashup.



The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan. I snagged this 2014 Booker Prize winner from a Little Free Library!

Teaser Tuesday: Your Life is a Book by Brenda Peterson and Sarah Jane Freymann

Although you are likely the main character in your memoir, populate it with other vulnerable and petty, sometimes wonderfully generous, and often annoyingly or endearingly quirky people (and other creatures). The reader will feel greater warmth and kinship toward you if you aren’t always the main player or the humor.

-- Your Life is a Book: How to Craft and Publish Your Memoir by Brenda Peterson and Sarah Jane Freymann, published by Sasquatch Books.

The authors of Your Life is a Book break down the memoir-writing process into particular and palatable chapters. Each chapter includes practical and creative advice, as well as exercises, writing prompts, and publishing tips. Even if you are not writing for publication, this book may inspire and guide you to write your own “legacy memoir” to hand down to your family.

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.

Book Beginning: Your Life is a Book by Brenda Peterson & Sarah Jane Freymann

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

With this book, we hope to help you write the best memoir possible from the often confusing, exhilarating, and unexpected raw material of your life.

-- From the authors' User's Guide to Your Life is a Book: How to Craft and Publish Your Memoir by Brenda Peterson and Sarah Jane Freymann, published by Sasquatch Books.

A memoir is like a love story, with all the ecstasies, disappointments, and turning points of any relationship. And at the end, you might be surprised to discover that the love of your life is – your life.

– From Part 1: "Crafting Your Memoir."

Your Life is a Book is an indispensable companion for anyone thinking of writing their memoir, especially with the hope of getting it published. Peterson is a writing teacher and author. Freeman is a literary agent who has led memoir workshops since 2009.

Teaser Tuesday: Make It Mighty Ugly by Kim Piper Werker

This grand adventure is what led me directly into the arms of Mighty Ugly just a couple of years later. All my fear of being misunderstood, my shame about being different, how stuck I felt about what to do next – I found it all together and started making ugly things.

-- Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises & Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty: A Handbook for Vanquishing Creative Demons by Kim Piper Werker.

Make It Mighty Ugly is about overcoming "demons" like procrastination, self-doubt, and perfectionism to be more creative.  Werker identifies common demons, then provides advice and hands-on exercises to start creating things and sustain your creative habits,

I usually associate creativity with arts-and-crafts, DIY projects, and maybe fiction writing. My hope is to apply Werker's advice and techniques in my law practice to think more creatively of how to help my clients and resolve the conflicts they are involved in.

This is one of the great books in the Sasquatch Books fall catalog.

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.

Book Beginning: Make It Mighty Ugly by Kim Piper Werker

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

You could fill a very big boat with books like this one, about creativity and overcoming creative challenges. . . . [T]hose books seem to share a couple of troubling qualities that defeat the purpose of encouraging creativity and habits. Those useless qualities are cheerleading and hand-waving.

-- From the author's Introduction to Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises & Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty: A Handbook for Vanquishing Creative Demons by Kim Piper Werker.

I make ugly things on purpose.

– From "Part 1: Name the Demons."

Make It Mighty Ugly is about overcoming "demons" like procrastination, self-doubt, and perfectionism to be more creative. I usually associate creativity with arts-and-crafts, DIY projects, and maybe fiction writing. But I think Werker's book can help me  in my law practice because I think the same demons restrict creative thinking in the workplace.

This is one of the great books in the Sasquatch Books fall catalog.

Mailbox Monday

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

I've been out of town for a while and three very different non-fiction books came to my house in my absence:



Of all the Gin Joints: Stumbling through Hollywood History by Mark Bailey, illustrated by Edward Hemingway.



Your Life is a Book: How to Craft and Publish Your Memoir by Brenda Peterson and Sarah Jane Freymann.



Their Name is Today: Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World by Jackson Christopher Arnold.

Mailbox Monday: Make It Mighty Ugly

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

I got one book last week, and I already started reading it:



Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises & Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty: A Handbook for Vanquishing Creative Demons by Kim Piper Werker. I saw this in the Sasquatch Books fall catalog and was immediately drawn to it. 

Make It Mighty Ugly is about overcoming "demons" like procrastination, self-doubt, and perfectionism to be more creative. I usually associate creativity with arts-and-crafts, DIY projects, and maybe fiction writing. But I plan to read Werker's book with and eye to my law practice because I think the same demons restrict creative thinking in the workplace.

Book Beginning: Honey & Oats: Everyday Favorites Baked with Whole Grains and Natural Sweeteners by Jennifer Katzinger

THANKS FOR JOINING ME ON FRIDAYS FOR BOOK BEGINNING FUN!

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader has a Facebook page where I post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it. I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I try to follow all Book  Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNING



MY BOOK BEGINNING

As a young woman I had an amazing role model who was talented at any number of things, but everyone agreed Holly could make the tastiest scones.

-- Honey & Oats: Everyday Favorites Baked with Whole Grains and Natural Sweeteners by Jennifer Katzinger (Author), Charity Burggraaf (Photographer), and Julie Hopper (Contributor).

Ever since I recently read Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food, I have been trying to diversify my diet, including introducing more whole grains. This new cookbook is the perfect motivator. Filled with beautiful photographs on matte pages, Honey & Oats offers 75 friendly recipes for home bakers trying to incorporate healthy alternatives into their sweet and savory baked goods.

Best of all, unlike the carob and tofu concoctions my mother foisted on us in the 1970s under the banner of "Health Food," the treats in Honey & Oats actually taste good!

Sasquatch Books just keeps turning out lush, gorgeous cookbooks like Honey & Oats.  They have harnessed some great talent and produce a first-class product.

Mailbox Monday: Honey & Oats

Thanks for joining me for Mailbox Monday! MM was created by Marcia, who graciously hosted it for a long, long time, before turning it into a  touring event. Mailbox Monday has now returned to its permanent home where you can link to your MM post.

I got one terrific book last week:



Honey & Oats: Everyday Favorites Baked with Whole Grains and Natural Sweeteners by Jennifer Katzinger (Author), Charity Burggraaf (Photographer), and Julie Hopper (Contributor).

Filled with beautiful photographs on matte pages, Honey & Oats offers 75 friendly recipes for home bakers trying to incorporate healthy alternatives into their sweet and savory baked goods.

Sasquatch Books just keeps turning out lush, gorgeous cookbooks like Honey & Oats.  They have harnessed some great talent and produce a first-class product.

WEEKEND COOKING

Hosted by Beth Fish Reads

Teaser Tuesday: Put an Egg on It by Lara Ferroni

Still, it was many years before I thought adding an egg to sandwiches or pizza was a good idea. I don't quite remember what prompted it, but I do recall vividly that I was sitting in a plaza in Rome when I finally decided I should try an egg on a pizza and discovered what I been missing all those years.

-- from the author's Introduction to Put an Egg on It: 70 Delicious Dishes That Deserve a Sunny Topping by Lara Ferroni, published by Sasquatch Books. 

I have the same fond food memory of ordering a pizza in Italy and having it arrive with an egg on it. It was a mind-bending experience for a 19-year-old. 

This is a terrific cookbook! Full of simple but delicious recipes and lots of gorgeous, mouth-watering pictures. Perfect gift!

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event. 

Book Beginning: Put an Egg on It by Lara Ferroni

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.

EARLY BIRDS & SLOWPOKES: This weekly post goes up Thursday evening for those who like to get their posts up and linked early on. But feel free to add a link all week.

FACEBOOK: Rose City Reader now has a Facebook page. I plan to post about new and favorite books, book events, and other bookish tidbits, as well as link to blog posts. I'd love a "Like" on the page! You can go to the page here to Like it, or click the button over there in the right hand column.  I am happy to Like you back if you have a blog or professional Facebook page, so please leave a comment with a link and I will find you.

TWITTER, ETC: If you are on Twitter, Google+, or other social media, please post using the hash tag #BookBeginnings. I am trying to follow all Book Beginnings participants on whatever interweb sites you are on, so please let me know if I have missed any and I will catch up.

MR. LINKY



MY BOOK BEGINNING

It never fails.  When I look at a menu, my eyes magically zoom to any dish where an egg appears.

-- from the author's Introduction to Put an Egg on It: 70 Delicious Dishes That Deserve a Sunny Topping by Lara Ferroni. 

I absolutely LOVE this cookbook! The recipes are simple but creative and there are gorgeous pictures for almost every dish.  It would be a great gift for any cook, but the PERFECT gift for new cooks setting up house for the first time.

Put an Egg on It is another attractive and inspiring cookbook from Sasquatch Books, one of my very favorite independent publishers.

Teaser Tuesday: Trophy Cupcakes & Parties

The great thing about a rustic French buffet is that it's completely kid-friendly, so there's no need to make separate food for them. Baguettes with butter and ham or cheese and crunchy cucumbers, carrots, and haricots vert are a favorite among les petits-enfants.

-- Trophy Cupcakes & Parties! Deliciously Fun Party Ideas and Recipes from Seattle's Prize-Winning Cupcake Bakery by Jennifer Shea, photographs by Rena Jordan.

This is the perfect present for the hip entertainer on your list!  Another lively and inspiring book from Sasquatch Books. 

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.