He Is the Gift

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Book #13 in the series.
Mr. Smith immerses the reader so thoroughly in the Botswana culture, that you simply must slow your pace, relax, and sip at something while you read this series of books. There definitely is a “formula” to each of the books: several difficult challenges or conflicts are presented in the early chapters, then, slowly and surely, each of those conflicts are resolved and all is well again with the world. . . until the next book. I usually tire of a series, especially one as long as this. But I’m still enjoying them, so I’ll keep reading them.




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Garlic and Sapphires

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book. It’s Ruth Reichl’s experiences as The New York Times restaurant critic. I loved reading about her disguises and how each revealed different parts of her personality. I loved reading about fine dining in New York City and all of the delicious and fancy dishes. I was fascinated with the restaurant culture and how differently she was treated, depending on her disguise. The book even contains recipes that I’m anxious to try. I read this while on a cruise, so the timing was perfect. She would describe a dish and then I’d get to try it! The author has written several books and I can’t wait to read more.



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