Kathy Hester

I'm not a vegan (or even a vegetarian) but I got this cookbook because I wanted to try to make some healthy vegetable main entrees. I was a little disappointed in it. For one thing, I didn't have a smaller crock pot that seems necessary for some of the recipes. I did, however, go out and buy one because of this book. I had wanted more recipes that did not incorporate a meat substitute but it seems like a lot of the recipes in here used meat substitutes. Also, some of the recipes seemed a little odd for a crock pot leave-it-and-go routine. The length of time was shorter and sometimes you had to crack the lid to let water evaporate which I haven't done before.

I tried "Southern-Style Green Beans" which I ended up overcooking. I tried "Vodka and Dill-Glazed Baby Carrots" which were okay but probably overcooked there, too. The "Earl Grey Poached Pears" came out fine, although I substituted Good Earth tea.… (mer)

I returned to Disgrace because it is supposedly an old classic. The prose is well-written. It flows, integrating other literature through allusion, and creates a lasting impression in the reader's mind. However, the quality of the prose is not well-sustained. Some passages are outstanding, while others lack Coetzee's touch.

The story is, of course, poignant, but I struggle with fully imbibing the characters and plot. There is something to be gained by reading Disgrace, but it is not clear what that will be. Perhaps that is the genius of Coetzee. However, some readers will undoubtedly be vexed or unsatisfied with plot.

For lovers of all literature, this is a great choice. However, for people looking for consistently good prose and a less philosophical plot, I suggest turning to other novels… (mer)