Cooked: A Natural History of TransformationCooked: A Natural History of Transformation by Michael Pollan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Michael Pollan examines four styles of cooking – barbeque, braising, baking bread, and fermenting. He goes into the history of each as he learns about them from experts in the field.

I like reading Michael Pollan’s books even if the subject matter isn’t particularly relevant to me. I’m not going to make or eat North Carolina style whole hog barbeque for example but it was an interesting story.

A Spoonful of Sugar: A Nanny's StoryA Spoonful of Sugar: A Nanny’s Story by Brenda Ashford

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brenda Ashford trained as a nanny in the premier institution in England in the 1930s. She expected to have a life serving the upper classes and their children but the war changed that. She served in evacuee homes and state run day cares for women required to work in the war effort.

This was an interesting look at a changing society through the eyes of a woman trained to serve in one way and then living another life entirely. She is considered England’s longest serving nanny having worked most of her life until her 90s.

A Perfect ProposalA Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sophie’s family doesn’t take her seriously because she’s not an academic.  When she is shipped off to care for an ailing relative, no one expects it lead her to a trip to America to chase down a possible inheritance. 

This is a nice light read.  I’ve really liked all of this author’s books.  They are funny and romantic.