During my four months of morning sickness, I also developed an aversion to reading.  This was perhaps one of the saddest parts of those months for me.  I was afraid I would never want to read again.  Slowly and steadily over the last 17 weeks, I made my way through three books.  I thought I’d share my most recent reads with you:

Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me (and Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling: If you enjoyed the humor of Bossypants, you should check out this memoir written by Kaling, a writer, producer and actor on The Office. (She plays the hysterically self centered and petty, Kelly, on the show.)  Kaling makes clear from the beginning that she is not trying to be like Tina Fey nor will she ever be as funny as Tina Fey.  I thought she came pretty darn close.  Any woman in her 20s and 30s can identify with Kaling’s thoughts, rambles, battles with weight, and other random concerns.  My personal favorite story was when she auditioned for the musical Bombay Dreams without any dance background.  While it took me a month to read this one, it should be a fast read for anyone who’s a normally functioning human being.

Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman: Written about a fictional boy named Harrison Opoku, who emigrated from Ghana to the London projects, this story deals with a range of topics, from the simple to the complex.  Opoku loves pigeons and spends much time trying to catch them, but a great deal of his life is spent trying to catch a murderer and avoiding run ins with a local gang.  It took me awhile to get into this one, but I love the message I took away from it, that childhood can be so simple yet many children are forced to come face to face with harsh uncontrollable realities that are better suited for someone way beyond their years.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Beautiful, poignant and moving, this book blew me away.  I read the entire book in about a week and enjoyed every sentence.  I’ve never seen words fit so beautifully on a page.  While The Book Thief is classified as “young adult fiction,” this should not deter you from reading.  The story of a girl named Liesel, who moves in with a foster family outside of Munich during World War II, this is the story of her journey and life and the people around her.  She is not Jewish and this is not The Diary of Anne Frank. In an interview, Zusak said he wanted his characters to be unforgettable and they truly are.  I wept, smiled, and connected with these characters, both adults and children.  I don’t want to share too much of the story because The Book Thief is so complex and so special.  One unique note that might intrigue you: death is the narrator.

So what did I do while I wasn’t reading? Um, I became addicted to the Ellen Degeneres Show. I slept. I played lots of Settlers of Catan which is an awesome board game and iPad game if you have never heard of it.

Bye bye Oprah, hello Ellen! Ellen grilling Bachelor Ben on his choice in women.

PS: I promise this will not become a baby blog.  I promise.

Now that I’m back at work for the school year, my reading list is a little shorter than those summer months with endless reading time.  Here are my three fall reads, all of which I recommend!  (No, really I promise I’m reading Anna Karenina next!)

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, Barbara Demick: This nonfiction book tells the story of individuals born in North Korea, who ultimately defected to South Korea.  Even though I’ve studied North Korea before, Nothing to Envy brough a personal touch to history and truly exposed just how desolate life is in North Korea, and has been for the past half century.  The propaganda, brainwashing and control the North Korean government has over its citizens is inexcusable and it’s heartbreaking to read.  Author, Barbara Demick clearly developed relationships with the subjects of her book and hours upon hourslistening to their stories and testimonies.  I find history to be much more personal and understandable when told through individual’s stories.  Demick does a great job sharing these stories with her audience.

State of Wonder, Ann Patchett: I loved Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, but didn’t love her previous novel, Run. My sister-in-law, Alden, raved about State of Wonder, which was published this summer, and she was right.  This fiction story tells the tale of Dr. Marina Singh, who is sent to the Amazon to search for a missing doctor, Dr. Swenson, who has been researching a plant that is believed to extend women’s child bearing age.  Dr. Singh also ventures to South America to find out more about the recent death of her co-worker.  State of Wonder is a great read, that beautifully weaves together characters and shares a story with many different layers and emotions.  A must read!  Fiction at it’s best.  This ones at the top of my “Favorites” list for 2011.

Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness, Alexandra Fuller: One of my all-time favorite books is Alexandra Fuller’s Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight. I even used to offer it as extra credit for my World History students.  Fuller, who has a gift for hilarity and poignancy in her writing, has chosen to focus on her mom’s (Nicola Fuller) story in her newest book.  Fuller grew up in Rhodesia, during a turbulent time in the nation’s history, while her mom’s childhood was spent in Kenya.  Her family epitomizes the colonial (British) farmer trying to live off the land in a nation where they are a minority.  Fuller beautifully illustrates her mom’s unusual childhood, from her best friend, Stephen Foster (who’s a monkey) to her humorous experiences at Catholic school.  Nicola’s adulthood is full of much geographic bouncing around, heartache, and even madness.  My favorite lines of the book involve her mom referring to “that awful book” Fuller wrote.  (She must be a good sport to have her life exposed in her daughter’s books!)

Yup, there are more books from my summer.  Maybe I should get another hobby?  David keeps trying to convince me that golf’s a good option…

The 19^th Wife: David Ebershoff; Going with the Mormon theme of the summer, this unique book tells the story of Brigham Young’s 19th wife, as well as a modern day murder in a fundamentalist Mormon community.  The book flows well, even with the changes in time, place, and characters.  Polygamy, murder, history, and Utah: what more could one want in a book?  And it was on the “Buy 2, Get the 3^rd Free” shelf at Barnes & Noble…I just can’t resist that deal!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, Sherman Alexie: I wouldn’t have picked this book up except for the fact that it was on the 9^th grade summer reading list at the school where I work.  This young adult fiction novel tells the story of “Junior,” a Native American adolescant straddling two lives: one on his reservation and the other at an almost all white school “off the res.” Junior’s “diary” is part journal, part doodles & drawings, as he processes tragedy, life, racism and being a teen.  While this one wouldn’t have jumped off the shelves at me, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and my students did too.  (I can’t say they felt the same about the next book.)

Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck: This literary classic was also part of the 9^th grade summer reading.  “Don’t judge a book by its length,” I always warn my students when they first pick up this book.  Even though Of Mice and Men looks short, it’s deceptively complex and a tough read.  The story of Lennie and George is at the same time tragic and endearing, but if you’re going to read a Steinbeck novel, I’d always recommend East of Eden, over Mice. (Yes, it’s worth reading all those extra pages!)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot: If you haven’t gotten your hands on this book yet, this should be your next read.  Henrietta Lacks was my favorite book of the summer.  This incredible story beautifully blends history, science, and a human story.  Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman from rural Virginia, arrived at Johns Hopkins in 1950 with cervical cancer.  While receiving treatment, her cells were taken for research, and doctors quickly learned that Henrietta’s cells were immortal, as they reproduced more rapidly than any others.  For years, her cells have been used for research that has advanced science and medicine in many ways, from cancer research to the polio vaccine to in vetro.  Author, Rebecca Skloot, weaves the story of Henrietta’s life, the fate of her cells, and her extended family.  Seriously, this is a must read!

The Paris Wife, Paula McLain: This novel tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Heminway’s first wife.  Their story is full of passion, distraction and disappointment.  I enjoyed reading this book but I wasn’t completely convinced by the characters.  Some parts felt a little forced.  Maybe I felt this way because this is the type of book I envision writing myself: a true story about real people, but told with dialogue and artistic license.  I would love your thoughts on The Paris Wife if you’ve read this one.

So what are my my “Top 3, Couldn’t Put them Down, Reads” of the summer?

Here they are, in no particular order:

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
• Bossypants
• Caleb’s Crossing

What are yours?

Oh, and I just started this one (and can’t put it down): David Nicholls’ One Day

In case you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m not very wild…I’m not at the clubs late night.  I’d rather split a bottle of wine and have a nice dinner.  I’m not very hip and cool.  I rely on Elaney for all of my fashion pointers and now that she’s not regularly blogging, I’m totally lost.  I don’t wear make up and haven’t dried my hair since I got a $20 haircut a month ago.  (I do like a good pedi though!) I’m helplessly a nerd, and I love it.  That being said, summer, for me, is about relaxing and diving into a pile of books.  I’m always overambitious, as I can’t resist many of the books that Amazon magically suggests for me or that I stumble upon in a bookstore.  My book-buying addiction is a bit of a problem that I definitely inherited from my father.

This has been a summer full of great reads.  Two of my favorite authors recently came out with new books and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.  Here are a few of my summer reads to wet your palette.  More selections to come in the next couple of weeks!

Caleb’s Crossing, Geraldine Brooks: Author of March and Year of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks yet again does a superb job of taking bits of history and weaving it into a beautiful fiction story.  Brooks tells a story of the first Native American to attend Harvard, in the 17^th century, and a fictional female character, Bethia Mayfield, daughter of a Puritan minister.  This novel takes place in what is today Martha’s Vineyard and Cambridge, connecting two different cultures, people, faiths and sets of beliefs.  Caleb’s Crossing touches on religion, gender, history, emotions, and love, all in one well told and voiced story.  A must read.

In the Garden of Beasts, Erik Larson: Another all-time favorite author of mine, Erik Larson wrote Devil in the White City and Isaac’s Storm. His newest nonfiction book transports the reader to Berlin in the 1930s, as Hitler rises to power.  The story is told from two perspectives: William E. Dodd, the U.S. ambassador to Germany at the time, and his daughter, Martha, whose wild love life will keep you turning pages.  Larson has a gift of using only primary documents to write a book.  While it reads like fiction, it’s incredibly true.  I was amazed by how the U.S. passively watched Hitler take over, and build up his totalitarian rule.  Even if you don’t consider yourself a historian, this book will hold your interest from start to finish.

New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, Elna Baker: If you’re like me and couldn’t get enough of Rhoda Jansen’s Mennonite in a Black Dress, then you will love Elna Baker’s hysterical memoir.  Her tales of life as a Mormon in NYC are LOL funny, yet poignant.  I think every twenty-something woman can identify with her awkwardness, self-doubt, and questioning.  Some of my personal favorites include her experiences working at Nobu and “The Fortune Cookie Story.”  You can listen to a few of Elna’s stories live here.  I’m particularly drawn to Elna because she loves The New Yorker and has done pieces for This American Life and The Moth, two of my favorite nerdy radio shows.

The Children, David Halberstam: Definitely the biggest reading project of the summer (over 700 pages!!), this nonfiction book chronicles the civil rights movement through the stories of its Nashville leaders.  Starting with the Nashville sit ins and watching the Movement spread through the south, you will be blown away by the strength, passion and faith that these young leaders showed.  John Lewis, Diane Nash, Julian Bond, Marion Barry, and Jim Lawson are some of the central characters in The Children, so it’s a different perspective from the MLK focused Movement we traditionally learn about in school.  Halberstam clearly illustrates the shifts and changes in the Movement during the 50s and 60s, from nonviolent, Christian based and inclusive to all willing participants, to Black Power and somewhat isolationist.  Thanks to my brother-in-law for putting this book in my hands.

What did you read this summer?  I’m always looking for more books!  (Even though I still have Anna Karenina staring me in the face, begging me to read her.)

Spring is full of new beginnings and new publications!  In the midst of lacrosse season, spring break trips to Japan, and getting my students ready for exams, I’ve had two new articles published that I want to share with you. (And, as you know, I always love seeing my name in print!)

Next time you’re at Whole Foods, check out the most April/May issue of Living Without Magazine, which includes an article I wrote about traveling through Montana and Wyoming.  This trip exceeded my expectations with outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery, and gluten-free dining.  It feels like ages ago that I was out west, hiking, fishing, spending time with friends and checking out the restaurant scene, but this article allowed me to reflect on that special time.

The Spring 2011 issue of Atlanta’s Finest Dining (which is free, by the way) has an article I wrote called Simple Spring Grilling, which has the recipe for this yummy salmon as well as thoughts on spring cooking.  (You can see the whole article online by clicking here.)  David and I just purchased a dining table for our back porch, so this gives us even more reason to fire up the grill and enjoy the beautiful Atlanta weather.

After international travel and time to peruse my sister-in-law’s bookshelves, I’ve got a good reading list to pass along to you.  I’ve completed some, am in progress on others, or they are a ‘to-do.’  Thank goodness summer awaits in just a few short months!

Room, Emma Donoghue: This gripping novel takes you into the mind of a 5-year old boy named Jack, who has never left an 11 x 11 foot room.  As you read, you learn more about why Jack is in this space and a scary, emotional, sad and hopeful adventure begins from there.  I could not put this book down as the voice of Jack is believable and powerful, and the story is suspenseful and will keep you up reading, late into the night.

Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand: The author of Seabiscuit released this book before the holidays.  I read an excerpt of the manuscript in Vanity Fair, and knew I had to get my hands on it.  Hillenbrand brings the reader the true story of Louie Zamperini, Olympic runner and World War II army hero.  Zamperini’s story brings to life an experience in the Pacific during the war that you will not soon forget.  Airplanes, rafts, and prisoner camps only scratch the surface.  If you know someone who loves history, adventure, or just a well-told story, this is the book for them.  Even though there are a few rough scenes, this book is not to be missed.  I am yet to meet someone that didn’t love Unbroken.

Heat, Bill Buford: This book takes us into Mario Batali’s kitchen at Babbo, in New York City.  Former New Yorker writer, Buford gets the opportunity to work for Batali, as a kitchen slave, line cook, pasta maker, etc. for over a year.  Heat also provides a biography of Batali’s life, his wacky personality and his rise to become the quirky, red-headed, croc wearing, TV star that he is today.  Buford also spends time in Italy, with a butcher, among other places, as ‘research’ for the book.  (I want to do that kind of research!)  I always enjoy a good foodie book and Heat served as just that.

At Home, Bill Bryson: The newest book from Bryson, the author of A Walk in the Woods, and A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bryson takes his reader through each room of his house while giving us the ‘history of private life.’  I’m just over halfway through this book and I love the little nuggets of random history Bryson gives us, but I have to admit, there’s not a lot of coherence to the book as a whole.  It seems as if he just wrote about the things he wanted to research and tried to find a way to fit these thoughts into a room.  Picture interior decorating gone horribly, horribly wrong.  I will finish the book though and if you’re a history nerd like me, especially a fan of social history, you’ll enjoy this read.  I already know so much more about concrete, the Vanderbilts, rats, the Eiffel Tower, and sugar.  If that doesn’t make you want to read more, I don’t know what will.

Villain, Shuichi Yoshida: This Japanese murder mystery, translated into English (obviously), is a “who dunnit?” that takes place in southern Japan.  It comes highly recommended from Alden so I’m putting it in my suitcase for spring reading back in the States.  The book jacket describes Villain as a “stunningly dark thriller and a tapestry of noir.”  Sounds good to me, whatever that means!

The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Larsson: The second book in the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series, I have this in hand for the plane ride home.  I have no idea what it’s about but I thoroughly enjoyed Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which got me through the flight home from Japan, round one, without going crazy, so hopefully the sequel will provide me with the same captivating distraction.

A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens: I never read this classic in high school and I figure, being a history teacher and all, I should read this book.  I loved Great Expectations and I’m eager to dig into this one.  It’s on the shelf at home, waiting for my return.  I promise I’m not reading it because of Oprah.

Have you read any good books lately?  Spring breakers, what did you read during your R&R?

I always like seeing major publications giving attention to gluten-free dishes.  Of course my immediate reaction is, “Why can’t you hire me?” but then I move on and actually enjoy the recipes and appreciate the gluten-free shout out.

With the help of Gluten Freedom readers, I’ve found:

Food & Wine’s website has a Gluten-Free Slide Show, with links to each of the recipes.  Of course the rack of lamb looks good to me!

Real Simple’s website has ‘Ten Gluten-Free Dinners’ for you to try.  I’m thinking about making their zucchini stuffed with quinoa.  Yum!

What looks good to you on these sites?  Have you seen any other foodie magazines recognize gluten-free cuisine recently?

It’s ‘Gluten Free Week’ at thekitchn.com.  This website, full of great recipes is focusing this week on all gluten-free recipes and food conversations.  Click here to learn more.

One of my favorite posts from the week is “Cocoa to Cornstarch: Are these 10 ingredients gluten-free?”

I always want to applaud a mainstream foodie website or magazine for giving attention to gluten-free eaters.

It’s always “Gluten-Free Week” at Gluten Freedom!

I’m ready to go!  This time tomorrow, I’ll be heading to the airport with my mom, jetting off to Tyokyo.  It’s only a 14-hour flight.  NBD.

I’m actually looking forward to having some uninterrupted reading time.  So, what am I taking with me to read?

First, I’m going to finish The Thousand Autumns of Jacob deZoet which my sister-in-law, Alden, sent me in August and I’m embarrassed that I still haven’t completed it.   This beautifully written book is about Japan in the late 1700s, a Dutch merchant, Jacob deZoet, and his Japanese love interest.  Very fascinating read.

I still haven’t read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo so Elaney has let me borrow her copy.  Am I going to be freaked out if I read it?  I figure this book (and the entire series) is such a part  of pop culture right now, that I need to read it.

To feed my fascination with prisons, I’m going to read the memoir, Orange is the New Black, about a woman who spends a year in prison and her experience.  Nothing beats prison non-fiction.  (Yes, I love prison documentaries on the Discovery channel too.)

And finally, for a good laugh, I’m bringing Squirrel Meets Chipmunk, the newest book by my favorite humor writer, David Sedaris.  While I do have an irrational phobia of squirrels, I’m hoping this book will make me a little more sympathetic (and less terrified of) those awful creatures.  Maybe this read will be scarier than Dragon Tattoo for me.

I’m probably being a little overly ambitious with this book list but whatever I don’t read en route to Japan, I’ll devour when I’m on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, recovering from jet lag.

What are you reading on your vacation?  Any good reads to recommend?

Have a wonderful holiday!  See you in 2011!

Guess What?  The most recent issue of Living Without Magazine (Dec/Jan) features Atlanta as its travel destination.  Of course, you and I know how many awesome gluten-free options Atlanta has, but the rest of the country might not realize the plethora of restaurants that go above and beyond to help out those of us with special dietary needs.

You can get a teeny glimpse of the article by clicking here but you have to purchase a copy for yourself in order to read the entire article, and see if there are any spots you’re missing.  You can find Living Without on shelves at Whole Foods and other natural food stores.

Friends and Readers, gluten and non-gluten eaters, who don’t reside in Hotlanta, this should give you even more reason to visit ATL.  If the Real Housewives, the music industry and Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full, weren’t enough to get you down here, all of these yummy food spots, should finally twist your arm.  The only trouble will be to decide where to go once you get here.

Oh, and one more thing…I wrote the article.  Yep, I’m pretty pleased as punch about it.

Yup, that's me, a 'Contributor.'