Spoken From the Heart by Laura Bush

I've wanted to read Spoken From the Heart by Laura Bush ever since I saw her appear on the Oprah Show last fall.  I was hoping to get it for Christmas but Santa said he couldn't find it.  So I picked it up at the local library.  I really love reading autobiographies on strong, loving women.

The beginning of the book read a little slow I will admit.  She talked about her childhood and growing up in Midland, TX., how her and George met and their journey to the White House.  What I found the most interesting was all the things she accomplished while George Bush was president.  Laura loves books and was a librarian at one point in her life.  She pushed for literacy in schools and raised funds to help the libraries purchase more books.  Laura was also an advocate for Afghanistan women, fighting for their rights.  The injustices that Laura say all over the world deeply affected her and she vowed to do something about it.  She certainly used her time in the White House as a chance to change the world, even if it was one project at a time.

I definitely give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading!

Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro

For Christmas Scott gave me the book Cake Boss – Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia by Buddy Valastro.  Scott knows that I have a passion for cake decorating and enjoy watching cake shows on TV.  I also enjoy a good autobiography.

What I liked about this book:

I found it very well written, thought out and easy to read.  I learned a lot about the family history of the Valastro family and how Carlo’s Bake Shop came to be.  I really like hearing Buddy’s point of view on how he dealt with the death of his beloved father, the leader of the family.  And how he became such a talented baker and cake decorator.

At the end of the book is a section of recipes of some of the items they sell in their shop in Hoboken, New Jersey.  I thought it was very nice of him to include recipes so those of us who may never make it to Hoboken, New Jersey can make Carlo’s Bake Shop pastries in our own kitchen.  I plan on trying out the Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Chocolate Cake.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading!!