Damaged … Ingredienti

I have two seemingly unrelated stories to tell you about today – DAMAGED: A Novel by Lisa Scottoline and INGREDIENTI by Marcella Hazan and Victor Hazan.

I say the two books have a few things in common. I listened to both as audio books (and both also come in print) and both are extremely good for their genre. I like sharing diversity with you and I hope you enjoy the varied reviews you find here.

◊ DAMAGED: A Novel by Lisa Scottoline

◊ Series: A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel, Book #4

◊ Narrator: Rebecca Lowman

◊ Audio CD: 11 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 13 hours and 35 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Scheduled Release Date: August 16, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1427278709

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427278708

SYNOPSIS:

One boy. One lawyer. One chance for justice.

Ten-year-old Patrick O'Brien is a natural target at school. Shy, dyslexic, and small for his age, he tries to hide his first-grade reading level from everyone: from his classmates, from the grandfather who cares for him, and from the teachers who are supposed to help him. But the real trouble begins when Patrick is accused of attacking a school aide. The aide promptly quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Patrick's grandfather turns to the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio for help and Mary DiNunzio is on the case. Soon Mary becomes Patrick's true champion and his only hope for security and justice. But there is more to the story than meets the eye and Patrick might be more troubled than he seems. With twists at every turn and secrets about the family coming to light, Mary DiNunzio might have found the case that can make her a true protector, or break her heart...

With Lisa Scottoline’s trademark emotional depth and fast-paced action, Damaged will have readers riveted to the last page as they root for the beloved characters and their fight for justice.

Author Lisa Scottoline is a diverse writer who will have you crying, laughing, angry and ready to fight all within the first few pages of her book.

Narrator Rebecca Lowman does a wonderful job vocalizing the varying emotions of the characters. Her cadence and timing are spot on. She gives each character their own unique voice. Her mannerisms add depth to this tantalizing tale.

In DAMAGED, Scottoline blends heartbreaking events with humor for a well-balanced story. Her characters are realistic and likable. The protagonist is dedicated and determined with a heart of gold and a strong love of her family.

With rich descriptions and vivid details, the author brings the setting to life. You feel the traditions and love of the DiNunzio family and their friends. You get a sense of what life is like in their neighborhood.

Grabbing your attention at the beginning, Scottoline takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense as the story unfolds. Just as you catch your breath thinking things will settle down, the author throws you a curve and off you go again.

Pulling on your heart strings, this pulse-pounding novel and its unique characters will stay with you long after it ends.

Damaged: A Novel by Lisa Scottoline, A Rosato & DiNunzio Novel (Book #4), Narrated by Rebecca Lowman, Macmillan Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1427278708, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Run Time: 13 Hours and 35 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

◊ INGREDIENTI: Marcella’s Guide to the Market by Marcella Hazan and Victor Hazan

◊ Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley

◊ Audio CD: 4 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 4 hours and 56 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Cooking, Food, Italian Cooking

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Tantor Audio

◊ Release Date: July 12, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 151595787X

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1515957874

SYNOPSIS:

When Marcella Hazan died in 2013, the world mourned the passing of the "Godmother of Italian cooking."

But her legacy lives on, through her cookbooks and recipes, and in the handwritten notebooks filled with her thoughts on how to select the best ingredients-Ingredienti. Her husband and longtime collaborator Victor has translated and transcribed these vignettes on how to buy and what to do with the fresh produce used in Italian cooking, the elements of an essential pantry, and salumi. Before you know how to cook, you must know how to shop.

 From Artichokes to Zucchini, Anchovies to Ziti, Ingredienti offers succinct and compelling advice on how to choose vegetables, pasta, olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto, and all of the key elements of Marcella's classic meals. Organic isn't necessarily best, boxed pasta can be better than fresh. Marcella's authoritative wisdom and surprising tips will change the way you cook.

INGREDIENTI is not a book you’ll read once and put aside to never touch again. It’s one you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s jammed paced with helpful information about common and not-so-common food items we purchase and consume daily.

Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley, the helpful instructions flow effortlessly. Wiley’s vocals enhance and her accent brings the advice to life. Her voice is smooth and comforting like the foods she describes.

This is a fascinating story about various foods, the best ways to prepare them and the best ways to store them. Through the rich descriptions, listeners/readers can almost smell the tantalizing aromas fill the air from the freshly prepared dishes. There are no step-by-step recipes to follow, only discussions on how things can be prepared and what they are good paired with. This is not a recipe book, but a book to help you purchase and preserve food to get the most out of it.

Listeners/readers will never look at grocery shopping quite the same after spending a few hours with Marcella’s instructions. Don’t be surprised if you even find yourself rearranging your refrigerator after listening/reading this delightful book.

This instruction guide with an Italian flare is a must-have for every kitchen.

Ingredienti: Marcella’s Guide to the Market by Marcella Hazan and Victor Hazan, Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley, Tantor Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1515957874, Unabridged, 4 Discs, Run Time: 4 Hours and 56 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you a fan of author Lisa Scottoline’s writing? Have you listened to a food-related book before or do you prefer only print when it comes to anything to do with cooking?