2.08.2012

January Reading List

Inspired by my good friend, Stephanie (Facts, Facets, Fancies, and Fairy Tales), I have decided to produce a monthly reading report in an effort to bring some accountability to my literary goals.

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{William Sonoma's Baby Cookbook}
This book was a Christmas gift and has been immensely helpful thus far. Although most of the baby recipes are not complicated or even truly unique, the information shared throughout regarding the timing and introduction of foods is very helpful. As a bonus... the photography in the book enables it to grace any coffee table.



{What the Dog Saw}
I've actually only read the first half of this book; it's a bad habit of mine to have a perpetual stack of partially-read books.  Gladwell's Tipping Point was assigned reading for school last year, and I enjoyed it so much I picked up this published collection of his New Yorker articles. Engaging language, thought provoking topics, and smatterings of psychology and sociology make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.



{Real Food}
This is a "must-read" for anyone attempting to eat a healthy, whole foods diet! I began this in December after picking up our local library's copy, and will be purchasing my own for use as reference in my kitchen. A wealth of well-cited research is contained within its pages, all conveyed in an easily understood format. The most fascinating section {at least for me} was the convincing argument against today's low-fat driven diet conventions. No more skim milk or low-fat cheese in this household!



{The Essential Green You!}
I was first introduced to Deirdre Imus as an author when I randomly picked up a copy of the first book in this series, Raising Kids Green. At the time, we were looking for information to assist in our baby product purchases as we prepared for Chloe's birth. I don't agree with everything included in this volume [especially her take on eliminating meat while eating a low-fat diet], but the information she shares regarding personal care products is very interesting. I especially liked the list of most toxic ingredients with rational for why to avoid each of them.



{Outrageous Behavior Modification}
I read this in my efforts to increase my knowledge for my current job. I did not appreciate or enjoy it. Not only did I disagree with the author's philosophy, but found most of the techniques suggested to be impractical for "real life" classrooms.



{Smart but Scattered}
I have read portions of this book over the last three years, but decided to tackle the full text this month. The information shared should be of great help as I work with students diagnosed with executive function disorder.



{Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day}
This is one of the few cookbooks I have read cover to cover. The easy method for preparing fresh baked breads on a daily basis has been proven through my efforts over the last few months. While I would eventually like to delve into the realm of sprouted grains and sourdough breads, for now this method guarantees us healthier baked goods choices with little preparation time on my part.

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That's it for January. Progress through my stack of "must-reads" has been pretty slow this first portion of February, so here's hoping I get to carve out some time to tackle a few new books soon.