Now, I'm not one to cook, but I do enjoy hearing those who do tell me about, oh, baking, trying something new, finding a new 'perfect' pan for (name of meat, pastry, etc. here). And, I quite enjoyed How to Dice an Onion: Hacks, Tips, and Tricks for the Home Cook, by Anne Sheasby! Granted, I didn't always understand what was being said (thankfully there is a glossary included), but it was fun!

Here's one of those curious books (for me) that I pick up every so often: Kicks: the Great American Story of Sneakers, by Nicholas Smith. It made me think of getting a new pair of tennis shoes every September. To be worn only for PE after which is was back in my heavy, clunky, corrective shoes again. And also of some of the wonderful stories by Ray Bradbury, also about new tennis shoes and how wonderful they felt! This is not that! It's more .... invention, advertising, marketing, competition .... two of the biggest names started in one family, but there was a falling out between brothers. Early on, the shoes were designed to help with traction (running tracks were awful). Later, as they were adapted to more and more sports, support and careful fit became part of the design process, too. Then, of course there was star endorsement! Various styles became so popular that there were murders, just to get the shoes. Not a bad social history. Like the author, you may find your self checking out what shoes someone is wearing after reading this!

Reading Hermit With Dog