Book Reviews : Manic A Memior by Terri Cheney

I read this book some time ago, but I loved it so much that I wanted to add it my reviews.
Manic is the very personal story of Terri Cheney and her struggles with mental illness, namely manic depression. Terri tells her story with such vigor and truth. The good, the bad, and the ugly of manic depression is all in this book. Reading Terri's personal account has changed my views on personality disorders tremendously. I was never really able to understand manic depression, but after reading this I felt like I had experienced a tiny bit of what living this way must be like. I can relate to friends and family that struggle with mental illness in ways that I never could before. I can also appreciate the beautiful and special pieces of a personality that is marked with this illness.
The story skips around just the way that Terri's mind does which gives it a very authentic feel. Terri, an entertainment lawyer with a list of high profile clients, goes through love, loss, and institution time before finding her way in this world. This story has highs, lows, and moments you just won't believe. Most of all this is a story of hope and beauty. I highly recommend!

Book Reviews : Family Tree Barbra Delinsky

I am very excited to add book reviews to my blog! In August I was lucky enough to get a Barnes & Noble Nook for my birthday! I have always been an avid reader but the Nook changes everything. I'm reading more than I ever have now and I love it! Without further ado here's my review for Family Tree!

I came across this title when I was searching the $5 and under section for Barnes & Noble ebooks. There were a lot of great reviews for Family Tree, and it was $.89, so I really had nothing to lose, or not much to lose anyway. It was an easy read and I'd say worth the money I spent.

The books opens with a quintessentially happy couple just beginning the labor and delivery of their first child. Dana and Hugh Clarke are about to have a baby on what should be the happiest day of their lives. It all falls apart when the baby is born with African American coloring and features, even though Hugh and Dana are Caucasian. The couple is suddenly dealing with the differences in their family backgrounds and rumors of infidelity on Dana's part. It never mattered before to Hugh, who is from a well to do New England family, that Dana's family is just the opposite. Dana never knew her father so they assume this is where the African American traits come from, even though Dana has blonder features. Desperate to prove that his wife did not have an affair, Hugh begins the journey to find the African American roots in his daughters Family Tree.

The premise is a tad difficult to believe, as well as a few other details in the book. It's very difficult to imagine two Caucasian people having an African American baby. The book is pretty predictable as well. Otherwise, it's a quick read and a pretty good story. I also enjoyed the storyline on the side. If anyone has a Nook and is interested in this read, leave a comment and I will lend it to you!

Chicken Stroganoff

Everyone has a Chicken Stroganoff recipe right? Here is my take on the chicken version of a beef classic. I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor without the extra chicken juice over powering the sauce! If you can't find these at your local market, chicken breasts work as well.


6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Olive oil for browning
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 tbsp. butter



Preheat Oven 350 degrees

Season chicken with salt & pepper. Brown chicken in a large oven safe pan. While chicken is browning mix together sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and the onion soup mix in a separate mixing bowl. Once chicken is browned on all sides add the sour cream mixture to the pan. Remove pan from stove and pop in the oven for 1 hour.
When you've got about 40 minutes cooking time left on the chicken it's time to start your rice. Melt butter in a meduim sauce pan. Toast your rice until it's slightly golden brown and smells toasty. Add 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cover. The rice will be ready when the chicken timer goes off.

Serve chicken and sauce over rice. You can also serve over egg noodles!