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ClareR (5674 KP) rated Butter in Books

Sep 10, 2024  
Butter
Butter
Asako Yuzuki | 2024 | Contemporary, Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rika, a journalist, wants to interview female serial killer Manako Kajii, but Kajii doesn’t want to talk to anyone, least of all another woman. So Rita appeals to her love of cooking, and asks her for a recipe.

Initially I thought this would be a thriller, and whilst it has elements of that, its so much more. Butter looks at how women are regarded in society - how “thin is King (or Queen?)”, particularly in Japan. Kajii sets Rika tasks, one being to learn to cook and actually enjoy her food (that’s two tasks) - less of the “food is fuel” school of thought.

Rika learns that she’s lonely, her life is centred around her work. She wants independence, but she also wants connection. As Rita gains weight she feels happier in herself, but she’s judged by those around her of being slovenly. I mean, the work she puts in to learning to cook and actually cooking would say otherwise, but then that’s society for you.

I will say not to read this whilst you’re hungry. The descriptions of the food, it’s smell, texture, flavours - I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

I’m glad I read this. It was a really interesting insight into Japanese culture, more so than ‘just’ a thriller. There were more food descriptions than murders, that’s for certain!!
  
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    Learn German with Babbel

    Education and Travel

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Tori Harned (1 KP) rated Divide by Ed Sheeran in Music

May 25, 2018  
Divide  by Ed Sheeran
Divide by Ed Sheeran
2017 | Singer-Songwriter
Embracing his culture (5 more)
No more bad language
His signature style
Thoughtful lyrics
Ability to write about various topics
The sound
A Brand New Ed
This album has really impressed me and sort of brought me back to Ed Sheeran's fan base. Admittedly, I'm kind of snobby when it comes to bad language and I kind of hate when artists use bad language unnecessarily (I have three little sisters that don't need to hear that). When Ed Sheeran first broke out, I was in love at first listen, but as time wore on and his foul mouth became a part of every song, I kind of stopped listening or caring. This album I knew was different the moment I heard "Castle on the Hill" and then when I heard an interview with Ed talking about a cab driver who said if there was less cursing in his music he would let his daughter listen to it and how Ed took that to heart, I knew I had to check it out. I've been pleased ever since. This album takes every little good thing about Ed (minus the potty mouth) and turns it into these beautiful, meaningful songs that share new sides to him, and expand on pieces of him we knew were already there. I think Ed is fabulously innovative with music and someone I will always watch out for when new albums drop in the future.
  
I've been anxiously awaiting the sequel to Summer of Secrets, and this book was worth the wait. A few matters that were left unfinished in the previous book are accounted for here, such as Rachel and Micah's wedding, and the humbling of Bishop Hiram's brash behavior. The introduction of several new characters, such as Ben's two maidel aunts, served to add color to the community of Willow Ridge and even added a dash of humor to the several romance-heavy sub-plots.
I thoroughly enjoyed following along in the lives of Miriam Lantz and her daughters, especially when reading about all of the mouth-watering food that the Sweet Seasons Bakery and Cafe served up everyday. I plan on trying out of a few of the recipes in the back of the book, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a bread recipe that I've tried among those listed.
The background of Amish culture I have also continued to find fascinating, as I learned more of the nuances in speech, behavior, and traditional beliefs. While I find some things too restrictive, such as the clothing and lack of electricity, the adherence to gender roles, the respect they give to one another, their beliefs in the Bible, and their use of wholesome and naturally-grown foods are all things I greatly admire. This book only serves to bring it all to life and make it that much more appealing. I look forward to reading more of this series.
  
See the Stars - Single by Adrian Jean
See the Stars - Single by Adrian Jean
2019
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Adrian Jean is an up-and-coming LA-based singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. Not too long ago, he released an inspiring R&B tune, entitled, “See the Stars (Radio Edit)”.

Adrian Jean was homeless for two and a half years unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues. He lived in his automobile underneath the famed Hollywood sign and showered at a nearby gym.

His grandmother sensed that something was wrong and begged her grandson to come home to the East Coast. But Adrian was determined to stay in L.A. to fulfill his musical dream.

Therefore, he continued writing songs while sleeping in the backseat, staring down at the lights of Los Angeles. One of the songs that he wrote, entitled, “See The Stars”, found Adrian negotiating leaving home despite his grandmother’s disapproval.

‘See the Stars (Radio Edit)’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and urban-soul elements.

Adrian Jean has led a tumultuous life which has taken him from the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia to glamorous nightclubs, to homelessness, and redemption.

With an absent father and a mother who was more interested in drugs than raising her children, Adrian was forced to grow up very quickly.

By the age of 15, he was living on his own and working for a drug dealer. Later, he struggled with the pressures of being a bisexual man in a culture that didn’t accept such differences.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/adrian-jean-see-the-stars/