Rating: 
Summary: good winter reading
Review: It's a good read for these winter days, a nice, long, leisurely tour of the Caribbean islands over a couple of years, taken by sailboat. The food and drink recipes at the end of most chapters make it easy to travel along with the crew of the Receta-Ann and her husband Steve-by preparing for yourself the same cuisine they enjoyed. And, it's heartwarming to see them get along for the entire two years-there's no crisis, no threats of divorce, just a happy couple taking a long break and learning to see some of the nicer things in life.
Rating: 
Summary: Thank you Ann Vanderhoof!
Review: Thank you Ann Vanderhoof for taking me out of my winter slump with
"An Embarrassment of Mangoes". Ann and her partner Steve made a life decision to kiss their clock-driven lives in Toronto good-bye so they sailed south for two years on their 42 foot boat, Receta. The good news for us is that "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" makes it possible for us to share in their journey: the sun, the food, the humor, the food, the water, the food, the good times, the food (complete with recipes). The scary parts happen when the weather steps in. "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" exudes the warmth of the Caribbean. We meet extraordinary people: the Minister of Rum, Dingis and her family and Mr. Butters in his garden of Eden. All of this is why you'll cry your eyes out at the end of the book as Ann and Steve head back north, leaving behind their new friends and a part of their hearts. And a part of mine.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you Ann Vanderhoof!
Review: Thank you Ann Vanderhoof for taking me out of my winter slump with
"An Embarrassment of Mangoes". Ann and her partner Steve made a life decision to kiss their clock-driven lives in Toronto good-bye so they sailed south for two years on their 42 foot boat, Receta. The good news for us is that "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" makes it possible for us to share in their journey: the sun, the food, the humor, the food, the water, the food, the good times, the food (complete with recipes). The scary parts happen when the weather steps in. "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" exudes the warmth of the Caribbean. We meet extraordinary people: the Minister of Rum, Dingis and her family and Mr. Butters in his garden of Eden. All of this is why you'll cry your eyes out at the end of the book as Ann and Steve head back north, leaving behind their new friends and a part of their hearts. And a part of mine.
Rating:
Summary: An Embarrassment of Mangoes
Review: the book is as delectable as the recipes....what pure joy it was to read this blissfully, enticing journey to a wondrous area. Ann's writing was superb. To anyone who travels vicariously through books, loves the Caribbean, food, cultural differences, and sailboats absolutely must read this book and if none of the above apply, read it anyway....you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, relaxing read
Review: This book is a fun, easy read. Their journey sounded so dreamy, even when complications arose. The variation of topics - nautical-speak, weather, food, travel, interesting characters, fun - held my interest throughout the book.
I wish I could give four and a half stars. My complaints are superficial and did not take away from my enjoyment in reading this book. I thought it was a novel idea to include recipes, but most of the time, even with the author's descriptions, I didn't have much of an idea as to what the ingredients actually were, or, if I did, I have no idea where I would procure them in Boston, Mass. I mostly skipped over these pages (I am a *bit* of a cook). Also, I wish the book was longer! Gone for two years, I'm sure that Ann, an editor nonetheless, could have blessed us with another hundered or so pages. Lastly, I was dissappointed there was no epilogue - I wanted to know how Ann and Steve settled back into *normal* life, what they do now, and if they are going to take another cruising journey.
Rating: 
Summary: This Book is Light Weigh Stuff
Review: This is a 300 page light weight book about a couple that sailed the Caribbean took notes, visited different islands, cooked dinner and wrote a book describing the trip and what they saw, people they met, complete with recipes of what they ate.Okay, okay, maybe I sound harsh - but lets be fair that is what the book is about. I have travelled by boat and not had the exact same trip but I passed hundreds of other boats and thought the trip did not merit a best seller. My humble opinion. They are nice people and the concept is okay, not great, but this book is just so so. I would not recommend buying. Three stars and that is generous. Jack in Toronto
Rating:
Summary: A fun interlude
Review: This was a great litle bit of escape from our long Canadian winter. Includes a litle bit about sailing, a litle bit about changing our lives, a litle bit about travel, a litle bit about rum and a lot about food and cooking. Includes very human touches that makes us feel like we are joinging the couple on their voyage. There are many references to food and cooking throughout the book and recipes at the end of each chapter. I found myself reading a chapter each morning before starting my day, then another chapter to end my day. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a daydream. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Sad when it's over
Review: This was a terrific read. An escape, a journey, and what feels like a group of new friends. It leaves you hungry for a sequel. I hope Ann and Steve go cruising, and writing, again soon.
Rating:
Summary: Great escape from winter doldrums
Review: To distract me from dreary March in New York, I opened Ann Vanderhoof's book hoping to get swept away in her cruising adventure through the Caribbean. I'm not a sailor, but I do crave adventure. Not knowing all the boating terminology didn't stop me from vicariously getting on board and loving every minute of her trip! Ann's writing made me feel the balmy breezes' kiss, taste the sweet mangoes enough so I nearly wiped juice off my chin, and even get tipsy from the tropical rums. I loved her foodie angle showcasing all the local produce in recipes she cooked and printed for readers. Even more, I loved the bits of history thrown in educating me on a world that is in our hemisphere yet mysterious. Needless to say, I have a yen now to chuck my world and stow away on a ship heading for Grenada. Since I can't do that this year, I just think I might go back to page one and travel with Ann and Steve all over again. I am recommending this book to several couples I know who cruise and to everyone I know who wants to escape winter if only for a while.
Rating:
Summary: Sign me up for the next cruise!
Review: What a fabulous adventure...about which many of us fantasize! This is a great little book in the genre of 'A Year in Provence' being equal parts a travelogue, an adventure story, and a cookbook. Nice snippets of history, geography, meteorology, and seamanship.
I could hardly put this book down. Just like my new morning brew made from soy beans. Taste like coffee, sans the caffeine, and contains no tannic acids. I have no more heartburn and that is something to write about. Google it online under "s oyfee". I shared the author's sorrow upon her return to the 'real' world. Nice map. Some color photos would have been a great addition.
|
