The Ice Cream Theory

The Ice Cream Theory by Steff Deschenes

Published by BookSurge

ISBN  978-1-4392-3005-3

I like ice cream, but not nearly as much as the author of this book!  She has made it a hobby / passion / quest throughout her life.  Steff Deschenes is a young lady with the weirdest tastes in food, and one of two other facets of her life, which will no doubt be covered in greater detail in her forthcoming books.  This book encompasses one of her passions, whilst touching on a few of the others.

The chapters of the book each describe an ice cream flavour, and the friend or family member that particular flavour personifies - in the author's opinion.  Each chapter is well crafted and compares the traits of the flavour with the traits of the person.  The book is well written and describes the author's journey through life using ice cream as her guiding light.  At times, she may come across as slightly obsessive, and I am sure she would be the first to agree with me on this, but she explains her thought process for each comparison very clearly and methodically.

As the book progresses, the over-enthusiasm for ice cream is somewhat explained by the personal stories that unfold chapter by chapter.  This book is written from the heart, with sincerity and warmth, and these are the qualities that shine through page after page.  I was hooked after the first chapter and found that I had many ice cream do's and don'ts in common with Steff, mainly the use of nuts or alcohol as ingredients in ice cream, with the glaring exception of pistachios and rum!  I also found myself concurring with some of her assessments of people and life in general, though I have never thought of comparing the people I have known through my life to any particular food group or type, maybe that would be something to ponder on for the future.

On the whole, an enjoyable book, presenting an insight into the author and her environment, family and friends, and which is presented in a forthright and entertaining manner.  Highly recommended for all ice cream lovers.

A Cat's Eye View of Life and Love

A Cat's Eye View of Life and Love by Sterling

With Gentle Self-Help for All Ages (as told to Marta Felber)

Published by LifeWords in Winston-Salem, NC, USA in 2009

ISBN 978-0-9799214-1-4

This is the story of Sterling the cat, told in his own words.  The cover photo of Sterling invites you to enter the book and explore his life.  The book comprises sixty chapters, each one a story in its own right.  Each chapter is followed by Sterling’s Mewsings, comprising a short piece of prose, where he shares his thoughts and opinions about life.

Our story begins with Sterling waiting and hoping to be adopted at the animal shelter and his prayers are answered in the form of M, who is looking for a feline friend to share her home with.  We are introduced to his new home, and all the adventures that he has there.  We hear of the various visitors to their home, some friendly and others not so friendly, that cross the threshold into their world.  We discover that Sterling’s claws were removed by his previous owner, and that this obliges M to be vigilant in case Sterling tries to escape outside, where he would be unable to fend for himself, although he does not see it that way.

M has to go away for a few days, and two friends agree to feed Sterling, one in the morning and one in the evening, but Sterling is frightened at being left alone and lashes out at his feeders.  He is sad and confused that M is not at home, but overjoyed upon her return, even though she is a bit slower on her feet than before.

Sterling is a slightly tubby cat and has to be kept on a strict diet of food he really does not enjoy.  He watches the birds and squirrels from his vantage point on the porch and longs to run after them and treat himself to a decent meal.

When M moves house, they travel many miles to their new home, and a new adventure begins for them both.  M’s son lives nearby and he has a cat called Shadow, and the two cats play together but never quite become friends.

The end of the book is very poignant, but also uplifting, and I recommend it to everyone, not just cat lovers like myself.  Look out for the twist in the tail!

Marta Felber, aka M, has many years’ experience working as a counsellor in the USA, and also in Egypt and Indonesia, for the many expatriates living there.

My opinion:  A beautifully presented and well written book.