Tips for Tuesday - Books: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cheesus Was Here, and Fair Foods

We may have been given one or more of the books listed below for free for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Me - Today I am recommending Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. It was a really good book. I wanted to read it for a long time. The book was really funny. The characters are really unique. The movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory pretty much stuck to the book. The book is a quick read because it is not that long. I would recommend this classic book to anyone hasn't read it already. It is very good.

Mom - Today I am recommending two books.

The first is the novel, Cheesus Was Here by J.C. Davis. When the image of a baby Jesus appears on a Babybel Cheese wheel, suddenly religious symbols start appearing all over town, alleged miracles starts happening, and strangers start flocking to Del's hometown of Clemency, Texas. She may be the only one who doesn't believe that the miracles are real. However, she has good reason to be skeptical because if there really is a God why would God have let her little sister, Claire die and let her family fall apart. This book is not going to convert a believer into a disbeliever or vice versa. It actually presents a pretty fair and balanced view for both sides. The story and the characters are interesting, and it will keep you wanting to read. However, the ending is a little less than satisfying, but there was really no other way for Davis to conclude the story without leaning too heavily toward one side other. All in all, it is a fun book to read though.

The second is a cookbook, Fair Foods, by George Geary. George Geary was involved with the Los Angeles County Fair for almost 30 seasons. He has now gathered the most popular along with some really unusual recipes from State Fairs all across the country into one book. The book includes snacks, drinks, main courses, desserts, and a special section on fried foods. Recipes include such familiar fare as Mint Juleps, Corn Dogs, Old Fashioned Salty Pretzels and Caramel Apples. They also include such off-beat fare as 1890s Lemonade, Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots With Buttermilk Dill Sauce, Deep-Fried Coca-Cola, Triple Cheeseburger Donuts, and Chocolate Encased Bacon. Each recipe includes information regarding special supplies needed. Some include information for ways to change up the recipe including in some cases ways to make the recipes healthier. However, while there are pictures provided with most of the recipes, there are not pictures provided with all.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.