Articles Into Books

Posted Fri, 05/17/13

I just received a nice review about my article-turned-e-book Anne Boleyn from a Barnes & Noble reader:

"Anne Boleyn" by Deborah O'Toole"Anne Boleyn is very well written and a quick read - only 56 pages. Well researched too. I liked the inclusion of letters in the post-logue. It includes information not often written, i.e. Henry VIII's brother King Arthur was first married to Catherine of Aragon." - Anonymous Reviewer on Barnes & Noble, rated 5 stars.

I wish people wouldn't post as "anonymous" only because some might think the review was contrived. It's not, I assure you. I point attention to the good along with the bad on all of my books (61 and counting). There are times when the "bad" might signify the work needs tweaking.

For instance, Medieval Cuisine remains the best-selling title in the Food Fare Culinary Collection by yours truly writing as Shenanchie. There have been several cringe-worth reviews about the book, along with positive feedback (one often contradicting the other - go figure!).

Here's the bad:

I am glad this wasn't very expensive. I didn't find it contained a whole lot that I think I already knew. It was an interesting enough read but again I am glad I didn't shell out big bucks for it. (Hank).

This book has its ups and downs. While it is a nice brief summary of Medieval foods and recipes, it also seems to fall into the trap of modern misconception. Definitely worth purchasing for the recipes at the back end, it would be nice to see a journeyman's text not fall prey to broad sweeping generalizations like spices were used to cover up rotting meat flavors. While certainly true in some situations, this was not their sole, nor intended purpose. (Alan).

And the good:

Loved this book. Filled with interesting facts. I am a teacher and use it frequently in as a resource my social studies class. (Susan; Frederick, Maryland).

This book allowed me to wish I could experience these dishes first hand. I loved it. It was a great read. (Pamela Williams).

Click here for more reviews about "Medieval Cuisine," or read the special issue of Food Notes devoted to the book's re-release.

One of the most common complaints I received about Medieval Cuisine was the quantity of recipes. The original edition contained eleven. Last month, the book was updated with new content and more dishes. The new edition contains a total of twenty-six recipes.

I'm currently researching a piece about Jewish food and culture, which will hopefully be released before autumn.

Irish Eyes: Writing & Editing

Tags: Writing & Editing