MY REVIEW:
I read the first two pages of this book and I was ready to pack my bags and head to New Orleans. The author easily transported me to the streets of New Orleans and I loved being there. The photos are colorful, gorgeous and help give the reader a visual journey through New Orleans.
“Some spells cast you into a moment of no return;
New Orleans cast me into a moment of eternal belonging.”
~Debra Shriver
The author cast me into the pages of this beautiful book and I loved visiting. The stories that are shared include everything from Carnival to funerals. It’s a diverse book that is really a combination of travel stories & tips, New Orleans culture (which is very interesting), historical background, and a coffee table photo book rolled into 180+ lovely pages.
“The city’s decay begins to feel romantic; the humidity soothing.
The sunlight starts to draw me into its warm circle.
Few, unlike me, escape her spell.” ~Debra Shriver
My absolute favorite part of the book was the chapter on New Orleans food culture. The parties (oh my, the parties), the recipes, the drinks, and the beautiful food. Aptly titled Recipes & Rituals this chapter describes dining on grandma’s china and having a cocktail social before the meal. In New Orleans a meal is something to experience ; an event to be slowly enjoyed.
For a travel lover & wanna-be foodie like me it was a page turning and entertaining book. By page two I wanted to visit New Orleans, by the end of the book I wanted to pull stakes and move there.
BOOK DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON:
Debra Shriver tells the story of finding and restoring a house in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Part love letter, part scrapbook; readers are given a rare tour of this enigmatic city. The book is a cultural guidebook and historical reference of America’s most European city, featuring the work of more than 20 photographers and artists. Chapters highlight food and entertaining, decorating, gardens, landscapes, local traditions, interiors, and architecture.
MY RATING: 5/5
Stealing Magnolias is available at Amazon and other fine book stores.
