Fire & Smoke, by Chris Lilly

"Fire & Smoke", by Chris Lilly, is a wonderful reference for the person who loves to Barbeque, Grill or Smoke all kinds of food in the out of doors.  Lilly, the well known award winning BBQ competitions, has taken the time to prepare this wonderful reference guide to the various cookers.  

  "Fire & Smoke", starts off with a numbr of difference cookers which are out there.  Chris Lilly explains each of he selected types giving concise information and positive and negative points for each item.  He will also explain his take on the different Grills, Smokers and BBQ's so you may be informed and to expectations and limitations of each.  

  What I really liked about this book, is that I found that different cooking methods required different approaches or cookers.  I found this reference extremely beneficial.  The rest of the book is filled with great recipes, from Cocktails to Sauces and Rubs.  I look to cook outdoors and will certainly be trying all the recipes contained in this book.  

  I'd like to thank Clarkson Potter Publishers and Blogging for Books for the oportunity to read and review this selection.  I'd also like to thank Chris Lilly, for his efforts and contributions. 

  I received this book for free from Blogging Fo Books for this review.

"Brothers Forever", by Tom Manion

"Brothers Forever", by Tom Manion, and coauthor Tom Sileo, is a wonderful tribute to both Travis Manion and Brendan Looney.  These two young men died three years apart, Travis in Iraq, and Brendan in Afganistan, while fighting terrorism and to give the countries a sense of freedom so enjoyed and at times taken for granted here in the United States.  

  This true story starts when Travis and Brendan meet and find that they are to be roommates at the United States Naval Academy.  As this epic story unfolds and continues a bond is secured between Travis and Brendan which can never be broken.  Much like most military personnel of today and in the past, combat will bring a bond between soldiers and sailors which the general public will never quite understand.  Tom Manion and Tom Sileo have taken the lives of both Travis and Brendan and put it into words in a story form so as to in some way bring out that bond to anyone and everyone who picks up this book.  

  Travis upon graduation from the Naval Academy becomes an Officer in the United States Marines who serves several tours of duty in Iraq.  Brendan upon graduation from the Naval Academy becomes and Officer in the United States Navy, and eventually becomes a Navy Seal.  Again Brendan serves in Iraq and then a couple of tours in Afghanistan. 

  Follow this story to the end and the reader will come away with a sense of sorrow and pride as well. 

  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tom Manion and Tom Sileo for their diligence and time to consolidate and write this gripping story of two young men whose determination and dedication to duty is told.  My continued thanks go out to Travis's and Brendan's family, for sharing a part of their lives with the public.  This is a must read, and I imagine it will make the Best Seller list in the very near future.