Simple Genius by David Baldacci (Sean and Michelle #4)

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

My rating: 2 of 5 stars





Jacket Blurb:  In a world of secrets, human genius is power.
And sometimes it is simply deadly...
A three-hour drive from Washington, D.C., two clandestine institutions face each other across a heavily guarded river. One is the world's most unusual laboratory, whose goals and funding are a mystery. The other is an elite CIA training camp shrouded in secrecy. Now a man and a woman are about to run a gauntlet between these two puzzle factories, straight into a furious struggle to exploit a potentially world-shattering discovery--and keep some other secrets underwraps forever...
Former secret service agents turned private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell have seen their lives splinter around them. Michelle lies unconscious ina hospital bed after a night of suicidal violence. And Sean is forced to take on a thankless investigation into the mutder of a scientist just inside the CIA's razor-wire fence near Williamsburg, Virginia.
Soon he is uncovering layer after layer of disinformation that shields a stunning world filled with elite mathematics, physicists, war heroes, spies, and deadly field agents. Amid more murder, a seemingly autistic girl's extraordinary genius, and a powerful breakthrough in the realm of classified codes, Sean soon learns enough to put his life at risk. Now more than ever, he needs Michelle--at her best--to help stop a conspiracy of traitors operating in the shadow of the White House itself.
From Michelle's courageous struggle to defeat her long-buried personal demons to a centuries-old secret that surfaces in the heat of action, SIMPLE GENIUS pulses with stunning, high-intensity suspense. The heroes of Split Second and Hour Game, David Baldacci's #1 New York Times bestsellers, are back--as you've never seen them before.
 
Read as an audio book.

Premise of the book was convoluted and pretty darn implausible - yes, yes, they all are implausible, but this more so than the rest. Sean and Michelle are short on work and funds. Michelle had a mental breakdown following the activities in book #2, and Sean drains the last of his finances to get her into counseling. While in the psych ward, she solves a mystery, declares herself cured and leaves to meet up with Sean. Sean begs work of his former lover, Joan, and in the process of investigating a murder ends up angering the CIA, FBI and DEA and uncovering a plot that reaches all the way to the White House.

I bounced off this installment in so many ways:

>>Michelle - a woman - having the mental breakdown rubbed me the wrong way. Why the woman? Why not Sean?

>>I became increasingly annoyed with Sean's need to protect Michelle. Hello, damsel in distress trope.

>>The Turing tie-in seemed far fetched.

>>The plot (plots?) was so overly convoluted from WWII POW's to CIA secret flights to people randomly firing shots across a river to "Codes and Blood!" to lets just randomly kill people and electronic spies that after a while my ability to suspend my disbelief...sank. Like a lead balloon.

>>The torture scene/chapter was just ludicrous and added nothing to the plot other than to injure our main characters.

>>And it felt like there were loose ends left dangling all over the place.

Ugh. This was a total mash-up of conflicting plots, weird connections, save the damsel, government conspiracy, espionage, gun fights and boat chases. The only reason I finished was because it was the only audio book I had at the moment...though a podcast might have been a better option.

Not my favorite in the series. I'll still read #4, but with some reservations.



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Las Vegas 2018

We went on a little trip!  We visited family!  We saw some cool stuff!

This was not my/our first trip out:
2007 - Sister and I came out to scope out wedding venues for her wedding
2008 - Sister's wedding
2015 - General vacation and to visit family
2018 - Specifically to visit family

We flew out on Wednesday because flights were a tich cheaper.   Then I realized it was Valentines Day and I didn't want to impose on any plans my Brother and his wife might have had, plus we can always use a day to decompress a bit, so I found a good deal for the Luxor on the Strip, so we could take advantage of nearby restaurants without having to get a cab.

Thursday the Brother picked us up mid-afternoon and we enjoyed family time!

Friday we went and check out the Nevada/Las Vegas Veteran's Memorial, tried to checkout a distillery (they were open...but closed) and at at Phat Phranks, and awesome Mexican place the brother and his wife frequent.   Veteran's Memorial was very impressive. 

Saturday we went to Hoover Dam!  When we were here in 2008 they were building the by-pass bridge, so this was an opportunity to go see what the finished bridge looks like.  It was really impressive being able to walk the entire span of the bridge and look down 800+ feet into the Gorge below.  Then the Brother took us by an incredibly ugly "art" exhibit out in the desert that perplexes us all (someone painted large rocks and stacked them).  I didn't bother taking a picture.  Lunch was at a really good BBQ restaurant named Lucille's.

Sunday was a trip out to the Mt. Charleston area, to see the Cold War Memorial.  It's part of a new (2015) Forest Service complex, welcome center.  I, personally, thought there would have been more informational boards on it, but it was a bit sparse in that regards - as in one board.  Still, it was neat to see both memorial and visitor center.   Lunch plans kept changing due to restaurants being closed (a common thing out here with family-owned restaurants on a Sunday) and we ended up at Chicago brew pub. 

And that, was our trip!  Good family time, got to see some sites, and got away from the snow and cold for a while.

The Strip from afar.  What you don't see in the pic, is the wind blowing about 30mph and trying to dislodge us from the tiny hill.

Recipe Review from 2/5/2018

Several recipes this week, but I have to admit, I was winging most of these.  I had leftovers that needed to be used up, I was a bit short on time, so I got creative.  Go me!  Downside, I forgot to take any pictures...  boo!    Oh well. 

Meal plan from week of 2/5:
Sat (L) leftover quinoa  (S) leftover curry
Sun  (L) Enchiladas    (S) homemade pizza
Mon (yoga) enchiladas
Tues - enchiladas
Wed - pasty
Thurs (yoga) homemade pizza
Fri (yoga) - homemade soup

Enchiladas (modified from ATK Slow Cooker Revolution)  gluten free  
Moving into the weekend, I had a significant amount of shredded chicken and sauce leftover from the Chicken Mole Tacos (reviewed last week).  I pulled a page from ATK's book, and turned the leftovers into a pan of enchiladas.  I will note, I thought the enchilada's were better than the original dish.

I took the mole sauce, strained it, and re-heated.  Then I proceeded with part of ATK's recipe below for the enchiladas.

Sauce
2+ cups of mole sauce from Slow cooked Chicken Mole, Cooking Light, Jan/Feb 2018, strained.

Enchiladas
2 cups shredded chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese
**I used cohita cheese
1/2 cup minced cilantro
1 (4oz) can pickled jalapenos, drained and chopped
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas

1) Preheat oven to 350*.  Lightly oil a 9x13" pan and set aside.

2) Finely shred leftover chicken if not already shredded.  Add chopped pickles and cilantro and mix well.  Add 1 cup of sauce if necessary.   **Recipe added 1 cup of shredded cheese here - I skipped.

3) Using warmed tortillas (either on the stove, in the microwave, or grill), quickly fill each tortilla and roll to close.  Place each tortillla in a prepared pan until filling is gone, stacking tortillas if necessary.

4) Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese (I sprinkled with cohita cheese).  Cover and bake until heated through 10-20 minutes.   Serve with your favorite toppings! 


Homemade Bean and Ham Soup  (my kitchen!)  gluten free
This was a result of having a bunch of stuff in the fridge and pantry that needed to be used up.   I will admit, Husband assembled, I ate.  Yum!

3 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
3 cups pre-cooked great northern beans
1 cup chopped previously cooked and shredded ham hock
1 onion, chopped
1 cup baby carrots (roughly), diced into small disks
1 tbsp tomato paste
oregano

(keeping in mind, I have no idea how the Husband cooked this, but this is how I would have assembled...)
1) saute onion, carrots, oregano and tomato paste 
2) add broth and water, beans and ham hock
3) bring everything to a simmer.  Adjust seasonings and serve. 

Recipe Review from 1/29/2018

Temps continue to fluctuate between 20* and -20*.   Just don't know what to wear dashing out the door in the morning - looks like it'll be nice, but then the windchill comes and smacks ya upside the cheeks and Brrrrr! 

Still good weather for slow cooked meals! 

The Meal Plan from week of 1/29/18:
Sat - out and about in the AM, dinner and hockey game in the PM
Sun (L) leftovers   (S)  Chicken Curry and naan
Mon (yoga/book group)  Sweet potato bowl
Tues - leftover curry
Wed - Chicken Mole Tacos w/cornbread
Thurs (yoga)
Fri (off!)


Zesty Kale and Sweet Potato Salad (Ckng Lght, Jan/Feb 2018)  gluten free, vegetarian
This was easy to pull together, very versatile (swap out ingredients, add different veggies, or toss in some beans), and flavorful without being overly spicy.  You can serve this warm, room temp or cold.  I made this for my lunches for the week, so I was eating it cold and enjoyed every bite.

I actually made this as written, only subbing spinach for the kale.  I didn't find this "zesty", expecting a bit more heat from the spices, but it wasn't lacking for flavor.  I would make this again.

Recommended!

photo from CookingLight.com

1 pound diced peeled sweet potatoes (about 3 cups)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 large red bell pepper, quartered
1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped
2 teaspoons grated lime rind, divided
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups hot cooked quinoa
4 ounces baby kale, chopped (about 4 cups)
(I used baby spinach instead of kale)
1 ounce Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)
1 ripe avocado, sliced

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Combine sweet potatoes, 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl; toss. Arrange sweet potato mixture on one side of an aluminum foil–lined baking sheet. Place bell pepper on other side of pan; drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, and toss to coat. Bake until potatoes are tender and peppers are lightly charred, about 30 minutes, stirring potatoes once halfway through. Remove pan from oven. Cut bell pepper into strips.

Cook almonds in a small skillet over medium until toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon rind, and sugar; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute.

 

Whisk together remaining 5 teaspoons oil, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon rind, juice, and cilantro in a bowl. Divide quinoa among 4 bowls; top evenly with kale, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper. Drizzle with juice mixture; top evenly with coated almonds, Cotija, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Chicken Mole Tacos (Ckng Lght, Jan/Feb 2018)  gluten free
Don't be put off by the long ingredient list - this comes together very quickly.  Once the ancho's have soaked and been seeded, everything is plopped into a blender, given a good puree, and poured over the chicken in the slow cooker.  Cook until chicken is tender, shred, and serve.  Yup. That simple. 

Now, I did use a quartered chicken for this dish - because I have something like 20 hand processed chickens in my freezer - and it worked out "okay".  Little bones and gristle from ribs and knuckles kept cropping up in the finished product which detracted a bit.

Do save the sauce - I used leftover chicken and the sauce to make a pan of enchiladas that I will review next week.  I will say, I thought the enchiladas were better than the tacos.  So, recommended because I got two tasty weeks out of one dish.

2 dried ancho chiles
1 (28-oz.) can unsalted whole tomatoes
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

photo from CookingLight.com

3 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon canned adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 chipotle chiles, canned in adobo sauce
3 garlic cloves, smashed

2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
1 teaspoon kosher salt
16 (6-in.) corn tortillas
1 ounce Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 limes, cut into wedges

Place ancho chiles in a bowl; cover with water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain; remove and discard stems and seeds. Process seeded chiles, tomatoes, onion, almonds, chocolate, raisins, stock, cumin, sauce, cinnamon, chipotle chiles, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.

Sprinkle chicken with salt; place in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add tomato mixture. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. Place chicken on a cutting board; remove bones. Reserve 2 cups sauce for another use. Shred chicken into large pieces; return to slow cooker.

Working with 1 tortilla at a time, heat tortillas over medium-high directly on burner until lightly charred, about 15 seconds per side. Top tortillas with chicken mixture, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Curried Chicken and Rice (modified from ATK Slow Cooker Revolution)  gluten free option**
I liked the flavor of this dish, I liked the rice and cauliflower (husband...no so much.  Not a fan of cauliflower), I like the ease of prep. 

I didn't like how the chicken turned out and this was entirely on me.  I used a quartered chicken - one of our hand raised, home processed - and I don't know if it was the slow cooker, the coconut milk or the chicken, but it turned out tough.  I did have to add some shredded chicken I had on hand in the freezer (whew!) because I also ran significantly short. 

I would make this dish again, but I would use the chicken thighs as recommended.  I was also trying to think of a way to skip the chicken and make this vegetarian, but other than doubling the cauliflower, I'm drawing a blank.  If you have any suggestions, send them my way!   

2 cups onion, minced
1 jalapeno chili, stemmed, seeded and minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp minced or grated fresh ginger

1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
3 tbsp AP flour (or your GF substitute**)

1 (14 oz can) light coconut milk

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs  (I used a quartered chicken)

2 cups instant rice  (DO NOT use regular rice, or regular basmati rice, it needs to be instant)
1/2 head cauliflower, cored and cut into florets
1 cup frozen peas
3 tbsp sliced almonds
2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

1) Heat 2 tbsp oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onions through garam masala and cook until vegetables are soft and slightly browned (8-10 minutes).  (My notes - ghee would be a good substitute for the oil here.)  Stir in flour or flour substitute and cook for 1 minute.  Slowly stir in coconut milk , scrapig up any browned bits, and smoothing out flour lumps.  Add to slow cooker.

2) Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to slow cookers.  Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 4-6 hours.

3)  Break up  or shred chicken with a wooden spoon or a couple of forks (or, if using a quartered chicken, remove, let cool, bone, shred the meat, and add back in after the rice is cooked.) . Stir in rice, cover and cook on high until rice is tender, 20-30 minutes.

4) Cook cauliflower either in the microwave or on the stovetop (I roasted in the oven), until softened.  Stir in cauliflower and peas and let sit until heated through.  Serve with almonds and cilantro (I served with Naan).  

Dark Orbit by Carol Ives Gilman

Dark Orbit by Carolyn Ives Gilman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jacket Blurb:  Reports of a strange, new habitable planet have reached the Twenty Planets of human civilization. When a team of scientists is assembled to investigate this world, exoethnologist Sara Callicot is recruited to keep an eye on an unstable crewmate. Thora was once a member of the interplanetary elite, but since her prophetic delusions helped mobilize a revolt on Orem, she’s been banished to the farthest reaches of space, because of the risk that her very presence could revive unrest.

Upon arrival, the team finds an extraordinary crystalline planet, laden with dark matter. Then a crew member is murdered and Thora mysteriously disappears. Thought to be uninhabited, the planet is in fact home to a blind, sentient species whose members navigate their world with a bizarre vocabulary and extrasensory perceptions.

Lost in the deep crevasses of the planet among these people, Thora must battle her demons and learn to comprehend the native inhabitants in order to find her crewmates and warn them of an impending danger. But her most difficult task may lie in persuading the crew that some powers lie beyond the boundaries of science

Read for January book group.

Even after discussing for book group, I'm still waffling on what I think of this selection. Even as I sit here writing my review, I'm having difficulties in trying to sum up the premise of the book: was it about the different ways to travel through space? Was it about our ability to see or not see and how we perceive what "sight" is? Was it about trust? Was it ultimately, just a story?

Instead of summarizing the book, I'll look at a handful of predominant characters:

Sara. Exoethnologist. Travels through space using what I came to think of as a souped up transporter. Her last job was a bust, she's a disgrace to the university she was working for and her mentor asked her to participate in a mission to a distant planet as an observer.

Thora. Emissary in exile after she incites a revolt on Orem. Now a sensory scientist. Thora is cool, reserved and distant, and perplexed when Sara tries to befriend her. Then Thora finds herself lost and blind among the indigenous peoples of the strange planet and everything changes again.

Atbatlow. Security officer. A very uninspiring character who stands around looking imposing, threatening, and serves the function of telling the scientists "no". It was his characters job to make things as difficult as possible.

The Doctor, who's name I've already forgotten. He's in charge of a ship full of people and seems to only have rudimentary supplies. We found the weird in book group.

Moth and Hanna - our two natives who interact with Thora and Sara. Each are serve the same function but in different places. On the ship, Sara and Moth explore what it is to see. On the planet, Hanna and Thora explore what it means to be able to see. "Sight" means completely different things to each.

And this is where I started having some issues with the book. For a far future space faring, space traveling society, to automatically assume giving someone "sight" is a good and righteous thing was as far off base as Thora's situation on Orem. I found the ship of people to be arrogant in their assumptions "sight" was a good thing for Moth. This bit bugged me a lot.

Conversely, Thora - as someone who studies the senses - spent quite a bit of time whining about her lack of visual sight, even as Hanna was pointing out everything around her. Yes, I understand it's one thing to study the senses when you have all of yours in tact, and thus, finding oneself sightless in a cave is going to be very traumatic. But the incongruity struck me as a bit odd.

However, I did find Sara's attempts to teach Moth how to see, and trying to describe to Moth what she was seeing, fascinating. (Aside - again, for a space faring society, wouldn't there be protocol in place for this situation? Seems like a bit of a lag in the science research...). Things that sighted people take for granted: depth perception, perception of color, dimensions, and more. Looking at it from Moth's viewpoint was probably one of the better parts of the book.

Ultimately, I found the book to be rather disjointed, hopping from one concept to the next, with thin threads loosely connecting everything together and even after writing this review, I'm still not exactly sure what the book was driving at. Still, I was entertained and I can't complain about that.

Recommended with some reservations.






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