Human Interest

Writer Charlotte Stoudt argues that attention on Sarah Palin's make up-artist and how much she gets paid makes this campaign feel like some endless purgatorial reality show.

Writer Charlotte Stoudt argues that attention on Sarah Palin's make up-artist and how much she gets paid makes this campaign feel like some endless purgatorial reality show.

Many an organic manifesto has hit the bookstore of late, but Simply Organic is different: light on sermonizing, and neck-deep in great recipes that highlight familiar seasonal flavors. Try Asparagus and Scallops and, for dessert, the Basil-Lemon Cake.

Summertime is salad time! Try an Arugula and Avocado Salad with Shaved Parmesan, topped with a garlicky lemon dressing. Or, if you still can't warm up to your leafy greens, maybe a sprightly Chicken Salad with Fruit and Toasted Pecans is more to your liking?

"Worldly but not pretentious, Joyce Goldstein's book appeals to the grown-up palate that doesn't mind if it never sees an iceberg wedge again," says T. Susan Chang. If this sounds like you, try Figs, Greens, and Prosciutto with Gorgonzola Cream Dressing or Grilled Squid Stuffed with Rice and Shrimp.