Book Clubbing & Culinary Disasters

Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking is part memoir, part cookbook, and fully charming from start to finish. Despite initial hesitation -- did I really want to read, in essence, two hundred pages of recipes? -- I actually love love loved everything about the book! Colwin's fun, familiar tone is really inviting and will probably inspire you to regularly prepare four-course dinner parties.

I was particularly struck by the chapters set in her first, very tiny solo apartment. Her words echoed memories of my own miniscule apartment in NDG, back when I was twenty-four, living alone for the first time, and feeling extremely grown-up hosting friends for supper. (You may freely replace the word "supper" with "1L bottles of Gallo Rose and cheap sushi from across the street".) Nostalgia can sometimes come barreling painfully at you like a freight train; in this case, reading those earlier parts of Home Cooking gently prompted a pleasant visit to my past.

Somewhere in the book, Laurie Colwin writes about cooking disasters. Not simply trying a disappointing recipe, but more like making a dish for the first time, then realizing it tastes awful after you've already served it to eight guests. Basically, the kind of kitchen fuck up whose memory triggers full-body cringing for years to come.

No one is shocked to hear I have a rich repertoire of culinary calamities, ranging from forgivable offences (overly salted tofu rendered inedible) to call-the-fire-department humiliation ("c'est une boîte à pizza"). Here's a doozy I'd like to share :)

Roughly one hundred years ago, back in NDG, Josh and I were planning to make pizzas at my place. These were relatively ~early days~ in our relationship, when I still felt compelled to impress him (hahaha). I pulled out all the stops for our meal prep: stinky cheese from a specialty shop on Sherbrooke West, fancy charcuterie, pesto, fresh tomato sauce, assorted veggies and pickled things, etc. 

Except, guess who bought pie dough instead of pizza dough, unaware there was even difference?

Worse yet: Guess who didn't realize she had to bake the dough prior to loading it with toppings?

So there I was, in my pocket-sized kitchen overlooking a big neon KFC sign (such ambiance!) with dinner in the oven, boasting about the gourmet zas we would soon gorge on -- all the while, growing very concerned by pizza centers that seemingly wanted to stay raw. 

After a very long and hunger-panged wait, watching toppings char and the crust blacken over, we conceded the rest of the dough would never cook through. The pizza was unsalvageable, we were grouchily famished, and I privately mourned the many dollars-worth of top-tier ingredients going heartbreakingly to waste.

I think we ultimately ate Subway sandwiches for dinner that night. How embarrassing.

Do you have a disastrous kitchen tale? I'd love to hear it (and possibly launch a support group with you) ;)

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Book Clubbing

Time for a literary catch-up. Since I haven't finished a book -- or really even started one -- in February, here's what I read last month...

  

Fleishman Is In Trouble, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

Man, these were such unbelievably unlikable characters. You will only find two tolerable people in the whole novel: Solly, who basically serves as a literary construct designed to bolster sympathy for his father; and Rachel, who we're supposed to fucking loathe from the onset, because... a grouchy narrator tells us to? Frankly, in moments where I felt myself getting on-board with the story, I'd be pushed right back off when a character said/did an annoying, cringe-y, or mean-spirited thing -- which happened a lot.

Normally, when I'm struggling to get through a book, I let myself off the hook at the 100-page mark and move on. However, I'd been looking forward to Fleishman for a really long time, and was therefore super reluctant to give up on the story. I skimmed through the second half of the book and was relieved when it was over. (Sorry for the all the haterade.)

Nothing Good Can Come From This, by Kristi Coulter.

I can read dry, funny first-person essays all day long. This one maps the highs and lows of the author's break-up, so to speak, with alcohol. The book has tons of LOL-worthy moments, but it also has an equal amount of heavy, sometimes painful anecdotes and observations about strength, addiction, and human nature. Coulter's writing is self-aware, super thoughtful, so smart. I continue to find myself inspired by her determination :)

Mrs. Everything, by Jennifer Weiner.

Profoundly enjoyed this book! It hit all my favorite notes: female-driven, coming-of-age, multi-generational. The story left an emotional weight in my chest that was surprisingly hard to shake. Full disclosure: I cried at the end. (Which, in my book, is sign of a new favorite title being added to the collection.)

Have you read anything good lately?

Image credit: Oprah Magazine

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Book Club: The House We Grew Up In

Trigger warning: The House We Grew Up In contains episodes of hoarding, suicide, and sexual abuse.

Looking back on my reading list from 2020, it seems I've unintentionally (yet almost exclusively) chosen books centred around specific tropes: Coming-of-age stories; Loads of characters with intertwining storylines; Travelling back-and-forth through the timeline; A hint of darkness looming over the plot.

The House We Grew Up In, by Lisa Jewell, falls neatly into place with the other books I've read this past year. Spanning decades and generations, the story follows The Birds as they navigate through tragedy and adversity. Individual family members struggle to reconcile their own identity with an allegiance to their relatives. (Or, in some cases, those bridges are actively being obliterated.) Crucial details are revealed slowly, almost piecemeal throughout the novel, gradually revealing the true driving forces behind characters, thereby helping unpack the rather intricate novel. Personally, I loved how you only get to unlock the big picture one key at a time, pretty much until the final pages -- it kept me burning through chapters and repeatedly renewing my interest in the saga.

TBH, you might not find any character particularly likeable (I didn't) but you will definitely pick sides in their family politics. I think The House We Grew Up In is excellent for a rainy -- or, dare I say, SNOWY -- weekend bookworm-ing at home. The story is stuffed with emotion, the plot twists will have you reeling, but things somehow avoid getting so heavy that reading become a burdensome drag. If you ever give it a chance, let me know what you think!

And shout-out to my pal, Erika, for lending me her copy of the book (along with a rave review) :)

Image credit: Carousell

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Book Club: Songs For The End Of The World

Songs for the End of the World by Saleema Nawaz will probably end up in my top five favorite books of the year. It's about (brace yourself) the early days of a pandemic as it begins to spread across North America.

For obvious reasons, the book hits close to home. (And not just because the author is from Montreal.) 

Written over the last few years but only recently published, there is an unshakeably prescient quality to its depiction of pandemic preparedness, contact tracing, global spread, and the general pulse of a nation facing never-before-seen challenges. Without meaning to, I found myself searching each page for new insight on how to deal with our real-life health crisis. Paranoid, sure, but also quite handy lol.

That's not why I liked the book so much, though.

I love love love stories with loads of characters whose storylines intersect unsuspectingly. Songs for the End has OODLES of them! I very happily nerded out on tracking each character as they weave in and out of others' timelines. Even though information is released gradually, there's so much going on that I just plowed right through and devoured it all.

Look, at this specific moment in time, I totally understand why someone wouldn't be inclined to grab Songs for the End. Just don't rule it out forever, otherwise you'll miss out on a thrilling and surprisingly fun gem!

Image credit: Google

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Book Club: The Nickel Boys

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a painful, beautiful read that jumps back-and-forth through time, telling the story of a young boy's experience in a brutal reform school, and the aftermath that follows. (In fact, the story is a fictional retelling of life and abuse in Florida's now-shuttered Dozier School for Boys.)

Some parts are incredibly tough to get through, making them all the more important to read. If we turn our backs to uneasy realities, instead of bearing witness and taking action, then we leave the door open for continued suffering. I try to remind myself that indifference is a privilege, and it can have dangerous consequences.

There are some remarkably lovely moments in The Nickel Boys, too! Friendship, hope, the pursuit of a good life and a better future -- these play key roles in our main character's life, and provide much needed solace from the more painful passages.

At 200-ish pages, the book itself isn't terribly long, but the story will stay with you for a while. You will absolutely be moved by Whitehead's words. I highly recommend giving them a read, then sitting with your feelings afterward and seeing where they take you.

Image credit: Time Magazine

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Book Club: Writers & Lovers

Writers & Lovers by Lily King isn't exactly a beach read, but its vibe totally suited my craving for long stretches of leisurely reading -- preferably outdoors in the sun but, these days, I'll gladly settle for my sofa and a big blanket. The story tackles confusion and loss, has tons of heart, and is juuust light enough to keep you flipping pages fast. If you're looking for something a few notches above chick-lit (sorry to use such a dull expression), then this could be your next book. I'll happily lend you my copy ;)

Image credit: The New York Times

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On A Personal Note: September 2020

Hello from the last stretch of September!

Forgive the recent radio silence. Wish I had a better excuse than, "I just didn't feel like writing anything." But there you have it. Frustrated by an unexpected Instagram ban, I found myself a lot less interested in the interwebs altogether. And you know what? Hitting the pause button felt really good.

Here are some highlights from the past few weeks, if you'd like to read :)

Our trip to Tremblant was wonderful. We ate a lot, took long walks with Reggie, relaxed by the lake, streamed a few movies, ATE SOME MORE, shopped at local markets, and generally enjoyed the slower pace of life up north. An aggressive rainstorm literally chased us away from the drive-in theatre lol, so that particular activity stayed on the to do list. We'll try again next visit!

Mom and Son lol (as captured by Josh)

I caught up on my reading list, tearing through Writers & Lovers by Lily King, Songs For The End Of The World by Saleema Nawaz, and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (same author as my surprisingly favorite book back in May). I'm now on The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead -- this year's Pulitzer Prize winner and something I've been eager to read for a while.

Stayed on top of my ice cream game, obviously.

Took advantage of my on-going furlough to hang out with friends and family. In light of Quebec's ever-climbing number of Covid-19 cases, I'm glad and grateful we had that time together while conditions were still relatively safe. I'm hoping for an in-person Thanksgiving with loved ones -- in all likelihood, we'll be relegated to digital visits for the foreseeable future.

Started closing up the patio garden -- harvesting herbs, figuring out which plants will survive indoors, composting the others (RIP), cleaning out pots and putting everything away for winter. Sure, I complained about the daily maintenance, but I'm bummed to say goodbye to my plant babies. Keeping them alive really helped structure my summer days, and the experience will absolutely stand out as a bright spot in an otherwise irksome 2020.

Day One!

That's all for now, folks. Hoping to get more new posts up before Friday. Stay tuned!

Before signing off... To anyone observing Yom Kippur today, here's wishing you an easy and meaningful fast. (I'll be covertly snacking on Ikea ginger snaps -- my new confectionery obsession -- all day, while Josh works AND fasts. Poor guy.)

See you in October xo

Image credit: The Giving Place

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Book Club: My Dark Vanessa

Trigger Warning: This book contains episodes of sexual abuse.

My Dark Vanessa, by Kate Elizabeth Russell, jumps back-and-forth through time as it tells the story of a fifteen-year old girl who enters a "romantic" relationship with her (considerably older) adult male teacher, and how the effects of that bond follow her as times goes by. The story is told from Vanessa's first person point of view, giving the reader unvarnished insight into complex repercussions of surviving child abuse.

Honestly? I don't remember the last time a book made me feel so uncomfortable, to the point where I wasn't sure I could keep going. Getting through certain passages was unbelievably tough -- some, because they were fairly graphic depictions of assault, and others, because the main character was clearly experiencing mental and emotional trauma. In short, My Dark Vanessa is not for everyone.

That being said, I'm glad to have read the book and won't completely rule out recommending it to people. It is well-written and feels very personal. In an extremely broad sense, I think the author captured what it's like to be a self-conscious, headstrong, unknowingly impressionable teenager. (And then, later, the stress of being in your thirties and unsure about your path.)

Despite some gut-wrenchingly difficult moments, a sense of suspense looms over the story, propelling you forward through each chapter. I found myself burning through pages, anxious to find out what happens to Vanessa, always rooting for her to overcome her haunted troubles and eventually find peace.

What are you reading these days?

Image credit: Google

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Book Club: Wow, No Thank You.

If it doesn't bother anyone, I'd like to jump right into gushing over this book.

Wow, No Thank You. is hilarious! One of those books you probably shouldn't read on public transportation unless you're comfortable lol-ing alone in a group of strangers. Samantha Irby covers a lot of ground: Pets, ghosts, car ownership, living in Chicago, marriage, poop. The list goes on! Her writing style is easy and informal, almost like she's personally telling you her stories.

As a thirty-something with growing homebody tendencies, some of her words speak directly to my SOUL. I, too, need a full day of physical prep (preceded by at least a week of mental rallying) before any Big Night Out. And like Irby, I can also survive on Doritos and Diet Coke for a shamefully long time.  

I can't wait to read her other books, just like I couldn't wait to write this post. (Confession: I'm only 75% finished but had to share right away because IT'S JUST THAT GOOD.) If you're a fan of David Sedaris or Kelly Oxford or Jessi Klein, and you're looking for something super fun to read, then you'll probably like Wow, No Thank You. A LOT :)

What are you reading these days?

Image credit: IndieBound

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Book Club: Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race

Normally, my brain stumbles over data-dense non-fiction.

I burned through this book. Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race is informative and powerfully compelling, without feeling convoluted or boring.

Back in 2014, Reni Eddo-Lodge published a now-famous blog post by the same name. Her book is an extension of that essay, providing a detailed look at (and analysis of) systemic racism in the United Kingdom. The writing made me feel like I was talking to a really smart friend. Rather, like I was failing a course, and my really smart friend generously agreed to tutor me. 

The book is framed in a British context, but there are clear, distinct parallels with North American culture. In fact, in plenty of cases, we are essentially looking at mirror images of injustice. I found myself shaking my head in frustration at many passages, and pausing at others to reflect on my own actions. However, not once did I feel blamed or lectured to -- even though I would have deserved it, judging from my own ignorance on the subject.

Reni Eddo-Lodge's writing helped equip me to examine disconnects between my words/beliefs and my actions. She says: "If you're white, your race will almost certainly positively impact your life's trajectory in some way. And you probably won't even notice it." (Underline added by me.) I sat with that thought for a while, allowing it to set in deep, and circling back to it helps keeps me in check.

She put in a lot of academic legwork, carefully laying things out for readers (like me) to ingest and absorb. I'm so glad to have finally read this book, and grateful to its author for the lessons she taught me.

If you're even remotely interested in the call to anti-racist work, so much of it has already been started for you -- books are a great first step! Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race is a gripping read whose strong momentum drives you through its pages. There are also tons of footnotes and annotations, in case you want to use the book as a springboard for further learning :)

What are you reading these days?

Image credit: La Biblioteka

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The 100 Page Rule

Have you ever felt trapped by a book? Maybe the pace is torturously slow. The writing could be too flowery or too watered down. Sometimes, the story is plain old boring. Whatever the reason, you and your reading material are not clicking. It happens. At what point do you call it quits?

My rule of thumb...

Keep reading until the 100th page. If it still sucks, say goodbye and move on. 

Since it takes about a hundred pages for a story to properly build up and begin revealing its true colors, The 100 Page Rule reminds you not to jump ship prematurely. On the flip side, if you still can't stand the book come page one-oh-one, you're completely let off the hook!

The Rule changed my reading habits. As an avid reader with a touch of OCD, I've doggedly forced my way through MANY books I wasn't enjoying, hoping for a plot twist to turn things around, or simply wanting to cross the finish line and be done with it forever.

Now, my approach is much more relaxed. I'm only committed to a few chapters from the outset, so I feel less impatient or annoyed when a story is slow to start, because I've already decided to not push myself past the hundredth page if the book is a pain. This practice has actually made me a much more optimistic reader! It's happened where things pick up around page 90 and the story ultimately becomes a new favorite. You never know!

In a perfect world, every book you crack open will be AH-mazing from the first paragraph. But when that isn't the case -- and it so very often isn't -- challenge yourself to a few dozen pages and see what happens.

TBH, I just put The Rule to the test with the latest book I'm reading. My attention was definitely starting to wane, but now I'm glad I stuck it out :)

Are there books you really struggled to enjoy at first, but ended up loving? I'm happy to trade notes!

Image credit: Mental Floss

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What I Read: May 2020

Box Cake absolutely cut into my reading time last month lol. I managed to finish two books since my April blog post, and am now deep into a third :)

  

Recipe for a Perfect Wife, by Karma Brown

The internet is very persuasive.

Weeks ago, seemingly out of nowhere, I kept coming across tons of write-ups and mentions about this book. Perhaps I'm very susceptible to marketing, because despite the dozens of titles already on my wish list, I went ahead and bought a copy of Recipe for a Perfect Wife.

The story toggles back and forth between two time periods, following a central female character in each era as they struggle with love, secrecy, and autonomy. It was... fine. Painless to get through but not quite mind-blowing. The last hundred pages were entertaining and made the journey worthwhile enough.

Circe, by Madeline Miller

VERY pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Circe!

I am decidedly NOT into Greek mythology. Beats me why a feminist retelling of The Odyssey piqued my interest at all. Maybe I'm still a Liberal Arts student at heart?

Anyway, I devoured this book and would have very happily continued to read more! The writing is excellent -- smart, moving, beautiful but not flowery -- and the story itself rolls along super smoothly. Google helped me fill in gaps (and there were MANY) about the different gods and titans and monsters that show up. Personally, I grew to care for Circe and was really rooting for her well-being.

The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn

The Alice Network is another account of two women whose fates intertwine over the course of history. I'm only halfway through. So far, the storytelling is keeping my interest high, and with all the twists and revelations, I suspect it'll stay that way until the last page.

This book also reminds me a lot of another painful favorite, All The Light We Cannot See.

*

Next, I have Ask Again, Yes and My Dark Vanessa coming down the pipe. What else do you think I should be ready? What are YOU reading? I'd love to hear about it :)

Image credit (top): What The Book

Image credit (book covers): Indigo

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What I Read: April 2020

I'm a bookworm. Always have been, probably always will be. Predictably, I'm trying to make the most of my socially-isolated, post-employment, shelter-in-place lifestyle by chipping away at my "to read" list. Here are some titles that helped get me through the month.

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Why was I so late to the party? It's such a good party! I'm easily moved by a story, but very rarely will I cry. This book was certainly MOVING as hell and tears were SHED -- happy ones, sad ones, shocked ones, all the ones. For me, the story felt like (my high school memory of) To Kill a Mockingbird, but a version that I actually want to read.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Speaking of getting a late start... Here's another novel I was slow to come by. Every time I was in a bookstore, this cover would find me and stare me down, but I never yielded because I'm stubborn and resent Reese Witherspoon's ability to curate stellar book club content. (How does she always get it right??) Anyway, that was all time wasted, because Daisy Jones was loads of fun. Reading it made me want to rewatch Almost Famous.

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson.

Weird, funny, relatable if you're someone looking for purpose and direction in life.

I'm always on the look out for good book recs. If you have one, send it over :)

Image credit: Leighellen Landskov

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