What I’m reading
Image from Chrisman (IL) Public Library
Shepherd.com, a readers’browsing site, has asked authors to choose and describe the three favoritebooks read in the past year. I liked the challenge and immediately beganreviewing the books on my Kindle (if I didn’t read it on Kindle, it didn’t makethis survey—my memory is not that good). First the site wanted to know how manybooks I’ve read since October 2022. The Kindle count seemed low, but I knowthat I average a book a year, so I took a guess at forty. Then for each book,the site wanted to know if I listened to the audio version of the book and if Iread it as part of a book club. I never do either of those things, so that waseasy for me.
Here are the three books Iread and why I liked them:
Dinner with Ruth, by NinaTotenberg
Nina Totenberg spoke to three ofmy deep interests in this first-person account: politics (the inner workings ofthe Supreme Court), memoir, and food. I was fascinated by the up-close look atJustice Ruth Ginsberg in her later days and drawn by two conflicts: shouldJustice Ginsberg have resigned because of failing health and given PresidentObama a chance to appoint a justice, and where should Totenberg have drawn theline between responsible journalism and friendship. Memoir is currently apopular genre but difficult for some to define, and I am constantly looking forexamles that go beyond self-flattery. This book gave a lively account ofTotenberg’s own career along with her friendship with Ginsberg. The food—andlively company—at Totenberg’s dinner parties were fascinating.
The Secret French Recipesof Sophie Valroux, by Samantha Vérant
Recipes and gourmet menus alone make this book worth savoring andkeeping, but I was charmed by the setting—an ancient chateau in France that isa tourist lodge with two restaurants, a vineyard, and wonderful gardens.Sophie, a disgraced chef in New York, flees to her grandmother Odette but findsresponsibility and a whole new way of life. The contrast between her two worlds—NewYork and France—is nicely done, as is Sophie’s own inner conflict. The cast ofminor characters brings delightful variety—two grannies are Sophie’s mainassistants, along with an old, alcoholic man who is a genius with desserts. Ifthe hint at romance is a bit formulaic, I overlooked it because I was socharmed by the people, the place, and the food.
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscan, by Lori Nelson Spielman
I was fascinated by this tale that weaves together an ancient curse on an Italian family, afierce nonna who has ruled her granddaughters, and an aunt who has beenostracized by the family. It’s hard for us to understand the power of of anancient curse, but these women have lived with it their whole lives. Theyflaunt tradition and travel to Italy, with its lush gardens and marvelous food,from their stark Brooklyn neighborhood back to Italy. Refusing to accept thecurse, they reveal its source—and the reason the aunt was banished. There’s astrong feminist note here, along with lessons in growth andself-confidence--and love. A slow start, but I loved this book.
Andwaiting for me tonight is a clever cozy mystery with just enough suspense: StoneCold Killer, by Lena Gregory.
Nothingbetter than Saturday night with a good dinner (chicken tetrazzini tonight—rememberthat relic of the Fifties), a glass of wine, and a good book. What are you readingtonight?
