Happy Saturday, friends. My Sunday Salon post is coming to you a day early this week... partly because I don't have a lot to report, but also because our Thanksgiving holiday will begin this evening when Twin A and her boyfriend (we're meeting him for the first time!) fly in from NYC. They'll be here for a week, so I don't expect there will be much reading or blogging during that time.
Current reading//
I learned about this book through several Nonfiction November posts and borrowed both the print and audio editions from my library. Smith has a unique way of presenting this history. It reads almost like a travelogue as he visits landmarks and monuments (just in the south so far, but NYC is an upcoming chapter), beginning with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Plantation. An engrossing read so far...
Up next//
These Precious Days: Essays by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett is a long-time favorite author and I was thrilled get a print copy of her new book from the library today... and a little surprised, too, since the book doesn't release until Tuesday! I'm also planning to use an audible credit for the audio, especially since Patchett reads it herself. Her last essay collection, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, was a favorite when I listened in 2014.
On the blog//
Book Brief: Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
In the kitchen//
It's been a while since I shared a new recipe, but I really liked this Miso-Butter Pasta With Butternut Squash from the New York Times. I followed the recipe as written except I used the red miso I had on hand instead of white and omitted the red-pepper flakes. I've since learned that red miso has a stronger flavor than white and I think the white would have produced a more subtle dish. I will use white next time, but this was still a satisfying fall dish. The recipe may be behind the Times paywall, so let me know if you'd like me to copy and email it to you.
Of course, the kitchen will be humming with Thanksgiving prep this week. There will only be 6 or 7 of us this year (compared with 20-30 when we lived in NY) but we are so happy to be able to gather again.
From the cameral roll//
This yellow-crowned night heron dropped in during our dinner at the marina Friday night, much to the delight of all!
How was your week? What have you been reading lately?
Wow! What a treat to happen upon Patchett's new book at the library! I'm tempted to buy a copy, but with my birthday and Christmas just around the corner, I better not. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm making my final list(s) for groceries for the coming week. Our guests start arriving on Wednesday evening and the last of the group will depart on Monday, so it will be a busy week. Should be a lot of fun, though! I doubt I'll do much reading, either, but I'm hoping to get my review of A Homemade Life posted in the next day or so. I also wanted to say thanks again for the encouragement to read The Splendid and the Vile. My post goes up tomorrow, but I wanted to tell you that I LOVED it! If I had all the time in the world, I'd be tempted to read it again right now. So good!
Have a wonderful time with your family.
Les - I was shocked to get the book ahead of its official release! You probably shouldn't buy any more books for the rest of the year... especially with two gift receiving opportunities! ;-)
DeleteI'll be looking forward to your review of A Homemade Life. My book club enjoyed it years ago for our first summer pot luck. We all made a different recipe from the book. I still occasionally make Doron's Meatballs as an appetizer. And I'm so pleased you loved The Splendid and the Vile, too! It's on my list for a reread, too, but I really want to try In the Garden of Beasts first.
Enjoy the time with your family over the holiday. It will be hectic, I'm sure, but what a pleasure to be able to gather with family again. Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh I love that heron! And the first photo. so beautiful. I hope you have a GREAT Thanksgiving with your family, JoAnn, and that everyone likes the new boyfriend. Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jinjer. So far we all seem to like the new boyfriend... what a relief! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteWhat a lucky break to get hold of a library copy of Patchett's new book early the way you did.
ReplyDeleteI only learned of it yesterday via an email from the author's bookstore that features it...and now I'm off to put it on hold at my library. (Hold now placed, leaving me at number 18 on the list.)
Sam - I'm still shocked over getting a copy of Patchett's book early... must have been a mistake somewhere, but I already love the first couple of essays. Looking forward to purchasing the audio tomorrow. Hope I can finish How the Word is Passed today!
DeleteI'm on hold for Ann Patchett's book at my library, but it's not coming my way yet (I just checked), so I hope you will find a little time to dig in and report back to us.
ReplyDeleteThe Miso-Butter Pasta With Butternut Squash sounds delicious. Miso is a flavor I've heard about on the Great British Bake-Off, but I've never tasted it. I subscribed to the NYT recipes because I like them so much.
Have a fabulous Thanksgiving, JoAnn!
Deb - I read Patchett's first two essays and already love the collection... looking forward to getting the audio version tomorrow.
DeleteI use a lot of NYTimes recipes. They've become one of my best recipe sources over the years... I'll probably have to subscribe forever!
Have a wonderful time with family & friends over Thanksgiving
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week
Thanks, Shelleyrae. Have a great week!
DeleteCool bird! I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving with your family!
ReplyDeleteAj - That heron entertained everyone on the restaurant patio... such a beautiful bird. Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteHave a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angela. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!
DeleteI love your honesty in the opening. Its been a slow week for me as well. It would be a dream for me to cook up something from the NY times, but I don't know if all the self help cooking books in the world could get me to cook a recipe the correct way,lol Love julia child though:)
ReplyDeleteTrin Carl - Sometimes there just isn't much to report, lol! Julia Child is another favorite here. No special recipe to recommend, but I did love reading My Life in France. Happy Thanksgiving.
DeleteLooks like you have some good reading going on!
ReplyDeleteI love that picture of the heron - amazing.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
Gretchen - I have been on a great reading streak lately... and am so thankful for that after a dismal reading year in 2020. The photo of the heron was too good not to share here... such beautiful birds. Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteHave a wonderful week with your daughter; I hope you like her boyfriend! Unfortunately, my daughter only gets a couple days off so she is staying in NY and we'll have an extremely quiet Thanksgiving here.
ReplyDeleteHelen - Sorry your daughter won't be able to join you for the holiday... it's always such a short break for colleges. When we lived in NY, we often had our daughter's friends spend Thanksgiving with us if they lived far away. Bet you can't wait until the Christmas break!
DeleteHave a wonderful Thanksgiving JoAnn. We are having 10 or 11 depending on whether my SIL goes to NY. I was nervous about a shortage of turkeys but they were quite plentiful. I'm also looking forward to the new Ann Patchett. I have the eGalley and hope to supplement with audio as well - this has been working out nicely. I loved This is the Story of a Happy Marriage as well. Take care
ReplyDeleteDiane - I was pleasantly surprised by the turkey supply, too. Had to go back a couple of times to get sweet potatoes though, lol! The first couple essays of Patchett's book are wonderful... as expected. Can't wait to get the audio version tomorrow. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
DeleteI love the premise of How the Word is Passed--such a fresh way to approach the subject.
ReplyDeleteThe new Ann Patchett is on my list too.
Absolutely love the image of the yellow-crowned night heron. You have such a wealth of birds in FL.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy Thanksgiving. This is the first year in a while that we are going out instead of cooking and I am looking forward to hiking and relaxing instead of cooking and cleaning this year!
JaneGS - I've never read anything quite like How the Word is Passed, but it is a wonderful book! So many new things to learn, and a good refresher on things I've long forgotten. I know I'll be recommending it.
DeleteJust love the birds down here! Yesterday at the Ding Darling wildlife refuge there was a huge flock of white pelicans and more roseate spoonbills than I have ever seen at one time - such a treat!
We've never gone out for Thanksgiving, but it seems like so many traditions are changing lately. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to giving it a try... especially if there is hiking and relaxing involved! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Going to Dry Tartugas and Everglades is still on my soon-to-visit list and roseate spoonbills are on the must-see list!
DeleteJaneGS - I thought I remembered you mentioning that! The spoonbills were such an amazing sight... and I didn't have my phone to take a picture. Hoping to go again tomorrow in hopes that they're still around. Our daughter's new boyfriend is interested in seeing the Everglades, so we're thinking of a trip down if he comes back during Christmas or New Year. We still haven't been to Dry Tortugas, but hoping to make that happen next year!
DeleteEnjoy your books and Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne, hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, too!
DeleteWhat a beautiful crane! Good luck with Thanksgiving prep. Things are always a bit nuts here this week. The Anne Patchett book looks wonderful and what a nice suprise to get it earlier then expected.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I'm still can't believe I got Pathett's book early... what a treat! Hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteThanksgiving gathering with family will be special after 2020! Glad you will get to see family even if it's a much smaller group. We are in south Georgia for Thanksgiving and right on the lake. Loving the view.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool visitor - the beautiful heron!
Tina - What a perfect way to spend the holiday! I know you'll enjoy every moment. The birds down here are just amazing!
DeleteThanks, Vicki. We already like the new boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great week, with lovely time spent with family. I have my eye on the Patchett book.
ReplyDeleteHere are my WEEKLY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain Snow - We're already enjoying their company and initial reaction to the new boyfriend is positive. I'm sure we'll get to know him better in the upcoming week. Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteEnjoy your holiday! I hope you can sneak in a little reading. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - I'll try my hardest to sneak in at least a little reading... even if it's only audiobook time on my walk. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteNice pictures. Have not heard of the books. Enjoy your time with family, Happy Thanksgiving! Here is my post for this week: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-8.html
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy!
DeleteThe only Elizabeth Strout I've read is Olive Kitteridge. I'll have to branch out and read her other books. I'm currently reading Bond Street Story by Norman Collins, which has been featured on a few book blogs that I read.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Aileen - I just love Strout's writing and her insights into human nature. Olive, Again was excellent and the entire Lucy Barton series is well worth reading, too. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteJoAnn I hope you and your family have been enjoying Thanksgiving and spending time together! We've been on a roll with different varieties of squash dishes this week and have found some favorites to try again. I'll have to look for this recipe you shared! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteIiana - We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you did, too. I'd be curious about your new squash dishes if you ever decide to include them in a post :)
DeleteWow, I just counted the number of comments on your blog, we'll have to talk about that someday, and I've read all of Ann's work. I'll add this to my collection. I'm trying to read more multiple genre book. Last night I watched a tour of Chelsea Handler's home and boy does she have a lot of books!
ReplyDeleteTrin Carl - LOL, I just love talking about books with other bloggers and readers! Ann Patchett has been a favorite for decades and I'm pretty sure I've read all of her work, too. I haven't read Chelsea Handler, but I know there's a lot to choose from. Where to start...
Delete