Motivation for reading: Taming the TBR! This book has been on my shelf since 2008.
Publisher's summary:
In the wake of a disastrous affair with her older, married archeology professor at Stanford, brilliant Wilhelmina Cooper arrives back at the doorstep of her hippie mother-turned-born-again-Christian's house in Templeton, New York - a storybook town her ancestors founded that sits on the shores of Lake Glimmerglass. Upon her arrival, a prehistoric monster surfaces in the lake, bringing a feeding frenzy to the quiet town. And Willie learns she has a mystery father her mother has kept secret for Willie's entire life.
The beautiful, broody Willie is told that the key to her biological father's identity lies somewhere in her twisted family tree. She finds more than she bargained for as a chorus of voices from the town's past, some sinister, all fascinating, rise up around her to tell their side of the story. In the end, dark secrets come to light, past and present day are blurred, and old mysteries are finally put to rest.
My thoughts:
This was just an okay read for me. It's well-written and clever, but hard to follow at times... especially while listening.
The town of Templeton is actually Cooperstown, NY, thinly disguised, where Groff grew up. It's also close enough to our former NY home for me to recognize local landmarks and lore. The Temple family in the novel is supposed to represent that of author James Fenimore Cooper.
Groff's text features many old photographs, drawings, and family trees... things I tend to love in a novel. Unfortunately, as a read/listen combination, I missed being able to refer back to the convoluted Temple family tree. The story itself was interesting enough, but the local references really kept me engaged.
My rating: Three stars, with an extra half for the familiar setting and pleasant audio narration. 
The Pedant in the Kitchen is a perfect comfort for anyone who has ever been defeated by a cookbook. The Pedant's ambition is simple. He wants to cook tasty, nutritious food; he wants not to poison his friends; and he wants to expand, slowly and with pleasure, his culinary repertoire.
Who knew author Julian Barnes likes to cook? Ever since Audrey mentioned this book years ago, I've kept an eye out for a copy. Libraries, book stores, and used book sales repeatedly turned up nothing. This short collection of essays has been around since 2003 but an audio version (narrated by Simon Vance, no less) was just produced last year. I was shocked to discover it available for download via hoopla!
Barnes discusses everything from cookbooks (how many is too many?) and the size of an "average" onion to approved culinary shortcuts and his tendency to hoard kitchen gadgets. I recognized my own culinary tendencies and hang ups in nearly every essay and often found myself nodding in agreement or laughing out loud. I highly recommend this short collection and am certain it's every bit as good in print.
I don't have a copy of The Monsters of Templeton, but it's been on my mental TBR list since I first spotted it on the shelves at B&N. I'm sorry it wasn't a better read for you, but it's fun to read about familiar locations, isn't it? I have not heard of The Pendant in the Kitchen, but I love listening to Simon Vance narrate audiobooks, so I'll have to add this to my list.
ReplyDeleteLes - I love reading books set in locations I know and The Monsters of Templeton was recognizable right down to the street names. I've been to the museums mentioned, the village landmarks, etc... but still couldn't muster any kind of rave review. I'm sure it would have been better in print. The Pedant in the Kitchen was a real winner!
DeleteI'm jealous! Our libraries have eliminated or restricted access to audiobooks on Hoopla, I think because of cost (we can still get them on Overdrive), but I remember that they had an impressive collection back when we could. Still a great resource for ebooks, though, and they ones that aren't on Overdrive. I'm so glad you enjoyed this! A paperback edition was just available on Amazon so I grabbed it because I'm looking forward to a re-reading.
ReplyDeleteAudrey - I know hoopla has gotten to be ferociously expensive and I'm so thankful our library still offers it... and with so many borrows allowed each month. The Pedant in the Kitchen is a book I will read again and will, hopefully, purchase a print copy for my shelves. Thanks again for the recommendation!
DeleteSomething about Monsters of Templeton makes it sound better suited to print or Kindle vs. audio. Being able to visualize some of the area is always a bonus, The Julian Barnes collection sounds excellent; have never heard of it so glad you mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteDiane - The Monsters of Templeton is definitely more suited to read in print. I was in the car alone for several hours (a rare occurrence these days!) and that was the only audio I had available. The narrator had a very pleasant voice, but I really needed to refer to the family tree... the various generations and branches were confusing. The Julian Barnes book was wonderful and I always enjoy listening to Simon Vance!
DeleteThe Pendant in the Kitchen sounds wonderful. Definitely in the comfort read department. The Monsters of Templeton sounds like it should be good--lots of appealing elements--but so many books, so little time!
ReplyDeleteJaneGS - The Pedant in the Kitchen was a true comfort read! I enjoyed Simon Vance's narration very much, but still want to find a physical copy for my shelves. The Monsters of Templeton is probably not a great book to experience on audio. I would have been better off sticking with print and finding something else to listen to on my solo car trip. Oh well...
DeleteI usually skip right over cookbook reviews, but this one sounds good! I like that it's essays.
ReplyDeleteHelen - This was a great read... no recipes like a cookbook, but really interesting essays from an inquisitive home cook.
DeleteI remember when The Monsters of Templeton came out and it seemed everyone was reading it. I was curious about it but then sort of forgot. I really like the sound of the premise but thank you for the warning about the photos and family trees. If I get around to this one, it will definitely have to be a physical copy or I'll be lost! :)
ReplyDeleteIliana - The premise of MoT is so original and creative! I really expected to love it, especially considering my familiarity with the town. Even though I enjoyed the narrator's voice, audio was a mistake.
DeleteThe Julian Barnes book sounds wonderful but I think I'll pass on The Monsters of Templeton. It sounds really promising but it sounds a bit convoluted in execution.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - The Barnes book is well worth your time!
DeleteHi JoAnn,
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes--will be saying a few words about it soon over at my place. I love his writing, especially the Man Booker Prize-winning The Sense of an Ending. BUT! Who would have thought he had culinary leanings??? Will definitely seek this one out, for sure. His books give the sense that he is in his head 100 percent of the time. Not true, I guess!
Hi Judith - The Sense of an Ending is my favorite Barnes novel, too. I've kept it on my shelf with plans to reread, but haven't yet. It's so interesting to see that Barnes does indeed have other interests, plus a sense of humor! I'll keep an eye out for your thoughts on Elizabeth Finch.
DeleteI have read a few books by Barnes but didn't know about this one. Definitely going on my list. Can't do audible but if I can get the book I want it.
ReplyDeleteHave been behind on my blog visits lately but hope to get on a schedule of sorts.
Tina - Barnes book is just as good in print, I'm sure. I still want a copy to reread and keep on my shelf!
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