Hello, friends. After a week of beautiful fall weather, walks with an audiobook, and a weekend filled with family and dogs, I'm here with an unusual Monday update.
Recent reading//
by Ina Garten, narrated by the author
After posting "My Year in Nonfiction" for Nonfiction November last week, I realized that my nonfiction reading has been less than satisfying this year. In an effort to get back on tract, I picked up this highly anticipated foodie memoir and was not disappointed.
I own several of Ina's cookbooks, attended one of her zoom events during the pandemic (remember when they were a novelty?) and regularly prepare many of her recipes. I haven't watched her television shows more than once or twice, but still consider myself a fan.
This memoir turned out to be even better than expected. It covered her difficult childhood, her relationship with Jeffrey, and how she came to own and operate Barefoot Contessa. In addition, Ina talked about her business philosophy, the many real estate transactions and renovations, and the evolution of her television show... plus there was some enjoyable name-dropping when the topic turned to show guests, friends, and her famous dinner parties.
I really enjoyed Ina's narration and am glad I listened, but there are some photos and recipes included in the print book that are worth checking out, too! ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
by Deeshaw Philyaw, narrated by Janina Edwards
This is the November selection over at MMD book club. I listened to this short story collection back in 2021 and wasn't planning a reread, but discovered that the audio is still available via hoopla. I always get more out of the author talks when the book is fresh in my mind and, at 4 hours long, it wasn't a huge time commitment. The stories all feature Black women and deal with sexuality, church, families, and relationships. As always, I enjoyed some more than others with "How to Make Love to a Physicist" being my favorite. ⭐⭐⭐💫
Current reading//
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff
This slim travel memoir is the follow-up to Hanff's beloved 84, Charing Cross Road, a book I've read or listened to multiple times over the years.
by Stanley Tucci, narrated by the author
I just started listening to this memoir yesterday and love it already. It'll be just what I need to take my mind off the election and its aftermath.
The week ahead//
As we are all aware, tomorrow is Election Day... and it can't come soon enough for me. We voted by mail (seemingly weeks ago), and our ballots have been received and accepted. It's certain there will be no winner announced Tuesday night, yet I am just as certain someone will choose to declare victory. Beyond that, I am afraid we'll be dealing with a lot of accusations and misinformation. My anxiety level is already through the roof.
Tomorrow we will have the distraction of an overnight trip to attend the funeral of a high school friend's mother. All bets are off after that...
How was your week? What have you been reading?
Our canine guests: my sister-in-law's Bernerdoodle Ophelia and our grandpup Winnie the Whippet.