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.
Like you, I want the election to be over and done, but know that Tuesday is not the end. Whichever candidate wins, there will be chaos and perhaps violence. What the heck has happened to our country?!
ReplyDeleteHelen - I'm worried about possible chaos and violence... afraid for our country at this point. Sigh.
DeleteI love everything about this post, most especially the dog photo. Stanley Tucci came is a hot second as did Ina :-) I am looking forward to those books and almost bought the Tucci hardcopy at the airport....but realized it was more to carry and I wouldn't get around to it anyway with so much going on.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the election to be over and there will be drama if Harris wins for sure. Remember when we used to vote and if your candidate didn't win we'd just shrug and say, maybe next time. No threats of violence... (deep sigh) Those were the good old days. Love your updates and keep those photos of CT and doggies coming!!
Tina - Thank you, we had such a fun weekend! The pups did great after they got used to each other, it was so cute to watch them. Although I'm listening to Stanley Tucci's book, I have a feeling I'll need a physical copy for my shelves, too, just like Taste. Definitely nostalgic for those good old days...
DeleteLove the dog picture, Yay! They seem to get along. I'm glad to meet them here. Also glad you really liked the Ina book. It sounds good. Your nonfiction reads are certainly picking up. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow. Ugh there is a lot of anxiety. Let's win this for good.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. It was funny for us to see Winnie, now 2, as the older dog! The puppy Ophelia (I want to call her FiFi, but nobody else does) was amazed at how fast Winnie could run. She briefly tried to keep up and it was a pretty funny sight! It feels like the Ina book got my nonfiction reading back on track, so I decided to continue with Stanley.
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