The first full week of 2021 is over and it already feels like an entire year! I am horrified by Wednesday's events and pray we make it safely to January 20th.
On to the books...
FINISHED LAST WEEK//
The author calls this a work of creative nonfiction. I call it a unique, powerful blend of memoir and journalism.
The author herself is a Harvard-educated undocumented American. In addition to writing about her own life, she travels to various cities to chronicle the experiences of others. In NYC she examines the role of undocumented workers on and immediately following 9/11. She examines the lack of health care available to undocumented immigrants in Miami. Other chapters focus on Flint, Cleveland, and New Haven. She addresses issues unique to the undocumented, including some I'd never considered... eye-opening to say the least.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author. It kept me completely engaged throughout. Highly recommended.
CURRENT READING//
The Fortunate Ones by Ed Tarkington
The first book from my Shelf Subscription arrived. Both the title and author were unfamiliar, but my reading taste seems to align with Annie's and the enclosed recommendation card made it sound like my kind of book. So far, it is! I can't wait to pick it up later again later this afternoon.
Earlier in the week, I attended a Facebook Live event sponsored by Parnassus Books where the author spoke with Mary Laura Philpott, author of I Miss You When I Blink. I'm enjoying these "pandemic events" very much.
I'm (re)reading this for the January T Book Club sponsored by NYTimes Style Magazine. It is the second in a series of four discussions on classics of American literature. I started listening to the audio version read by Lorna Raver, but will make it a read/listen combination after finishing my current print book. More information on the 1/28 event can be found here.
IN THE KITCHEN//
Last week I mentioned that I was about to bake Katie Workman's Chocolate Banana Cake. Well, I did and it was delicious! This week I'm buying a few extra bananas so I can make it again.
Another night I made this White Chicken Chili from Taste of Home... it was quick, easy, and not too spicy. Most of the white chili recipes I've tried use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but this one called for ground chicken. We all agreed it's a keeper.
THE WEEK AHEAD//
This will likely be another news-heavy week. My goal is to stay informed, without becoming overwhelmed by the constant coverage. Good thing I'm in the middle of two excellent books!
How was your week? What are you reading?
The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
It's Monday... What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
The Undocumented Americans sounds like a book I would love to read. I've just added it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteCustom of the Country is a book I might add to my future Classics Club list.
It sounds like you made some delicious foods last week. I like the idea of White Chicken Chili as well as Chocolate Banana Cake.
I also hope to get through the week by watching the news but not allowing the news to bring me into despair.
Deb - I really like how The Undocumented Americans made me think about aspects of being undocumented that I'd never even considered. So thankful for the distraction of book!
DeleteI am really working hard to not read too much about it but still stay informed as well. It is too much.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about trying white chicken chili! Sounds good!
Erin - There's a fine line between staying informed and upsetting myself, lol!
DeleteI can recommend the apple cider beef stew from Katie Workman - it's a new favorite! (And is not made with chocolate beer...) Joining you in hoping and praying for a safe transition.
ReplyDeleteAudrey - Just found and bookmarked the recipe for apple cider beef stew. It looks delicious... even without the chocolate beer, lol!
DeleteYou had some good luck in the kitchen this week!
ReplyDeleteLisa - Books and cooking are keeping me sane!
DeleteI couldn't agree more! This week has felt like a lifetime. Between the horrific events on the 6th and taking care of my mom (who has been ill for a couple of days and wound up in the ER for dehydration...), I am already over 2021! Of course, I've been doom scrolling on Twitter and am very worried about what may unfold in the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI would like to read/listen to The Undocumented Americans, but I think I'll wait until I'm not feeling so disgusted with this country. Time for some brain candy.
I'm pretty sure I've read The Custom of the Country since I've read most everything by Edith Wharton. Enjoy.
That cake looks fabulous, so I may have to try it now that we've been checking my hubby's glucose levels and have discovered that he may not really have Type 2 Diabetes after all.
Have a good (and safe) week, JoAnn!
Les - We should have known not to expect too much from 2021! This week has been insane and I pray we're not in for more.
DeleteMight be a good idea to wait a while on The Undocumented Americans. Comfort reads may be a better idea at the moment. The Custom of the Country is one of my favorite Wharton novels. Undine Spragg is an unforgettable character!
Glad diabetes is not an immediate concern for Rod, and I sure hope your mom is feeling better. Hope we can all stay calm and safe this week. Take care!
I've tried to get outdoors more given the horrible news events this week, just when many of us were so happy about GA.
ReplyDeleteI just reserved The Undocumented Americans, I hadn't heard of it before. Your Chocolate Banana cake sounds yummy, it must be good to make it twice. Hope this is a good week for you.
Diane - Being out in the fresh air does wonders for our mental states, doesn't it?! The Undocumented Americans is such an interesting blend of memoir and journalism. I noticed it on quite a few "Best of" lists last month.
DeleteChocolate banana cake sounds like a lovely distraction from all the horrible news going on around us! I am glad to hear you like Undocumented Americans as well.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I really enjoy creative nonfiction. The mix of memoir and journalism hit just the right note for me. Chocolate banana cake was a delicious distraction:)
DeleteLike you, I enjoy keeping up with the news while avoiding being overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteLove that cake!
Enjoy your books and some movies. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain Snow - There seems to be a very fine line between being informed and being overwhelmed... at least for me. Thankful to turn my attention to books.
DeleteThe Undocumented Americans sounds like an affecting read, thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week, stay safe x
Shelleyrae - I think the memoir aspects made The Undocumented Americans even more compelling.
DeleteReading is definitely serving as a great distraction these days!
ReplyDeleteAngela - Not sure what I'd do without books these days!
DeleteThat banana cake looks delicious! I'll have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are having some great reads going on. I've seen The Undocumented Americans and have been wondering about it - glad to read your thoughts. I'll need to check it out as well.
Athira - The chocolate banana cake was a nice change from the bread I usually make with overripe bananas.
DeleteHaving good books to read is so important to me, always but even more so now. Yeah, kind of holding my breath as to what will happen this week. Saints preserve us!
ReplyDeleteJudy - I don't think I've ever been so thankful for the distraction of books. We'll get through this...
DeleteInteresting assortment of books. Such a variety! Your recipes look good too. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - Books and baking are keeping me sane, lol. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYes, the events from last week were unbelievable. I hope things get better. Thank you for sharing the recipes they sound delicious! I've had The Undocumented Americans on my radar so I'm really glad to hear that was a great read for you.
ReplyDeleteIliana - I think you'd like The Undocumented Americans. The blend of memoir and journalism really worked for me!
DeleteFirst off you have my attention with the white chicken chili and especially the banana chocolate cake.
ReplyDeleteThe Undocumented Americans sounds good, I need to add that t my list as well. Thanks for the great suggestions.
Thanks also for your nice comments on my blog. I just had one person tell me I'm misinformed about what went on in DC Wednesday and it's sad I read fake news! I was talking about a breakfast sandwich, geez.
Tina - Just had to go see what happened on your blog... unbelievable! It's sad people are acting like this - on a post about breakfast sandwiches, no less. So disheartening.
DeleteIt is! I had to respond to that nonsense because this is the same woman who told me Covid was a conspiracy to try and steal the election waaay back in 2020. Oh well.... You can’t change some people’s minds with facts.
DeleteWhile I do think that "creative nonfiction" is a very fine line that needs to be carefully walked, The Undocumented Americans does sound like a must-read. Going on my list for next month if I can find a copy.
ReplyDeleteStill trying to get over the events of last week here, too...and dreading that something else happen on the 20th. That would just be too much.
Sam - I agree that there's a fine line, but this author never crossed it. Her personal experience as an undocumented person gave her perspective and her journalistic abilities allowed her to tell the stores of others... very well done.
DeleteI'm afraid we're in for a rough ride to the 20th.
This year is already limping along, isn't it? I think it is about to get worse too. Hope we are prepared for the worst come this Wednesday, when they vote on impeachment and of course for the inauguration which I think they should make virtual.
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks yummy!
Ti - Limping along is a nice way to put it, lol. I'm afraid things will get worse, too. The inauguration should definitely pivot to something virtual.
DeleteI'm getting way too distracted this week ... from the train wreck of all that's in the news. 7 more days. I can barely think now. I'm glad you are reading Wharton ... after I read Ethan Frome a few years ago ... I wanted to read everything by her .... what a master! I hope you are enjoying the one you're reading.
ReplyDeleteHi. Susan. It's been a week already and it's only Thursday! Can't wait until things calm down. I enjoy Wharton and have read quite a few of her novels. If you lied Ethan Frome, you might want to give her novel Summer a try. Wharton sometimes referred to it as Hot Ethan! The Custom of the Country is a reread for me and I think Undine Spragg is one of the most memorable characters I've come across. My kindle just died, so it's all audio for me now. Hope the new one arrives soon...
DeleteI put The Fortunate Ones on my TBR list officially (i.e., on GoodReads) and will have to consider Undocumented Americans.
ReplyDeleteI made the cake yesterday - I was a little concerned because the batter was very stiff but it came out great!
JaneGS - I've added Tarkington's debut novel, Only Love Can Break Your Heart, to my tbr list. Really enjoyed both his storytelling and writing.
DeleteNow that you mention it, I remember being concerned about the stiffness of the batter for the chocolate banana cake, too. Thought I'd left something out, lol! Glad it turned out okay:)