Book Chat Issue #110
Resuming normal transmission
Hello readers and eaters,
Some of you may be pleased to hear that I’ve finished my series about significant books and events in my reading life. Phew, now I can go back to sharing what I’m currently reading and eating, rather than delving into the murky past.
Having said that, here’s a final wrap-up!
My life in books: some reflections
I originally planned to write a single post about my origin story to celebrate the 100th issue of Book Chat, but once I started I found I couldn’t fit my life into one post, so I just kept writing.
Thinking back over the meaningful books and events of my life was not only fun, but surprisingly revealing.
I was already aware that books formed an integral part of my life, but writing the series highlighted how much books have been a way to either escape from reality, or process difficult life events. One involves pretending nothing is happening and the other is more about finding reassurance that I’m not the only person struggling with life. I think this is why I’m such a fan of books about messy families. I can immerse myself in other people’s complicated lives whilst ignoring my own. Sometimes there’s comfort to be found in knowing you aren’t the only person to feel lost, confused, or afraid. And when the story revolves around something I haven’t experienced, there are always parallels I can use to test out ideas around ‘what would I do in that situation’. I also love literary thrillers as they allow me to take an arms length approach to the drama and focus on the plot twists. Thrillers are a lot less emotional but just as entertaining.
I was surprised to find that writing about my life was a lot harder than I expected. I think of myself as unsentimental, but looking at old photos often made me teary, and whilst I’ve tried to be honest in my writing, I’m conscious that I glossed over some of the more challenging times.
I also failed to include many joyful occasions, often involving the arrival of canine friends. As a child I was terrified of dogs, but due to my husband’s insistence that we own at least one dog at all times, I have grown used to having a variety of pets. I’m still cautious around dogs I don’t know, but looking at my photo stream shows me how important animals have been in my life, something I never expected when I was a young person.
It’s not lost on me that I’ve led a very privileged life. I’ve had many interesting jobs and travelled a fair bit. I can buy fresh food and I live in a comfortable house with a garden. Just living in Australia is a gift.
But by far the best thing about recording my reading life was the lovely feedback I received from you, dear readers. Many of you remembered reading the same books (I suspect we are similar in age) while others identified with my struggle to reconcile my desire to ‘be someone and do something’ with my desire to be a good wife, mother, and friend. Someone commented recently that I’ve had an adventurous life, but it doesn’t feel like that. It feels very ordinary, but I imagine that’s what most people feel about their own life stories.
The series ended at the point where I started Book Chat (four years ago now) and I’ve obviously have read many more books since then, but to save you trawling back through the archive, here are some of my favourites.
Careless by Kirsty Capes
Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
Night Swimmers by Roisin Maguire
Leaving by Roxana Robinson
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
All My Mothers by Joanna Glen
What I’ve been reading lately / book club
The international book club met last week (online) and we discussed The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. This is a complex book with lots of characters and interesting themes.
The story is set in a summer camp in the Adirondacks, a wild and beautiful part of the world. In 1975 a young camper goes missing, but this is not your usual hackneyed trope. She’s the daughter of the wealthy owners of the property, a young goth-like girl, struggling to deal with a father who ignores her and a mother who is half crazed with grief after losing her first child, a son known as Bear. Barbara’s disappearance reignites gossip and speculation about what really happened to Bear.
The story jumps backwards and forwards in time, which I found quite confusing as I was listening to it on audio and kept missing the time stamps. In the end I borrowed a print copy from the library and that solved the problem.
It’s an excellent novel and explores themes such as grief, resilience, and friendship. It’s both a mystery and a book about messy families, so it combines both of my favourite genres. Highly recommended.
What I’ve been eating
Yesterday I made some of my favourite meatballs. They are a bit fiddly but don’t require any particular skill and they are tastier than the pre-made ones you buy at the supermarket.
Lemon and pork meatballs
Combine 500 grams of pork mince, 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan, 1 small finely diced onion, 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts and the juice and grated rind of a lemon. Add salt and pepper. Mix well.
Roll into small balls the size of a walnut and fry gently until brown. Pour over a jar of store bought pasta sauce, warm through and serve with a green salad and crusty bread.
Well that’s all for this week lovely friends!
I’d love to know what you’re reading, so why not share?
Marg xx
Marg, your reading and travel series was fabulous to read and very revealing. It took courage in some instances perhaps, feeling doubtful about what or how to write it. It is a story I will one day revisit. Thank you!
I’m late to the party but absolutely loving your Substack. Lots to digest and absorb but just love the honesty and frankness. Great inspiration - a true influencer 🙌