Book Chat Issue #133
Library Loves
Hello readers and eaters, and a warm welcome to any new subscribers. It’s great to have you here.
One of the things that makes Book Chat a bit different to other bookish newsletters is that I only recommend books I’ve read right to the end. (I say this because I have been caught out a couple of times recommending books I was halfway through which petered out at the end, so I’ve learnt not to do that).
This leaves me in a bit of a bind, because the book I’ve just finished was quite depressing and also made me a little cross. Both of the main characters were annoying and selfish in their own way, so there’s no way I’m going to recommend it to you, even though it was well-written. On the other hand, I would love to know if anyone else has read Some Bright Nowhere (oops I’ve let the cat out of the bag) so we could compare notes. I might sneak it into the conversation at this week’s book club meeting, which is happening this Thursday afternoon if you live in the States or Canada, and Friday morning if you live in Australia or New Zealand. Hit reply if you want more details.
We’ll be chatting about Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. If you’ve read it and want to join the conversation, let me know by hitting reply and I’ll send you precise instructions.
So instead of recommending my latest read, let me delve into the archives for some of my favourite books.
Some books you might have missed
There are some excellent books in this list, and I would love you to check them out (quite literally, support your library) if you’re looking for something absorbing.
While I’m on the subject, did anyone read The Eights by Joanna Miller, which I recommended in a previous issue? I rarely read historical fiction, but this one is a cracker.
Other favourites include:
Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz, a literary crime novel which explores feminism, philosophy, and politics.
Lonely Mouth by Jacqueline Maley. Lonely Mouth is a delicious, clever, and tender novel about the conflicted way women think about their bodies, their appetites, and themselves in the world.
A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan. This is a coming-of-age mystery set in New Zealand.
Intimacies by Lucy Caldwell, a Northern Irish playwright and novelist. If you’re not a fan of short stories, Intimacies might just change your mind.
What I’ve been eating
Last weekend we commemorated ANZAC Day. It’s held on 25 April and marks the 1915 landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli during WWI. The significance of the day has broadened over the years and we now recognise and commemorate the contribution of all people who have served Australia in times of war and in war‑like conflicts. It’s a big day in Australia with many people turning out to march or simply pay their respects.
As I mentioned in the last issue, I play in a community brass band, so this means a lot of marching as well as playing the same hymns over and over. It’s not exactly fun, but we like to do our bit.
Another tradition on ANZAC day is to make and eat ANZAC biscuits. These are hard, easily transportable biscuits which were sent to the troops during WWI. You can buy them from the shops, but they are not the same.
Note for North American readers - our biscuits bear no resemblance to American biscuits. Ours are either crunchy or chewy, depending on your preference. You would call them cookies.
This year, my husband made our Anzac biscuits because I was busy doing the aforementioned band engagements.
His turned out a little on the soft side (not sure why) but they tasted good.
Here’s a recipe from The Women’s Weekly, a trusted source.
A bit about me
I started Book Chat in the Covid times as a way of connecting to other book-lovers. It was 2020. I had just retired, and was missing my regular book chats with colleagues and friends. I'd been thinking about writing a newsletter for ages and the advice was to write about what gives your life purpose and meaning, so for me, it was obvious that I should write about books. People were always asking me what I was reading, so I thought I’d share that on a regular basis.
But I also like eating, especially salads and cake, so I added a section where I share what I’m making and eating. These are not fancy recipes, just everyday food from ingredients you might have in your kitchen. I’m quite a lazy cook and don’t like recipes that are too complicated. I’m aware that not everyone has the time or energy to cook, but I regard both eating well and reading as forms of self-care.
I read all types of books and like to think of myself as a reliable recommender, but I also love getting recommendations from readers. My hope is that when you subscribe you will feel like part of a community and we can be reading friends.
One last thing. If you enjoy Book Chat, please share it with your reading friends.
Until next time, take care and look after yourself.
Marg xxx
I loved The Eights and have recommended it to several people, a great combination of historical fact and fictional characters. I have just powered through Before you knew my name, in a weekend which is fast reading for me. I thought it was an excellent and original read but could have been tied up a bit quicker at the end, but then I think that about many books. However, I adored Lonely Mouth right to the very end.
My Anzac biscuits (made by the girls) turned out really well.
I always enjoy Book Chat, Marg! The combo of book recommendations and down-to-earth recipes is right up my alley—and I also appreciate the glimpses into your life in Australia. Many books on my reading list have come from your picks.
I finally bought Wild Dark Shore after being unable to get a copy through Libby. Sadly, I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet and forgot to bring it with me on our current travels. I thought I’d try to check in to the book club just to say hello, but I believe the time would be 1:30 in the morning in Paris on May 1. I might actually be awake because my internal clock is nine hours out of whack, but my husband would be less than thrilled!
So, here’s wishing you a great discussion and hope to catch you on the next go-round.