Great newsletter. I don't apologise for reading commercial fiction occasionally, it has it's place and sometimes we need a page turner or a palate cleanser! Can't wait to read the David Parks book, thanks for the heads up.
My husband bought the food processor on the recommendation of my sister who is an excellent cook. Actually both my sisters are good cooks. She suggested he buy one with a sturdy motor and I've always been grateful. My only issue is that it's a little heavy to lift up onto the bench and too big to stay there permanently, so I've just invested in a small blender. It's perfect for chopping herbs etc. and easy to wash. I love it.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I'm slightly obsessed with Northern Ireland (and its writers) so I look forward to reading this. And the cauliflower/zucchini salad looks good and more importantly, easy!
I would love to know if you have any recommendations for Northern Irish books? Or Irish for that matter. I'm a fan too. I just made another cauliflower salad (I have a whole one to use and hubby's not a fan) and this time I added both dates and oranges. It was very nice.
I like Jan Carson's work. She has a new book out but I haven't read it yet. I enjoyed The Raptures. I made the salad yesterday! I added chick peas and some ricotta. Tasty! I'll make it again!
Thanks so much for the recommendation, I’ll definitely check it out. I have a sneaking feeling my sister read The Raptures and said it was very funny (in a dark way).
Marg, interesting post -- you cover a lot of ground! Popular fiction -- my take is that it's not about whether I feel guilty, but about whether I feel satisfied. Sometimes, just the right mix of lightheartedness or pop culture can feel just right. And sometimes I smile as I read, but then feel empty or don't remember it at all afterward. So, I guess I try to find what leaves me "satisfied." And regarding that, I'm so happy that you found the David Parks' book a rewarding read. Can you think of other titles like that, not well-known, but that really resonate and leave an impression?
Thanks so much for telling me about the David Park book. It’s always great to discover a new writer, although I’m very aware that he is actually quite well-known.
I’ve been thinking a lot about lesser-known books since our conversation and would love to know if anyone has any more recommendations?
Re feeling guilty- I never feel bad about reading feel-good books, but thrillers are often very unsatisfying. Nevertheless I am drawn to them when I’m tired or overwhelmed.
That sounds like an oddball salad that might just be delicious; that pudding/cake with the miso-caramel sauce is definitely going on my must-make list!
I do sometimes feel guilty about reading popular fiction and think I might read something more weighty, but then life feels already so heavy that I seek relief in lighter fare—reading and otherwise (food, TV, podcasts,etc.). I’ve been listening to a book called “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn, recommended by another blogger. It’s based on the true story of an ace Russian sharpshooter during WWII whose nickname was Lady Death (or it is in the novel). It’s pure escapism and sometimes seems to stray into fantasy, but I’m enjoying it anyway. Reading the daily news is more than enough reality for me!
I’m a big fan of enjoying yourself (as you know 😀) so thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to have downtime. I think what makes me feel guilty is the all the nonfiction I have stacked up on the bedside table. I have good intentions to read them but find it hard to concentrate at night.
Funnily enough, one of them is actually about improving your attention span!! Ha ha.
Never feel guilty for reading anything that makes you happy. I'm obsessed with dates, too, so of course I know what I'm talking about. ;) The cauliflower recipe sounds great!
You are right of course. But I’m mindful there are a great many books out there and only so much time to read them all. I’m pleased you’re a date fan too!
Great newsletter. I don't apologise for reading commercial fiction occasionally, it has it's place and sometimes we need a page turner or a palate cleanser! Can't wait to read the David Parks book, thanks for the heads up.
Thanks Melissa. I'd love to know what you think of it.
Haha I think our electric mixer is about 40 years old. Why don’t they make things like they used to?
The David Park book sounds great. I will wait until I can handle it - I’m still recovering from the Hamnet book!
My husband bought the food processor on the recommendation of my sister who is an excellent cook. Actually both my sisters are good cooks. She suggested he buy one with a sturdy motor and I've always been grateful. My only issue is that it's a little heavy to lift up onto the bench and too big to stay there permanently, so I've just invested in a small blender. It's perfect for chopping herbs etc. and easy to wash. I love it.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I'm slightly obsessed with Northern Ireland (and its writers) so I look forward to reading this. And the cauliflower/zucchini salad looks good and more importantly, easy!
I would love to know if you have any recommendations for Northern Irish books? Or Irish for that matter. I'm a fan too. I just made another cauliflower salad (I have a whole one to use and hubby's not a fan) and this time I added both dates and oranges. It was very nice.
I like Jan Carson's work. She has a new book out but I haven't read it yet. I enjoyed The Raptures. I made the salad yesterday! I added chick peas and some ricotta. Tasty! I'll make it again!
Thanks so much for the recommendation, I’ll definitely check it out. I have a sneaking feeling my sister read The Raptures and said it was very funny (in a dark way).
Marg, interesting post -- you cover a lot of ground! Popular fiction -- my take is that it's not about whether I feel guilty, but about whether I feel satisfied. Sometimes, just the right mix of lightheartedness or pop culture can feel just right. And sometimes I smile as I read, but then feel empty or don't remember it at all afterward. So, I guess I try to find what leaves me "satisfied." And regarding that, I'm so happy that you found the David Parks' book a rewarding read. Can you think of other titles like that, not well-known, but that really resonate and leave an impression?
Thanks so much for telling me about the David Park book. It’s always great to discover a new writer, although I’m very aware that he is actually quite well-known.
I’ve been thinking a lot about lesser-known books since our conversation and would love to know if anyone has any more recommendations?
Re feeling guilty- I never feel bad about reading feel-good books, but thrillers are often very unsatisfying. Nevertheless I am drawn to them when I’m tired or overwhelmed.
That sounds like an oddball salad that might just be delicious; that pudding/cake with the miso-caramel sauce is definitely going on my must-make list!
I do sometimes feel guilty about reading popular fiction and think I might read something more weighty, but then life feels already so heavy that I seek relief in lighter fare—reading and otherwise (food, TV, podcasts,etc.). I’ve been listening to a book called “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn, recommended by another blogger. It’s based on the true story of an ace Russian sharpshooter during WWII whose nickname was Lady Death (or it is in the novel). It’s pure escapism and sometimes seems to stray into fantasy, but I’m enjoying it anyway. Reading the daily news is more than enough reality for me!
I’m a big fan of enjoying yourself (as you know 😀) so thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to have downtime. I think what makes me feel guilty is the all the nonfiction I have stacked up on the bedside table. I have good intentions to read them but find it hard to concentrate at night.
Funnily enough, one of them is actually about improving your attention span!! Ha ha.
Never feel guilty for reading anything that makes you happy. I'm obsessed with dates, too, so of course I know what I'm talking about. ;) The cauliflower recipe sounds great!
You are right of course. But I’m mindful there are a great many books out there and only so much time to read them all. I’m pleased you’re a date fan too!