Book Chat Issue #31
Easy reads for distracted minds and peanut butter frosting
Hello reading friends
I was lying in bed last night thinking about what I’d do today and then I remembered it was newsletter writing day and that made me happy. I love writing to you every fortnight and appreciate you taking the time to read this newsletter.
It’s turned very chilly here in Australia and the constant barrage of posts about ‘summer reads’ makes me laugh because I’m looking for cosy reads, as are many other people for a variety of reasons.
The last two weeks have been strange (and horrifying) so I’m not surprised that people are looking for distraction and light relief. Without wanting to dismiss the terrible events in the US, I’m conscious that we sometimes become inured to the ongoing persecution of children and women all over the world. Sometimes it feels like the news is too much to process, but I do urge you to help however you can, wherever you can, and of course, hug your children.
When I’m struggling to comprehend world events, I look for books that are interesting and engaging. What about you? Do world events impact on your reading habits? I’ve also started a little knitting project. I’m a terrible knitter but it keeps me calm.
What I’ve been reading
In the last two weeks I tackled two very different books. The first was a thriller, quite nicely written, but relatively formulaic. That didn’t stop me reading it in a couple days and then lending it to my friend!
In A Flicker in the Dark, the main character is a psychologist (the most common occupation for women protagonists in thrillers) who, despite having a lot of experience with psychologically disturbed people, seems unable to spot them in her own life. There are plenty of twists and turns, which I really appreciated, but I find it annoying when a character who is portrayed as relatively benign or charming, suddenly turns out to be a baddie. I don’t want to put you off reading this book as I quite enjoyed it and it was an easy read, but I wouldn’t give it 5 stars. Good for distraction, but not very thought-provoking.
My second book was more interesting, but also more niche. I read about it on What to read if, one of my favourite newsletters.
The Verifers by Jane Pek, is recommended for readers who like interesting characters and complex plots.
Claudia Lin is a lifelong mystery reader and a new employee at a company that verifies the identities of its clients’ online love interests. When Claudia’s newest client ends up dead, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her suspicious death.
Part literary mystery, part family story, The Verifiers examines the nature of romantic love in the digital age. The cover design tells me it’s possibly aimed at a YA (young adult) audience, but don’t let that put you off.
It has some unnecessarily drawn-out discussions about how algorithms work, but the central theme about how technology shapes our choices are really interesting. It made me question what I am being served on the movie streaming apps, and think more about what I really want to consume, and not what the algorithm thinks I want to consume. As the book points out, algorithms have the ability to push you in certain directions, so you need to be mindful about what you consume.
What I’ve been writing
I finally got around to publishing a new blog post. Family secrets is part memoir, part social history and was fun to research and write. If you missed it, or you’re not subscribed to my blog, you can read it here.
What I’ve been baking
The chilly weather is perfect for cooking, so despite my resolution to eat more healthily, I made this date cake which my sister Bev mentioned in an email. I’m very easily influenced and immediately thought it sounded nice and I should make it too.
It’s very economical (one egg) and easy to make. The recipe doesn’t specify how to incorporate the butter so I melted it with the dates as that’s what I’d normally do for a fruit loaf. I also used self-raising flour as I thought it might have been a bit heavy with plain flour (the recipe doesn’t specify) but I suspect you could use either, or half and half. The real highlight is the peanut butter frosting which takes the cake from delicious to decadent. I can’t wait to try a slice.
That’s all for now.
Please look after yourselves and one another,
Warm wishes
Marg xxx
I do like mysteries, especially in a time when we all could use distraction from the sad realities of violence, social strife, war and pandemics that refuse to die. Thanks for your newsletter, another excellent distraction. I’m always up for baking, even as summer is upon us here in Southern California. The date cake with peanut butter frosting sounds wonderfully decadent and retro. I also enjoyed your post about your family--a true tale of scalliwags and survivors! I’m always a sucker for a family saga. Look forward to reading more!
It's suddenly chilly here, so I share an interest in cozy reads and hot cups of tea. Congratulations on publishing on your blog, looking forward to enjoying the article this weekend :)