9 Comments
Jan 11, 2023Liked by Marg Moon

The great nephew LOVED those biscuits (cookies for your US readers). I have only read Anna Quindlen's "One True Thing" which has stuck with me over many years and is even more relevant now with a number of people afflicted with life ending illness. I recommend Richard Osman's books for a delightful holiday read.

Expand full comment
author

I loved "One True Thing" as well. I had forgotten about it until you mentioned it. It was heartbreaking but very moving. I am planning to read Richard Osman soon. There's a pretty long wait at the library. Do you need to read them in order, do you think?

Expand full comment

Love all your ideas and treats. Welcome to a new year of reading and eating!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much Sally. I have a great big list of books to read and recipes to try and I can't wait to share them.

Expand full comment

As always, a marvelous read, Marg! The books, podcast and biscuit recipe (cookies here in the U.S.) all pique my interest and/or appetite. I love the twin ideas of comfort reading and intuitive eating--good lessons in being kind to ourselves rather than judgmental. Salad and then dessert--another great combo. Enjoy your holiday!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much for your comments Ruth. I found a lot of parallels between books and food in the conversation about intuitive eating, not least the idea that we should listen to ourselves more and think about what we need to consume to feel safe and well. I'm not saying that we should avoid reading books that are challenging or sad, (quite the opposite) just that we should be kind to ourselves about our reading choices. I feel very strongly that there are no good or bad books, just a wide variety with something for everyone. Readers should pick and choose according to what they need and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks.

Expand full comment

I completely agree with you re the parallels between intuitive eating and reading and the need to be kind to ourselves on both scores. So often I’ve found myself eating food I didn’t really want because I thought I should or reading books I thought I ought to have read. I still feel bad that I’ve never made it through Moby Dick or Swann’s Way and tell myself I will one day. But then I pick up a Louise Penny novel and get happily borne away to Three Pines. And I eat that chocolate chip cookie I was avoiding. I think it’s a privilege of age to let go of worrying so much about the judgment of others. It’s a lesson I’m still trying to learn.

Expand full comment
author

I’ve never read Moby Dick and don’t plan to. My brother is a comedian and did a very funny show based on the story and it wasn’t difficult to follow the story or get the jokes. I’d keep reading Louise Penny if I were you 🙂

Expand full comment

No, I don't think so - they are pretty self contained although there is probably some character development. I plan to go back and read the first one now.

Expand full comment