Book Chat Issue #82

Permission granted

Hello reading friends and welcome new subscribers. I’m glad you’re here.

I’ve noticed lately that lots of people who share what they are reading on social media are including their reading target in their profiles, as in 65/125. I assume this means that have read 65 books already this year, which sounds like a lot to me.

It seems odd to put pressure on yourself to read a certain number of books each year. Why do people do this? I’m genuinely interested - if this is something you do, please tell me more.

In my humble opinion, most people are under enough pressure meeting work deadlines, getting good grades, getting dinner on the table, getting kids to sporting fixtures or music rehearsals. Do we really need targets for reading as well? I might have this completely wrong of course. Perhaps having a reading target gives you something to aim for that is entirely within your control? It might make you feel really good.

I keep a list of books I’ve read each year (and yes I do count them for interest’s sake) but I don’t have a target. For me, a good reading year equates to reading lots of books I’ve enjoyed.

How do you choose the right book?

My number one recommendation is to think about what you feel like reading as opposed to reading what you think you should be reading. This involves tapping into what your mind (and body) needs. You have my permission to read whatever makes your heart feel glad.

What I’ve been reading

Last weekend I was down in the big city looking after my daughter’s pup while she was away on business. It was very rainy, so I took three books with me. A bit ambitious, but I like to have choices.

I ended up choosing a lovely squishy book and it was a delightful read.

The Handover by David M Barnett, tells the story Daisy, who works as a night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History, and Nate, who works as the daytime guard. They see one another very briefly at handover time, when Daisy gives Nate a detailed report about what has happened during her shift - usually very little. Despite their brief interactions, events conspire to throw them together to solve a mystery and then chemistry takes over.

This book is a perfect holiday read. Enjoy!

What I’ve been eating

I’ve become rather enamoured lately with the recipes of Hetty Lui McKinnon, a food writer based in New York. Some of you probably know her work (she’s quite famous), but you may not know that although she resides in Brooklyn, she’s actually Australian, born and raised in the suburbs of Sydney, not far from where I live.

Her recipes have a strong focus on vegetables, which is great because I genuinely love vegetables, especially when they are combined with a nice lemony dressing, along with some nuts and cheese.

I recently tried her recipe for cumin roasted carrots with feta and chickpeas, but I didn’t have any chickpeas on hand, so I made my own version with green beans.

I should also mention that I don’t roast my carrots in the oven because I’m usually only cooking for one vegetable lover, and it’s not worth putting the oven on for just one carrot.

I usually steam the carrots lightly and then fry them in a little oil with cumin until golden. Toss in some steamed green beans and some feta, mint, lemon juice and toasted pine nuts. Serve as a side with steak or chicken.

Check out more of Hetty’s recipes here:

International book club

I’ve been mulling over what we should read next for book club. So many options!

If you’re new around here, book club is free for subscribers and we meet every three months or so, via the magic of the internet. It’s a friendly affair. You don’t need to be a literary type to join in.

Pop over here to see our previous reads.

Our next meeting will be in August and we’ll be reading Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman. I talked about this book in the last issue of Book Chat (check it out if you missed it). There’s lots to discuss, so get your hands on a copy and start reading. I’d love to see you at book club.

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That’s all for this issue!

I hope life is treating you well and you are looking after yourself.

Warm wishes,

Marg xxx