Book Chat Issue #83

Hello reading friends!

Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter. I’m glad you’re here.

First of all, thanks to all the readers who commented on having reading targets. (As in, the number of books they are aiming to read this year). I thought it sounded like just one more thing to add to my list of things I need to do, but hearing your views made me think differently.

Rather than seeing the target as an added pressure (who needs that?) I now understand that having a reading goal gives people a sense of achievement and control, when so many things seem out of our control.

I love hearing what you think, and what you’ve been reading lately, so if you’d like to gush about a book, or have a book problem I can help with, please let me know.

There are two ways to communicate. You can click on the comment box below, or simply hit reply and your message will appear magically in my inbox.

What I’ve been reading

I’ve had Joan is Okay by Weike Wang on reserve for quite a while, so I was excited when I received a message to say it was finally ready for pick-up.

It didn’t disappoint.

Joan is a delightful protagonist. She works as an ICU doctor in a busy New York City hospital and is devoted to her work. She lives a happy, but somewhat lonely life, surviving on pot noodles and working as many shifts as possible. She loves the ordered nature of her work and her white coat makes her feel needed. She feels at home when she’s at the hospital.

At my interview three years ago, the director asked why I chose intensive care, and I said I liked the purity of it, the total sense of control. Machines can tell you things that the people attached to them can’t, I said. I liked that the sick didn’t stay with us long, but for the stint that they do, we give it our all.

My director praised my honesty and offered me the attending position right then.

Having come to the United States to secure the American dream for their two children, Joan’s parents have returned to China, hoping to live out the rest of their years in their homeland. But when Joan’s father dies suddenly, she is forced to re-examine her life and her relationships with her mother and brother.

I really enjoyed this book. The language is spare and sometimes biting, but it’s also frequently funny. It explores family dynamics, being caught between cultures, and accepting yourself. I won’t spoil the ending, but I can say that Joan really is okay.

Author note: Weike Wang was born in Nanjing, China, and grew up in Australia, Canada, and the United States. She went to Harvard University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry and her doctorate in public health.

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What I’ve been cooking

Last week I raided a neighbours cumquat tree and made a small batch of marmalade. I’m not suggesting you make jam unless you really want to because I’m committed to sharing simple recipes, but if you’re interested, I used this recipe.

I love having marmalade on my toast for breakfast, but it’s also useful for savoury meals, and especially lovely with roast chicken.

Simply mix together equal parts of soy sauce and marmalade (with maybe a dash of garlic powder) and use this to baste your chicken as it cooks. It gives a lovely tangy flavour. Try it! You can use store bought marmalade, I won’t tell.

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International Book Club

Just a quick reminder that our next book club pick is Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman.

Have you started reading it yet?

Our next meeting is in August. If you’ve attended a previous meeting you’ll get an automatic invitation. If you haven’t been before, just let me know and I’ll add you to the list. Book club is open to all Book Chat subscribers.

Personalised recommendations

Would you like me to recommend some books for you personally?

Just hit reply and tell me three books you’ve loved, and one that wasn’t for you. I’ll mull this over for a while and then send you a short list of books you might enjoy.

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That’s all for this edition,

Happy reading and look after yourself,

Marg xxx