Book Chat Issue #87

Leave the world behind

Welcome to Book Chat, a newsletter for readers and eaters.

How are you doing? I don’t mind admitting that I’m struggling a bit, there seems to be a lot going on in the world. (Massive understatement). And I wonder where it will all end.

Here in Australia, we are bombarded with news about American politics, whether we like it or not. And I, for one, don’t like it. (Just saying).

My response is to retreat into the world of books. Even though books aren’t always happy, sunny places, at least I can control what I’m consuming. I’m also rigorous about my social media consumption and as a result my feed is full of recipes, book recommendations, cute animals, and embroidery. I make no apology for that.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please look after yourself and remember you are not alone.

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What I’ve been reading

In this issue, I thought I’d revisit some of my favourite books for children. I’m a strong believer that children’s books are undervalued and can provide clarity about what’s important in an uncertain world. I wrote about that here.

As Katherine Rundle says…

“Children’s fiction necessitates distillation: at its best it renders in their purest, most archetypal forms hope, hunger, joy, fear. Think of children’s books as literary vodka.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate diCamillo is a magical story about a blue china rabbit who (accidentally) travels the world. In the beginning of the story he is vain and self-absorbed, but eventually comes to understand the power of love and friendship. I really adore this book, so if you’ve never read it, please seek it out. You don’t need to have a child in your life to enjoy this book, you just need a heart.

A more recent read is a simple story by Meg Rosoff, one in a series of books featuring a rescue dog called McTavish.

In McTavish Goes Wild, he takes his adopted family on a camping adventure and hijinks ensue. I loved the many sly jokes in this story.

McTavish had made a great deal of progress with the Peachey family since deciding to rescue them, but they still required hard work and patience.

Training the Peachey family had been slow and difficult but he was an intelligent dog and he knew he was up to the job. He understood that a family with a chaotic past could not be fixed overnight. With a combination of love, patience and consistent handling, he had helped the Peacheys become far more organised and relaxed than when he had first decided to rescue them.

I can imagine reading this book aloud over and over again, and still enjoying it.

Do you have a book you return to when you need a warm hug?

Like more great children’s book recommendations?

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What I’ve been baking

It’s COLD here. Quite freezing really, so as well as a good book, you probably need a cup of tea and a freshly baked biscuit. My current favourite is moderately healthy because it has a minimum of sugar and lots of goodness, but it’s also yummy. You can use different nuts or add dried fruit, depending on what’s in your cupboard, but the basic recipe stays the same.

Healthy Oat Biscuits

75g wholemeal flour (approx 1/2 cup)

1 teaspoon baking powder

75g porridge oats (scant cup)

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons desiccated coconut

2 generous tablespoons crumbled walnuts or other nuts

2 tablespoons butter or butter substitute

1 tablespoon cashew butter or peanut butter

1 tablespoon golden syrup

2 tablespoons milk

Method

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together.

Combine wet ingredients (milk, butter, golden syrup, nut butter) in a small saucepan and heat gently. Stir together and add to dry ingredients.

Mix together and divide into portions on a tray lined with baking paper.

Flatten with wet hands and bake until golden brown (approx 20 mins) in a 170C oven. Makes about ten.

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International Book Club (for subscribers only)

You are warmly invited to join us for the next book club meeting. We will be discussing Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman.

Sunday, August 4 · 10:00 – 11:00am (Please check your local time as this is Saturday in the US and Europe.)

Time zone: Australia/Sydney

Google Meet joining info:

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fhb-qyky-gqi

I’d love to see you there.

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That’s all for this issue.

Look after yourself and happy reading,

Marg xxx

ps Need a personal recommendation? Let me know.