Several years ago, I decided to cook a recipe that matched the setting of each book I read. I then would share the book on Facebook (in an album specially created for these reviews). In 2020, I decided to transition that album to a blog. This past summer, I decided to transition that blog to this website. Saying all that, these are the books I read before my original blog’s creation in 2020. I hope you find a book you will love!
Salt to the Sea- Russian honey cake…this was the first book/recipe I did and before I started giving a review of the book. If you have not read any of Ruta Sepety’s books, you must read them. I have yet to find one I did not like.
The Nightingale and basque-style chicken… before book review…excellent book!
Daughters of Castle Deverill Irish soda bread. This is the second book in her trilogy. The first one gives you a great glimpse of “the Troubles”- Ireland’s fight for independence. The second book deals with the aftermath (and family problems of course). UPDATE: I have the third book but have not been able to get into it. I guess i need to finish it.
Provinces of Night and peach cobbler… setting is Tennessee so I went with peach cobbler for a Southern dessert since corn bread and milk (mentioned in the book and what I grew up eating ) didn’t quite go with supper tonight.
Little Sister Death and Fried blueberry pies– Little Sister Death and Hillbilly Elegy (not pictured)… I googled hillbilly and southern gothic recipes. Let’s just say I said no to opossum and found some other very interesting websites. so… all Southerns can agree that fried fruit pies is representative of hillbillies and, of course, the South.
English Cornish Pasties (not pastry)- Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier (which takes place in the moors of Cornwall)… EXCELLENT read! I just told a teacher friend that this book reminds me of a mix of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. After some research, I found out the author loved the Bronte sisters and this novel is a mix of the two I just mentioned. If you love Rebecca, try this one. It was written in 1936 (Rebecca 1938). I’m watching the BBC miniseries now but I’m irritated that they messed up the suspense part by changing up some things from the book. Also, this book is based on real events but DON’T research the real Jamaica Inn until after you read the novel.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (setting: Sussex, England)- Lardy Johns and Lemon Rosemary Scones… a very different read than what I’m used to reading but it was good (I just bought a set of his other books). After reading the book, I stayed up for 30 minutes reading discussion threads because my mind wanted “concrete” answers. Yesterday, I had a “counseling” session by three English teacher friends so I could work through my questions. BTW…Lardy Johns are made out of lard (apparently Crisco is not lard)… and the plate is one of several beautiful vintage plates found at Goodwill yesterday. I said I wasn’t buying anymore dishes but I couldn’t resist.
The Tilted World- Mississippi Mud Cake…this novel is based on the 1927 Mississippi River flood that devastated the Delta (with some bootlegging). Sadly, this is the first of Tom Franklin’s novels I did not like. I actually skimmed through the last half.
Before We Were Yours- strawberry biscuits with basil-honey butter… incredible novel based on real events. Between 1920s-1950, Georgia Tann adopted out 5000 children from Memphis, many of these illegal adoptions, kids taken from poor families without their knowledge (unwed mothers who just gave birth and were heavily sedated). A heart-wrenching story that actually has a great ending. I’m researching more on this event and think I may create my first- day Econ lesson from this tragedy. And yes, the biscuits were divine!
Love and Death in Burgundy- homemade French bread (bread machine recipe)… instead of talking about the book, let me discuss what to do when you start reading a bad book. First, don’t assume a “new book” in library is a top seller. Second, if Amazon doesn’t sell it, that’s probably a good indication. Third, if you are curious about this book, just watch a Matlock episode and that will suffice. Now on with my discussion… My mantra has always been when you start a book, you finish the book. After starting this book, I had to practice what I teach in my classroom- “economic reasoning.” While using my time reading a bad book, I could be using my time reading a better book. So I took advice from a friend and flipped to the end and read last few chapters to see who the murderer was. But what if you bought the book instead of checking it out? If you are like me, you feel you have to finish it because you spent money buying it. However, think about the term “sunk cost.” You spent the money and purchased the book. Even if you resold book, you will not get full amount back so why use your time forcing yourself to read a bad book? Economists would say stop reading the book and do something that is more enjoyable. So, long story short, don’t feel guilty about not finishing a bad book. Think like an “economist”!
Jam roly-poly and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman… First, this is a traditional English recipe that dates back to early 1800s. Another name for this recipe was “dead man’s arm” because they used to wrap inside a shirt sleeve and boil/steam. By the way, that’s strawberry preserves wrapped in dough. Second, I’ve become a huge fan of Gaiman. I loved this book. There were three cemeteries Gaiman used for the setting- those in New Orleans, Highgate West Cemetery (London), and Abney Park (London). Majority based on Abney Park. If you read this book, I would suggest googling images of the two in London. It will give you great imagery to go on while you read.
The Silent Boy and Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Cake (the easiest recipe ever but one I managed to mess up twice then overcooked because I was on the phone..but it still tastes good)…1) a good book that isn’t so much plot driven as just a good story; 2) I’ve read two books in 1 1/2 weeks during a school year which hasn’t been done since Hunger Games trilogy; and 3) I think I’ll settle for young adult books right now since it seems that is my level at this moment…
O Pioneers! and Swedish Coffee Bread… I chose this recipe because I didn’t find any pioneer recipes I liked so I went with a recipe from the “old country” of the family who settled in Nebraska. I read this book in high school and couldn’t remember much about it. After reading about 3/4s of the book, I couldn’t see where the plot was going then BAM! The climax then the book’s ending. And then I remembered why it intrigued me…And by the way, it looks like I worked for hours making this but I found a bread machine recipe. You know if those pioneers had a bread machine they would have used it too…and that’s my original book from high school that I read. Not going to say how long I’ve had it.
Fahrenheit 457 and burning marshmallows it took me a week to read 22 pages. It just wasn’t happening. I switched to an online version and read during my lunch break and was able to knock it out. Even though I get the purpose of the book AND came across a few great sentences (discussion points), it was just an ok book. I did post (in comments) one of my favorite sentences…I always say if you don’t try to change what you don’t like (through voting or even if a simple email), then stop complaining.
Frankenstein and Beef Potpie with Cheddar-Stout Crust… LOVED this book and can’t believe many of my students did not like it!!! Since I was already making this St. Patrick’s Day dish, I figured it would work for this book since Victor Frankenstein landed in Ireland towards the end of the story.
Coraline…Coraline and chocolate chip scones (setting outside London)… this is my third Neil Gaiman book and I have to say I’m a fan!!!! I HATED this movie but the girls liked it. I couldn’t get past the beginning of the movie (the way it was made). The book, however, was great and now makes me want to get past the “creepiness” of the movie to see the story. I loved the basis of the book: to be brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared; being brave means you can be scared but still doing what you know is right!
The Historian and Hungarian goulash…I found this book at Goodwill and had no idea what it entailed but have to say I loved it!!! It is either a love or hate book. It encompasses history, geography, adventure, and…Dracula! Not many know but I used to want to be an archeologist, specifically focused on Egypt (what can I say, I was an Indiana Jones fan). I knew, though, that I couldn’t be an archeologist and have a stable, rooted life, so I chose the next best thing- a social studies teacher. I’ve also have had a fascination with Vlad the Impaler (I have a VHS tape on his story if interested). This book detailed a lot of his history with many theories that abound. One may think about the evil he symbolized and how “long ago” that was but I tend to reflect on how evil has personified itself throughout history- more recently from terrorists on 9-11 to Assad (Syria) who recently used chemical weapons to murder Syrians, specifically Christians. Sin is sin; evil is evil. The only thing that has changed since Vlad’s time and today is the means.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society… The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and modern Guernsey potato peel pie (visitguernsey.com). First, you may be asking, was it any good? The answer is no. Very bland. Maybe it would have tasted better with the beetroot, but I don’t like beets and I didn’t have one lying around the house. Thankfully, I only wasted two potatoes, onion, few eggs, flour, and oil (in case you wanted to know ingredients). Second, I can’t believe I didn’t read this book with book club. It was so good and informative about an area I knew nothing about except Victor Hugo being politically exiled there for 15 years. I can’t wait for the movie to be released on Netflix in August. Now for another bit of tidbit… I felt this recipe was similar to Shepherd’s Pie (its not) so I looked up the history of that recipe. I found out that what we call “Shepherd’s Pie” really isn’t…what we eat is actually called Cottage Pie. Shepherd’s Pie is only made with lamb whereas Cottage Pie is made from beef. And now you know. And knowing is half the battle. Go Joe!
Darling Jim and Buttery Irish Scones… since there isn’t much to say about this book but (as in terrible), I’ll just say this: the scones were AMAZING (best scone recipe I’ve tried)!
The Heretic’s Daughter…no recipe since I’m prepping to fly to DC tomorrow but wanted to share this book. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It’s very well written. The book is historical fiction, based on the Salem Witch Trials. The writer’s ancestor, Martha Carrier (nine great-grandmother), was one who was accused of being a witch and was killed. She spent five years researching and writing the book. Even though it’s historical FICTION, the fiction part is only the dialogue and certain family situations. Everything else comes from actual documents (names, trial, etc). Martha’s husband, Thomas, is a fascinating person as well. Without divulging too much, I’ll just say he fought for Cromwell in England’s Civil War. He came to the New World (‘Mercia) when Charles 2 was restored to the throne (Restoration period). Reflecting on this (all true), it makes you realize the ideals of government that the colonists brought with them. You can’t understand our history apart from England’s history. And just a random side note but one that’s so interesting… Oliver Cromwell eventually ruled with an iron fist (the exact principle his supporters fought against). He died then his son ruled for a time before Charles 2 was invited back as king (remember Charles 1 was beheaded). After this, the people dug up Oliver Cromwell’s body and decapitated the skull, placing the skull on London bridge (symbol of traitor). A big storm hit and blew the skull down. Anyway, history has it that his skull was passed down to many people, even becoming part of a circus show. Eventually (not that long ago), the skull was secretly buried to keep people from digging it up. Great story from History Channel’s Lost and Found series (when they actually had shows on history). Anyhoo, great book. Fascinating history. Can’t wait to read her book on Thomas Carrier’s life in England.
The King’s General and Cornish Blueberry Scones… I’m not yet finished with the book (close) but thought I would go ahead and make my dish. I love all of Daphne du Maurier’s books but this one has been very interesting. It took awhile to get into it but then it just took off. I had no clue that it was historical fiction (thought just a love story set during English Civil War). After I researched Cornwall during this war (yes, I’m a goober), I realized that the people and the places were all real along with all the battles. The only thing “fiction” was the love story. I also learned that the estate in the novel, Menabilly, was a place she (Daphne…we are on a first name basis) lived for 26 years and also the inspiration behind Manderley in Rebecca!!!! du Maurier’s novels were inspired by places that inspired her (like Jamaica Inn…probably still my favorite above Rebecca). I think I’m watching too many British shows and reading too many British novels because I sort of want to sell everything and just move to Cornwall… I digress… if you love Rebecca but have not read any of Daphne’s other novels, you are missing out (especially if you are a gothic literature, history loving nerd like myself).
The Paris Seamstress and quiche… The Paris Seamstress and Quiche (sort of “Frenchy”)… WW2 historical fiction. I read this through the lens of the spy/secretive escape missions in Occupied France. However, at the end of the book, the writer talked about how four characters (and it’s scandal/murder/money/mental asylum) were based on real people. As with many books, my nerd self begins to look up photos and history. Then I realized, when looking up old pictures of the garment industry in NYC, that the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was only 30 years before this story which made me see this story (of this industry in this time period) in a different light. It’s a good, page-turner book written in a Kate Morton style but with a little Danielle Steele towards the end.
Captive Queen by Alison Weir and brioche... First, I LOVE Alison Weir. She is the best British historian. In college, I was in the bookstore on Main Street in Starkville when I came across her book The Princes in the Tower. I was hooked and read most of her nonfiction books before I graduated. I was super-excited when she came out with her historical fiction novels. I loved Innocent Traitor (about Lady Jane Grey) and Lady Elizabeth. Last Saturday, while the girls and I were in Barnes and Nobel, I bought her historical fiction novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine (this book). I’ve had Weir’s nonfiction book on her for years but have never read it. Now this leads me to my second point… if I wanted to read a Harlequin romance novel, I would buy one. I was thinking about emailing her and asking WHY?!?! did she think she had to put very explicit stuff in the novel. I flipped to the end of the book to peruse the questions. One question was discussing the explicit scenes and if she could have made her point without them (um, yes). So I realized, then, I was not being over dramatic. If you can get past that part (which eases up about half way in book), then it’s a great read about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. I had completely forgotten Richard the Lionheart was their son along with King John who signed Magna Carta. Last funny thought…I looked in my Kings and Queens picture book I’ve had since college. There were two printouts from 1999 (my senior year). One was on King Stephen (who ruled before Henry II and was focal point at beginning of novel). The other printout was on Eleanor of Aquitaine. Funny how your obsession can come back twenty years later. Oh… this type of bread is French and so was Eleanor of Aquitaine.
All the Light We Cannot See.. All the Light We Cannot See and Kouign Amann (Brittany/French pastry)… First, there are lots of photos because of one 8 year old who wanted to help (and two surprise videos secretly recorded when I stepped away lol). I did not read the fine print on chilling the dough between each turn so we cheated a few steps. However, these were AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS! I mean, what would not be good when you just rolled creamed butter and sugar in the dough over and over again?!?!Second, book club read this book years ago but I didn’t read it. Glad I did now. I’m including an NPR interview of the author on the book which is a great summary of my thoughts. Each person’s life tells a story. When studying history, it’s important to 1) not identify groups of people as good/bad and 2) know that things are more complicated than what textbooks share. I love historical fiction not because of the story but more from the research I do afterwards. Third, I would never have finished the book if not for having to stay the night in the Dallas airport, sitting in chairs across from TSA/security office because, seriously, who wants to try and sleep alone? So I read…and read…and read. I did eventually curl up in chair, throw my cardigan’s hood over my head, and used backpack for a pillow until TSA opened up at 3AM but that’s for another post
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The Women in the Castle and kuchen (a German sweet bread)… First, thanks to my Mattie who loves to help me bake. She loves bread as much as anyone. My mom has always told us that our loving bread is the German in us. We left out the raisins but it tastes like a big cinnamon roll with almonds. But on to the main discussion… this has to be one of my favorite books. I have never heard of it but bought it on sale in the airport bookstore after I got my first delay message and my other four books were in my luggage. This book isn’t so much about WW2 but German life afterwards. And if you read it, go ahead and read her discussion about why she wrote this book. Her grandmother was German as was my grandmother. I’m guessing our grandmothers were probably 10-15 years apart but both in Germany during the war. Growing up, she always felt ashamed to be connected with Germany; me- I take pride in my German heritage. This book, which took her 7 years to write, is written to help people understand the complexities of life after the war. My grandmother didn’t speak about anything and I’m only learning bits and pieces now. This book helped me see the reasons as to why maybe she chose not to speak about the difficulties during that time. Regardless if it was the political nature of that time or family units that changed, many chose to live a “new” self afterwards. The other issue she grapples with is how can someone in Germany during that time not know about the concentration camps. The US knew. I’m not going to say they knew the extent but they knew about the Jewish persecution. Today, we teach “never again” but it has happened over and over. Rwanda 1994: the US debated if genocide was actually happening and didn’t say it was genocide until nearly 1 million people were slaughtered (read the declassified documents). Black Hawk down (1993) shaped Clinton’s foreign policy and they did not want to get involved in African affairs after that debacle. Bosnia 1995: US fought in air due to ethnic cleansing. Why Bosnia and not Rwanda? I’ve struggled with that issue for years and feel like it comes down to one reason: strategic location. I’m saying all this because issues aren’t black and white. Issues are complex. BUT… we can’t teach the Holocaust and say “never again” and “how did you not know” when events since then has said otherwise. Y’all, this is a must read.
And Then There Were None and Devonshire Cut Rounds (which is basically a buttery biscuit)… I have not read much since school started. I tried to read a book suggested by a friend but couldn’t get into it. I realized the issue wasn’t the book but my need for a mindless read. This was my first Agatha Christie novel. I think it was the perfect mindless read I needed.
Victorian milk bread and The Clockmaker’s Daughter… I LOVE Kate Morton. I honestly have no clue which of her books would be my favorite because they all are incredible in their own way. I finished this book Wednesday. I was late to choir because I got caught up finishing this book while cooking supper. All the way to choir, I rode with my windows down (not by choice…Matt’s car has no air), in the quietness of my surroundings, reflecting on the beauty of this book. The story of the manor house is truly representative of gothic literature. Now for the pain of waiting until she releases a new book…
Those Who Save Us and griessbrei… I grew up on this dish so asked my mom how to make. Online recipes used semolina flour instead of cornmeal. I was about to use cornmeal when I realized I had semolina flour in fridge (weird, huh? ). Well, it tasted just like I remembered which I used to love eating for breakfast. Now to the book… I had high hopes for this book. It’s wasn’t terrible but feel that the story could have been so much more. First, I do like the goal she was intending- to give a glimpse of the life of ordinary Germans during Hiter’s rule and the trials they too endured (which is NEVER taught in history classrooms). With these trials may come shame which leads to stories and histories not being told. What I didn’t like about this book is the chance the author had for a redemptive ending instead of one where this “shame” becomes a burden for the rest of her life. I struggled with this then realized today, while my class was watching In the Heart of the Sea (yes, relates to class ), that Tom Nickerson’s shame paralleled with that of Anna’s except he found REST after telling his story to Herman Melville (based on true story). This is what I was wanting from the author. The biggest issue I had with the novel is the burden that fell on Anna- mistress/sex slave for a SS officer. This issue would not have been bad in itself but not the graphic details of her experiences. Even though it wasn’t my favorite, I do like reading and learning more about what my grandmother (and her family) experienced in Germany during this time.
The Great Alone and akutaq… akutaq is known as Eskimo ice cream. I had no clue what recipe to do for Alaska until this one was mentioned towards the end of the novel. Thankfully, there are different variations of this recipe because I am fresh out of snow, rendered moose and elk fat, and seal oil (note sarcasm…especially the snow part since the AC was on two days ago). This recipe is somewhat similar to the one in the book (except the snow part). It is crisco and sugar creamed together with water and berries mixed in. You would think crisco and sugar would be scrumptious since that is basically a base for cookies; however, I think the idea of me just eating crisco and sugar made me a little iffy on eating it. It tasted ok. I think the dogs may get a special dessert tonight. The basis of this recipe is to have a full-fat dish to eat before going out into the cold. Now to the book… LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. I also loved The Nightingale, but they are each great in their own context. I can’t really say one was better than the other one. In this book, not only was her writing so descriptive where the reader gets chills reading about Alaska’s winters but the ending was great. It seems so many stories today (rather movies or novels) end with sad, depressing, non-redemptive endings. Not this one. I was worried the entire time reading the novel that I would be ticked at the end but I was not disappointed. I would not want to be the self-sufficient, homesteaders as these families were but I was reminded why I chose not to continue my graduate school work (stopping with specialist and not pursuing doctorate as originally planned…I’m so over writing papers and researching policy changes only to think “why bother when no one cares about facts and statistics”…except Jill Ford did email me again today asking if she could share my research with other legislators so maybe there is hope…oops…I digress). Anyhoo, I am ready to jump back into my gardening and hopefully start the journey I was about to start before graduate school: beekeeping. Matt has already said no to goats right now. Whatever you do, do not read this book unless you have time to read because it is a page turner. Here’s to reading in the new year!
The Widow of Pale Harbor Pumpkin Bread (I added some chocolate chips)… I remember in middle school buying random horror books at Walmart. There were no iPhones, websites, apps, and book reviews to read while standing there. Just buy a book and read. Earlier this week, MT and I, while at my parents, went to Starkville (we were getting a little “stir-crazy” – no cell service, no internet, and was watching a whole lot of Gunsmoke and Bonanza…no offense, Dad ). MT and I decided to scan the books at Walmart. I had just finished The Great Alone and was wanting another book to read. I picked up this book which was supposedly gothic literature with a mingling of Edgar Allen Poe stories. How could it go wrong? Well, the book wasn’t terrible BUT was not “I paid $13” good. I will say, however, that the author did a great job at keeping you guessing who the perpetrator was until the very end. In summary, when I think of gothic literature, I do not think about random “harlequin romance” scenes in the middle of the book. I am not sure if present-day novels can truly embody the gothic literature aspects I love but kudos for the try.
Suikerbrood (Sugar Bread) and Girl in the Blue Coat… two weeks ago, I thought I read my last pleasure book until my Belhaven classes were done in seven weeks. Little did I know how things would change in less than a week. So back to some pleasure reading to break up the monotony of the day. Regarding the recipe… this is a Dutch sugar bread recipe I changed up some to accommodate to the ingredients I had at home. Don’t do that! Bread flour doesn’t substitute very well! After “rising” in the bread machine, I basically poured out liquid dough. But…I’m not throwing away anything so I mixed in A LOT of all purpose flour, sugar, and cinnamon and VIOLA! Result- bread! Now to the book… I said I was going to read another genre other than World War II but that didn’t happen. This book is historical fiction based on the Dutch resistance movement during German occupation in World War II. It just seemed like a normal book until…BAM! WHOA! DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING (and then I stayed up til midnight to finish). In her acknowledgements, she credits Diet Eman for her story. She was the author of the book I just previously read about the Dutch resistance movement (by the way, I didn’t know this book was on same topic). After the book, I do what most history nerds do and research more about the details of this time period. What I found (and not sure how many of you knew this) but Audrey Hepburn was Dutch and a child/teen during the German occupation in Netherlands. There is a book written about her called Dutch Girl. I saved it to my Amazon wish list. So…if you want a good book to read, here’s one for you. I would give you my copy but…. #coronavirus2020
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter and Cinnamon Babka (again!)… I made this same recipe a few months ago. I was actually going to try chocolate babka but didn’t have what I needed at home. I am pretty sure this is supposed to make two, but Mattie and I made one. For the book… have you ever read a book that you thought nothing could surpass and then you read one that does just that? Well, this is it! Yep. Still stuck in my WW2 genre. It doesn’t matter how many WW2 books you read; it seems each has a different perspective or story to tell. This one has an incredible background about how it came to be. In high school, the author had to do an I-search project for English. To make a long story short, she had no idea that her grandfather, whom she thought had all these little quirks, survived the Holocaust along with his four other siblings and his parents (these “quirks” were part of his story). A family reunion was soon held (family from all over the world came). Eventually, after college, she began to research more which eventually led to this book. It is a novel but hard to say historical fiction when it is based on a true story (everything based on interviews). Let’s just say it is amazing the strength shown to survive. The family was from Radom, Poland. She begins the book with this: “By the end of the Holocaust, 90 percent of Poland’s three million Jews were annihilated; of the more than 30,000 Jews who lived in Radom, fewer than 300 survived.” She discusses at the end of the book the process of researching and learning more of her past. She “hit the nail on the head” when she said, “ My grandfather didn’t keep these truths from me intentionally- they were simply pieces of a former life he’d chosen to leave behind. In America, he had reinvented himself, devoting his considerable energy and creativity entirely to the present and future. He was not one to dwell on the past, and I never thought to ask him about it.” So many regrets I have for never talking to my grandmother more about her life in Germany during this time. She never talked about it (ever). I never asked. I spent all day today finishing this book because I knew I wanted to use it for a springboard activity with my World History students, who will be studying WW2 through distance learning. I also know that I will need to find a way to be creative with this important topic to keep them interested. It may work. It may not. But at least I can say I tried.
