a year of books

The best books I read, the best cookbooks I tore through and (bonus!) six of my husband's favorites, too

Jan 01, 2024

Happy New Year! I spent last night feasting at Sylvain in New Orleans. (Crab dumplings! Shrimp remoulade over fried green tomatoes! A killer martini!) The older I get, the more I just want to be an utter glutton on New Year’s Eve, to the point that I’m in bed before midnight.

But that’s not what I’m here to write about today. I’m here to write about books — because when I think about facing a new year, I think about books. If you do, then this is the newsletter for you. Place some library holds, go to your local bookstore, because have I ever got some recommendations for you.

My favorites

Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver: I never wanted this book to end. Demon’s voice is so authentic, so individual, that I almost can’t believe he’s not real.

Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano: Speaking of characters who felt real — I became so, so invested in the lives of everyone in this book. I sobbed nonstop for the last 70 pages. Not only is the writing gorgeous, so is the story arc. Bonus points for the vivid portrayal of Chicago, one of my favorite cities.

Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett: If Ann Patchett is writing it, I’m reading it. The dual timelines of this story are woven together so deftly, and I am a total sucker for a book that’s written through the voice of one character telling others a yarn.

Commonwealth, by Ann Patchett: After I read “Tom Lake,” I went to see Ann Patchett speak at the Library of Congress, and someone in the audience asked her which of her books is her favorite. This was her answer, and now I can see why. The way this story jumps between the present day and the distant past and a million point in-between is somehow both chaotic and seamless.

Night of the Living Rez, by Morgan Talty: I liked this book a lot while I read it, and in the months since, I’ve come to love it — in large part because of how much the narrator’s voice and the story’s themes have stuck with me.

Absolution, by Alice McDermott: Like “Tom Lake,” this is a book told through the lens of one woman sharing her experiences with a younger woman — though the telling is more abstract, hazier. It’s set in Vietnam during the early days of what would become the Vietnam War, which isn’t a period in history I know much about.

Small Mercies, by Dennis Lehane: I checked this book out of the library around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and finished it before I went to bed. It’s riveting, a murder mystery that’s about so much more than the murder.

My favorite cookbooks

… and books about food and cooking

More than Cake, by Natasha Pickowicz: I’ve referenced this so many times, I’m not sure what else there is to say about it. If you love to bake and are interested in learning new techniques and putting an unconventional spin on flavors, this is the book for you.

Home Cooking, by Laurie Colwin: This memoir is about simple cooking, about regular-people cooking, about loving food. It’s perfect.

New Orleans Cookbook, by Lena Richard: I love reading old cookbooks. I love how simple they are, how instructions will say things like “do it the usual way” and “bake for a while, until the edges begin to brown.” The book is a veritable encyclopedia. It’s tiny, but it’s dense with recipes.

Mosquito Supper Club, by Melissa Martin: I bought this cookbook months ago but didn’t really dig into it until December. It’s beautiful, first and foremost, and massively educational. If you’re interested in cooking Cajun food and learning about it’s history, this is the book for you. And if you’re not … maybe consider becoming interested!

Jesse’s favorites

The Virgin Suicides, by Jeffrey Eugenides: My top book of the year for reasons I can't really explain. The story is eerie and screwy and varying feelings about it (and the movie) are surely well-documented. But for me, the narrative perspective evoked such a distinct time in my life, of growing up and being curious and somehow knowing everything and nothing about where I grew up.

Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett: Did Joan put this, too? I don't know if I have to break it down much. Ann Patchett forever (and ever).

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride: I didn't read much about this book before diving in. I don't even think I read the summary on the inside flap, which I usually do because I find it a bit disorienting to start a story without any notes. But something — trust of the author, maybe? — made me feel like I didn't need a runway here. That wound up being a good call.

The Only Rule Is It Has to Work, by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller: This now challenges “The Last Shot” and “Friday Night Lights” for the very esteemed honor of being my favorite sports book. I just wish it weren't so readable so it would have lasted longer.

Now is Not the Time to Panic, by Kevin Wilson: If I read a Kevin Wilson book, it almost certainly means a Kevin Wilson book is one of my favorites of that year.

American Fire, by Monica Hesse: When I finished reading this, I quickly texted my cousin, who works in Hollywood, and asked if any production companies hold the rights to turn this into a movie or limited TV series. And if not, what are they waiting for?