I have always used books to escape or to avoid things or to soothe my bothered brow. I realized a few days ago that I have never, ever read so much in my life as since mr. Trump has been president. Most days I just need to tune out his vitriolic hatred for all things good in this world as much as possible. I tune out by reading. Magazines, newspapers, recipes and books. I have, in fact, taken my reading to an entirely new level in the past few years. More than read, I devour pages, upon pages of novels….thousands of ideas and words. No quicker than I finish one, I am on to the next. On the other hand, one cannot live off books alone….one has to eat real food…so a few days ago, between chapters, I tossed a few ingredients to my blender for this batch of green gazpacho. A drinkable lunch while moving to the next chapter. (Dare I say, thank you mr. president? Hmmmm…probably not.)
A few small Persian cucumbers, fresh arugula, garlic, basil, mint, a splash of vinegar and olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. No particular amounts of each, just whatever you have. Blend until smooth, taste and adjust flavors, drink while reading.
No recipe is needed for this refreshing summer soup, but I will share a list of some of books I have read recently for your own little summer escape. Bon Appetite while reading.
BookList
- “The Flying Troutmans”, “Summer of My Amazing Luck”, “Irma Voth” all by Miriam Toews
- “The River” – Peter Heller
- “The Dark Road to Mercy” – Wiley Cash
- “The Island of Sea Women” – Lisa See
- “The House at the Edge of the World” – Julia Rochester
- “A Terrible Country” – Keith Gessen
- “Voices from Chernobyl” – Svetlana Alexievich
- “Peacekeeping” – Mischa Berlinski
- “Delicate Edible Birds”, “Florida” – Lauren Groff
- “There, There” – Tommy Orange
- “Only Thieves and Killers” – Paul Howarth
- “The Witch Elm” – Tana French
- “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” – Ottessa Moshfegh
- “Improvement” , “Lucky Us” – Joan Silber
- “Motherland” – Paul Theroux
- “The Widows of Malabar Hills” – Sujata Massey
- “A Victim of the Aurora” – Thomas Keneally
Teresa Blackburn. http://www.teresablackburnfoodstyling.com
Oh I feel your pain dear Teresa! I have read some of the books on your list too. There There left its mark. May I add a few more? News of the World by Paulette Jiles, Paris in the Present Tense by Mark Helprin, Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak, In the Language of Miracles by Rajia Hassib and my friend Bonnie Kistler’s provocative House on Fire. I wish I had a cup of your spring gazpacho as I read the news out of Louisiana tonight. Xxx
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Thanks so much for the new book suggestions Johanne. I love to get lists from folks who are also readers. Louisiana was disappointing and disheartening for sure, but thank heavens for Nevada! A ray of hope. xoxo
My current (attempted) escape is gardening. And the weather isn’t cooperating, so the book list is helpful! Beautiful greens.
Thanks Michelle. I so appreciate your comments and if you ever have any books to share please do. Happy June. T
Books (and good food) are my escape too!
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. We readers and food folks have to stick together. T
This is so pretty!!! And such pretty photos as well.