Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

For Elizabeth Zott, chemistry is everything. It’s her first love, her passion, and her purpose. But in the 1950s, when all women are expected to aspire to is marriage and motherhood, making chemistry a career poses a certain set of challenges. From an abhorrent incident as a student at UCLA to sexist managers once she finally does land a job in her field to jealous, opportunistic male co-workers who vacillate between demeaning her and seeking her assistance, Elizabeth faces resistance everywhere she turns. But one person believes in her: Calvin Evans, a literal lanky giant both revered and reviled by his colleagues, and the reason Hastings Research Institute, their mutual workplace, can keep the lights on. Calvin and Elizabeth’s connection is almost instant (save for the short period of time where they hate each other), and their chemistry, both personally and professionally, is undeniable, much to the disgust of their peers. The two perpetual loners find family and fortitude in each other and create a world that is wholly theirs. But Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry is not strictly a love story. Or, at least, not in the way you might think.

Fast-forward a few years and Elizabeth has left the Hastings Institute, now hosting a PBS-type cooking show that is sweeping the nation. Supper at Six is unlike any public access show before it. Sure, it’s set in a state-of-the-art kitchen and filmed before a live studio audience, but there are no fluffy chats about oven mitts and aprons, or tips on how to fold a napkin just right. No, every weekday during the Afternoon Depression Zone, a term her producer uses, when exhausted housewives need a break from their duties, Elizabeth cooks up lessons in chemistry, complete with scientific names for common ingredients (sodium chloride in place of salt for example), and an easel often filled with complex equations. Soon, women everywhere are exploring STEM, and Elizabeth Zott finds herself at the helm of a revolution. But with the success, respect, and pay grade she’s always deserved, there’s still a burning question only she can answer: is this really what she is meant to do?

Filled with brilliant writing, well-developed characters, and a cleverly-woven plot, Lessons in Chemistry is a truly unique novel that is well-paced and hard to put down. As a woman living in this century, it was amazing to think about how far we’ve come, and also important to acknowledge that it still isn’t nearly far enough. But this is no sob story, though there are plenty of moments throughout the book that may make you want to cry. At its core, Chemistry is a story of empowerment, independence, perseverance, friendship, and love in all its forms. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books of 2022 so far.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buy Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus HERE.

Book Review: Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang

At age 24, you might think you’re grown, but the truth is, life’s only getting started.

At the beginning of Days of Distraction, we meet our protagonist, a young tech writer working in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley who is overworked, underappreciated, and on the brink of a full-on quarter-life crisis. Her workplace is toxic and filled with back-biters watching each other’s every move, ready to strike. She works hard, maybe harder sometimes than her peers, yet her requests for advancement and a well-earned pay raise are punted from manager to manager, each one promising, as the last, to discuss it with someone higher-up.

Her family life is sad and disjointed; her father and mother have gone through hot-and-cold phases their entire marriage, and now, her parents are on their coldest streak yet. So cold in fact, that her father fled the country in search of a new life in the family’s native China.

Despite the other two-thirds of her life being somewhat of a mess, her love life is great, or, as great as can be expected. Her longtime boyfriend, who we soon learn is named J, deeply loves her and thinks he knows her inside and out. And in many ways, they need each other to survive. When she is anxious, he is calm. When she craves control, he basks in spontaneity. He flies by the seat of his pants, and she grounds him. For many years, there has never been one without the other.

When J decides to accept a graduate assistant position in upstate New York, he asks our protagonist to join him, and she, failing to find any clear direction in her life, welcomes the change of pace and readily agrees.

But once there, living in a temporary dwelling filled with other peoples’ possessions, things start to unravel. With few job prospects, no friends, and far too much time home alone, she starts to question her place in the world. A world that, now that she is older and removed from the culturally-diverse cocoon of San Francisco, has made abundantly clear her existence as a woman of color first, and a woman second. It makes her, for the first time, wonder about her very humanity, and the structural integrity of her interracial relationship, which is getting more precarious by the minute. No longer does she feel she can share every part of herself with J, who has lived free from complications of any kind. Caught in the middle between Chinese and American, sharp tech writer and floundering freelancer, and independent woman and dependent partner, our protagonist is left to question, and ultimately solidify, her own identity. But what she gains, and, more importantly, loses, in the process might be what actually defines her.

Written in brilliant. sporadic prose, Days of Distraction is an important, slow-burning novel about the growing pains of adulthood, the significance of acceptance, and the powerful decision to choose love, in all of its many forms, in the face of adversity.

The Good: There is so, so much to love about this book. Alexandra Chang’s decision to forgo traditional chapters in favor of strategic breaks was hard to adjust to at first, but each block of text feels like a standalone snapshot of the protagonist’s life, like little one-off pieces of a puzzle that come together to form a bigger picture. I also found it refreshing that the reader isn’t subjected to a massive information dump in the first couple of chapters. Instead, we have to earn everything. even character names, by continuing the story. Chang’s voice is so strong in this, and her prose very interesting to read.

The Bad: I can’t think of anything I wish there was more of in this book. Every character we’re introduced to feels fully-fleshed out and multi-dimensional, and all questions that were posed throughout the book are answered in due course. The ending also feels complete.

Bottom Line: I loved this book, and felt myself really relating to the main character. Some of the questions she asks herself throughout the book are the same ones I asked myself at her age. I could relate to the complications of her relationship with J, especially when situations made her feel uncomfortable, and he didn’t know how to react in a helpful way. I understood her inability to stop excessively worrying about everyone around her. And, most importantly, I understood her feelings of trying to find her place as a woman of color in a world that doesn’t always readily make space for everyone who wants it. Chang is a phenomenal writer, and by the end of the book, I started to wonder if Days of Distraction isn’t at least in some ways autobiographical. If you’re wondering if you should read this book, the answer from me is a resounding yes!

Buy Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang HERE!

Book Review: Outlawed

The year was 1894 when Ada, a young wife on the lamb, become an outlaw.

It wasn’t always her destiny, to outpace Johnny Law and take up a life of thievery. She’d had dreams of becoming a master midwife like her mama, who could not only help bring new lives into the world but also ail the sick with her vast knowledge of tonics and tinctures. But a year into her marriage at 17, Ada discovered, with great fear and disappointment, that she was barren. And in a small town like hers where barren women are routinely accused of witchcraft - a hangable offense - being barren is the last thing a young woman wants to be. So, Ada decided to run - away from the close-minded town where she had lived all her life, and through the doors of a convent. Once there, she made plans to take her vows and live out the rest of her days with the Sisters of the Holy Child, many of which, shared the same childless predicament as Ada. But as time passed, Ada found herself feeling restless in the safe but suffocating walls of the convent. Was it really her fate to escape one situation where too much was expected of her, only to be pushed into another? Or, was there more that life could offer?

Deep in the throes of a full-on existential crisis, Ada once again fled, armed with the name of another group that might take her in: the Hole in the Wall Gang, a collective of notorious robbers and highwaymen led by an infamous figure known only as The Kid. And though the Hole in the Wall Gang was every bit as tough and intimidating as the rumors suggested, one crucial thing set them apart from all the rest: this ragtag team of criminals was all-female, and had plans to upend the male-driven society that cast them out in the first place.

Ada’s acceptance into the group was slow-going at first, and, thanks to some major life-threatening mishaps, nearly nonexistent. But when The Kid, charismatic and fearless, hatched an outrageous plan to put the Gang on top for good, Ada and the other women resolved to band together to make it happen. That is, if it didn’t first get them all killed.

Outlawed by Anna North, widely described as a Western for people who don’t read Westerns, is the female-forward, often bittersweet tale of the power of chosen family, self-empowerment, and how bold choices - both good and bad - have lasting effects that shape the people we become, long after the dust has settled.

The Good: Right off the bat, I loved the concept for this novel. I fall firmly in the category as someone who’s never been a fan of Westerns, but the plot was so original and so outside of the box, I knew I had to read it. I also quite enjoyed North’s writing style. For as heavy as the book could’ve been, North managed to create prose that flowed quickly and felt all at once like a light read and something much meatier - and that’s no easy feat!

The Bad: While I adored this book from start to finish, what I would have loved to see much more of were scenes with the gang members both all together, and separately. When big decisions were being made, why were some of the women easy to predict, while others were wildcards? What really brought this gang together, and how had they managed to make it work for so long? By the end of the book, I felt like I really only understood a few of the many characters. Also, while I understand that romance isn’t supposed to be a major part of Ada’s overall journey to self-discovery and actualization, I would have loved to see more of it. But that’s just the natural rom-com lover in me talking.

Bottom Line: This was a fast read that pulled me into the story immediately, and had me wishing, as many books do, that it was at least 100 pages longer. There was just so much potential there to see other adventures play out before the grand finale. Outlawed is one of those books that may not stay with you forever, but it does force you to be in the moment when you’re reading it. It’s also perfect for people like me who tend to avoid content that’s too cringe-y or anxiety-inducing. The built-up suspense is too great - you’ll find yourself speeding ahead just to see what happens next. This was my first finished book of 2021, and I couldn’t have asked for a better book to start off the new year!

Buy Outlawed by Anna North HERE!

Book Review: In a Holidaze

Childhood friends Mae and Theo were made for each other - or, so say their parents, all college friends themselves who have been rooting for the union since the kids were in diapers. There are just two problems: 1. Mae sees Theo as more of a brother than a potential lover and 2. Mae’s been in love with Andrew, Theo’s brother, for almost two decades. Ever since the kids were born, the families have been meeting up for Christmas in Park City, Utah where Theo’s parents own a cabin. One night, after far too much eggnog and a journey to rock bottom, Mae gives in to Theo’s flirty overtures, and the two share a sloppy kiss that Mae immediately regrets. The next morning, Theo, usually warm and open, gives her the cold shoulder reserved only for his many conquests, and Andrew, the love of her life, congratulates her on finally making things official with his brother. To top it all off (as if things couldn’t be any more dire), an announcement is made that the decades-old cabin, a safe-haven for Mae and the rest of the gang, is in need of a laundry list of repairs - the only option is to sell. Mae is devastated. Though she knows the relationships formed there over the years are rock solid on their own, the yearly tradition of going to the cabin is the only thing that ensures they all have a reason to come together.

On her last day in Park City, quite possibly for good, Mae is left with her thoughts, forced to confront the ramifications of a romantic mistake, the prospect of life changing forever, and no escape from the dead-end job waiting for her when she gets home. In a moment of desperation, Mae implores the universe to show her what will make her happy. A moment later, she finds herself thrown back in time - before Christmas, before the kiss, and before her life officially went up in flames. Mae realizes she’s been given the gift of a do-over - a second chance to keep a friendship alive, save the cabin, and maybe, just maybe, get the relationship she was meant for all along. But is what she wants to make her happy the same as what she needs?

In a Holidaze by the writing duo Christina Lauren is the hilarious, sometimes bittersweet story of a young woman’s fervent pursuit of happiness over the holidays, and the family - both biological and chosen - who help her get there…with a few twists, turns, and false-starts along the way!

The Good: I loved the way the authors were able to inject all the warmth and coziness of a holiday rom-com into this novel without the shallow cheesiness you sometimes get with books in this genre. As the reader, you really get a sense that the characters all really know and love each other, and that this chosen family is very close. I also appreciated that everyone included in the story has a purpose in some way, they aren’t just throwaway background characters you see mentioned a couple of times and then never again. The romantic scenes between the two main characters felt really realistic, and Christina Lauren did a great job of swiftly pulling you into the most intimate moments to make you feel like you’re actually there.

The Bad: While I appreciated the “groundhog day” aspect of this novel, I felt like it didn’t have the effect that the authors intended. In my opinion, either Mae should’ve been taken back in time more often, or only once. She felt a lot of anxiety about making the wrong choice and getting “reset” in a way, but I felt like there was so much build-up around it that ultimately wasn’t necessary. I also wish there were more scenes with Theo, perhaps a scene leading up to their kiss or maybe a few scenes from Christmases past to demonstrate more of Theo’s flirty personality. The story begins right after their kiss, but it would’ve been nice to see what sparked the moment; maybe then the reader would understand why that time, of all times, Mae would choose to cross that line with a person she’s never looked at romantically.

Bottom Line: This was a perfect and fast read to get me into the holiday mood (and also get me out of the reading funk I’ve been in lately). Sure, it’s got an ending that you can predict, and it’s not the deepest novel on the shelves at the moment, but it made me laugh, it made me smile, and I truly couldn’t put it down until I reached the very last page. If you’re looking for a super fun, festive read this holiday season that comes with a twist, I highly recommend this one!

Find In a Holidaze HERE!

Cookbook Review: Martha Stewart's Cake Perfection

Martha Stewart has done it again, and this time, it’s lucky number 97.

A companion book to last year’s Cookie Perfection, Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection is all about elevating the cakes that we know and love to new heights. In this cookbook, you’ll find it all: helpful how-tos on pretty piping techniques, mix-and-match filling combinations, genius decorating hacks, mouth-watering cake recipes, and a LOT more!

The Good: While it may feel like the cake cookbook concept has been done a thousand times before, Stewart and her team have done a fantastic job of keeping recipes fresh, and presenting them in a new way. I also like that the team really seems to know their audience: most ingredient lists feature relatively inexpensive items that can be easily found at any local supermarket or big box store.

The Bad: While I’ve made note of at least a dozen recipes I want to try, I’ve only made one cake so far: the lemon-olive oil cake, which I LOVED. The only issue I had was with the layout of the recipe, as well as the extra baking equipment that was required. In order to ensure that the cake was light and fluffy, the recipe called for separating 5 egg yolks and whites and mixing them simultaneously using two electric mixers. I only own one, so I had to mix one bowl by hand. To me, this wasn’t a big deal since I routinely mix things by hand, but it might pose a challenge to someone who only bakes occasionally and won’t think of alternative mixing methods. The other little note I have is that I wish the recipe had specifically called for the exact attachments needed for the mixers. The directions say to “use an electric mixer,” but don’t say to specifically use the whisk attachment. Though it might seem unnecessary, it’s extremely important to spell out every instruction and not make assumptions about a baker’s skill level.

Bottom Line: Just as Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection became a major member of my growing cookbook library last year, I predict Cake Perfection will be a go-to resource for me in the upcoming baking season. The lemon-olive oil cake, topped with DELICIOUS homemade mascarpone whipped cream (a total game changer!!) and macerated berries, was a HUGE HIT in my house, and fairly simple to make once all the prep work was done. There’s a reason that Martha Stewart is one of the best in the business: she knows how to give the people exactly what they want. Let them (make and) eat cake!

Buy Martha Stewart’s Cake Perfection HERE!

*I’ve received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

Cookbook Review: Ottolenghi Flavor

Ottolenghi: a name that has become synonymous with the latest iteration of the plant-based diet revolution. Perhaps you know Yotam Ottolenghi as the restauranteur with popular eateries all over London, or as the prolific cookbook author with seven bestsellers to his name, or as the occasional television and film personality. However you’ve come to know him, of two things we can be certain: the man knows vegetables, and he knows flavor.

Of the many chefs to come before him pushing for vegetables to be the star of the show rather than the sidekick, Ottolenghi has by far gotten the closest to making plants seem appealing to the meat-eating masses. Perhaps it’s because he’s learned that in order to convince someone to give up animal proteins in favor of adopting a more vegetarian lifestyle, you must not push for them to quit cold turkey. It’s about making vegetarian dishes so aesthetically pleasing, so full of flavor and gustatory power that whatever you place before them on a plate becomes simply irresistible. And if you thought Ottolenghi’s bestsellers Plenty and Plenty More - both veggie-centric tomes in their own right - were stars, get ready for his latest future bestseller Flavor, a true showstopper.

Clocking in at over 300 pages, Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flavor is packed to the gills with innovative recipes - all vegetarian - that will help you re-imagine what can be achieved with what you find in the produce aisle.

The Good: I cannot think of a more apt and appropriate title for this book than Flavor, as it lives up to that name and more. This book isn’t about boiling a potato here or blanching some kale there. What Ottolenghi has managed to do is take the humble vegetable that you’ve eaten a million times, and completely transform it to the point that it’s barely recognizable. Every aspect of this book, from the condiments down to the garnishes, has been meticulously thought-out. The efforts it clearly took to create this true love letter to vegetables is incredibly impressive.

The Bad: This is not a book for the occasional vegetarian. The recipes in Flavor are impressive and eye-catching for their flavor combinations, but when you start to break down ingredient lists and recipe directions, you begin to see that many of Ottolenghi’s offerings are deceptively complex. While it must be said that the outcome is usually worth it, the recipes in this book would not work on busy weeknights without some well-thought-out prep beforehand.

Bottom Line: While I applaud Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage for what must’ve been a real labor of love, this book is not one that I will be reaching for very often. The photography is gorgeous, and there really is a recipe for everyone, but what I have found with Ottolenghi books is that sometimes dishes are more complicated (and ingredient lists more expensive) than they need to be. Ottolenghi, in my humble opinion, is one of the best of the best when it comes to vegetarian cooking, but in times like these, simplicity makes a bigger impact.

Find Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Barfage HERE.

*I’ve received a free copy from Ten Speed Press in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

Cookbook Review: Dessert Person

Claire Saffitz rose to fame in 2017 as the host of the hit Youtube series, Gourmet Makes, where the audience watched in awe as she took beloved junk foods like Oreos, Cheez-Its, and Twinkies and attempted to recreate them from scratch by the end of the video. Fans may have come for the weekly challenge (always more complicated than the last) but stayed for Saffitz’s thoughtful, creative energy and regular banter with fellow BA Test Kitchen personality, Brad Leone. Three years later, Saffitz is ready to cement her status as a household name in the food world, but this time, it’s with her debut book, Dessert Person, in stores now.

I’ve been following Claire Saffitz since 2013 when I first got a subscription to Bon Appetit Magazine. Her recipes were always sophisticated, unique, and, most importantly, approachable which made me, a new baker hungry for the next challenge, eager to take on any recipe that she developed. When I caught a glimpse on her personal Instagram feed a few months ago of the types of recipes to be expected in her upcoming book, I knew that this one, above all the other phenomenal books that have made their way into the world this season, would be one that I 100% wanted on my shelf.

What I’ve noticed about cookbooks written by recipe developers, especially those who work for magazines or other food media outlets, is that there is always more mindfulness when it comes to the abilities and resources of the average home chef. Time, budget, and experience are taken into account more, and no details, even the minor ones, are left unprinted. Saffitz’s Dessert Person is no exception to this observation. In fact, she makes it a point to ensure every aspect of the recipe is accounted for, from the way the final product should look and feel, to the time, special equipment, and skill level strongly suggested for each project. Dessert Person, with its in-depth, step-by-step visual guides, beautiful photography (shot by former BA staff photographer, Alex Lau), and breath-of-fresh-air approach to confectionery classics both new and old, is by far one of the best books of 2020.

The Good: In true Saffitz style, Dessert Person is a book full of recipes that will introduce you to, but not overwhelm you with, new ingredients and flavor combinations. All of the recipes feature ingredients and equipment lists that can be easily fulfilled locally and are fancy without breaking the bank. I also love that at the top of every recipe, in addition to the total time it will take, Saffitz has included a rating system from 1-5 indicating the recipe’s difficulty level, often with an explanation as to why a certain recipe was rated the way it was. That’s a helpful feature not often seen in cookbooks.

The Bad: So far, the only thing I don’t like about Dessert Person is the amount of page-flipping the reader has to do to make sure they have all the ingredients needed to even begin the recipe they want to try. For example, the Meyer Lemon Tart on page 104 calls for only four ingredients, but two out of the four ingredients, the Meyer Lemon Curd and Sweet Tart Dough, are located on different pages and have their own ingredient lists and directions. It makes sense to outline the recipes in the book this way since the Sweet Tart Dough is featured multiple times and needs to be centrally-located so that recipes aren’t long and repetitive, but it’s still a pain to have to flip all over the book just to get everything I need to make one pie.

Bottom Line: Longtime readers of Bon Appetit might be greeted with some familiar faces like Babkallah, but Saffitz has done an amazing job of crafting a book full of new and exciting recipes with attention-grabbing photographs to match. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will be an instant bestseller, and a sweet reference guide for bakers worldwide.

Recipes of note (so far):

• Kabocha Turmeric Tea Cake

• Spiced Persimmon Cake

• Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

• Gateau Basque

• Cranberry-Pomegranate Mousse Pie

• Pistachio Pinwheels

Buy Dessert Person by Claire Saffitz HERE!

*I’ve received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

Cookbook Review: In Bibi's Kitchen

In Bibi’s Kitchen, out today, is a cookbook unlike any other. You won’t find in it the hottest food trends or recipes with mile-long ingredient lists. You won’t be introduced to a team of classically-trained chefs working out of a commercial kitchen in a major city. Instead, you’ll be invited into the kitchens of bibis (grandmothers), born and raised in countries along Africa’s eastern coast. Some have managed to stay in their native lands, some have relocated, but all have one thing in common: they each carry with them the recipes of home.

Written by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, In Bibi’s Kitchen focuses on the cuisines of eight African countries that all touch the Indian Ocean: Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, and Comoros - specifically chosen for their rich histories and the vital role that each plays in the spice trade. But this isn’t your average recipe book, in fact, though the recipes are numerous, what this book is really about is sharing stories: stories of struggle, stories of food, stories of family. Some women featured witnessed war, had to flee their countries, and made steep sacrifices, but what they always kept with them were the recipes passed down to them. And by writing down these recipes in a shareable way, they are ensuring that these time-honored food traditions continue for generations to come.

What makes this cookbook so special is that it amplifies the voices of African women who would not have otherwise been heard. Recipes, it can be argued, are not just pieces of paper with lists and directions, they serve as historical documents. What they call for, how they are written, and the medium in which they are recorded can sometimes tell you more about a time period, a place, a movement, even the author themselves, than any other book on a shelf. The recipes in this book weren’t created to be sold, they’re family traditions in the form of food, carefully tinkered with for decades with the intent to feed, nourish, and comfort. Some family recipes unfortunately die with older populations because they were never written down. What Hassan and Turshen have been able to do, and not just for us, the readers, is to gift the interviewees and their families with a way to keep those cherished recipes alive and existent in a place other than in someone’s mind. It’s what makes this book so unique, and at the same time, universally relatable.

The Good: What I love the most about this book (besides the absolutely GORGEOUS photography) is just how much thought was put into every aspect of it, from the layout (the chapters are organized by country location from north to south), to the thorough yet concise profiles of each country. There are also so many recipes to choose from, from traditional beverages, to homemade bread, and everything in between.

The Bad: My experience so far with this book has been overwhelmingly positive. The recipes I’ve tried so far have been successful, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading about the lives of so many powerful women. The only complaint that I have, and it’s a small one, is that at the end of many of the recipes, when outlining how long food will stay fresh or how long to keep it in the oven to reheat it, time is measured in “a few minutes” or “a few days.“ It’s hard to know how long “a few” is, so it’s best to use your own instincts when it comes to leftovers.

Bottom Line: I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: this book is truly special. When I first got it, I found myself quickly bookmarking recipes that I wanted to try, which is always a good sign. For some, this book will serve as a tie to a homeland they left too soon, for others, it will be a delicious and attainable introduction to new cultures through cuisine. Either way, In Bibi’s Kitchen is a book that belongs in well, everyone’s kitchen, for generations to come.

Get In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen HERE.

*I’ve received a free copy from Ten Speed Press in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

Book Review: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come

Jessica Pan is a self-described “shintrovert” - a shy introvert who finds comfort not in the spotlight, but in the background. All of her life, the prospect of making contact with strangers has seemed terrifying, and extensive interactions with large groups of people have drained her. Pan has never been a “people person,” and she’s accepted that. But in a particularly low period in her life, when she found herself unemployed, and lonely without local friends, she began leaning into her introversion to an unhealthy degree. No longer was her extreme shyness just a part of who she was, it was becoming a crutch.

So, Jessica Pan decided to make a change. Instead of closing herself off to the world, she would let it in. Instead of hiding, she would make herself the center of attention. Instead of saying “no,” she was going to say “yes.” For a whole year, she vowed, she would live as an extrovert…or die (of embarrassment) trying.

Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come is the hilarious, at times cringe-y, true story of one introverted writer’s journey to push herself to new social heights, seeking the guidance of mentors, friends, and yes, even strangers, along the way.

The Good: The best material comes from never holding back, and Jessica Pan makes it clear that holding back was never an option. I loved that she really put herself out there - doing stand-up routines with barely-tested material, going on solo vacations to countries where she didn’t speak the language, even striking up conversations with people unknown to her, pushing through her self-consciousness to make true connections. Throughout the book, the reader is introduced to a variety of different characters, and Pan does an excellent job of giving them all their time in the sun without making it feel like a book of names with a few events sprinkled in. I chuckled frequently, shook my head periodically, and felt totally related-to. Pan’s writing is humorous, witty, and very fun to read.

The Bad: While I appreciate that this book is about an introverted person exploring life as an extroverted person, I feel like the term “introvert” was used to describe almost a completely different type of human. Yes, there are people who identify as introverts, and people who identify as extroverts, and even some who consider themselves “ambiverts” (someone in-between), but I worry that using those words as main identifiers may lead to boiling an entire human’s existence down to how much or how little they enjoy being social. But perhaps this is why she conducted and documented this experiment in the first place - to prove that you can adopt elements of both worlds, while still leaning towards one side or the other, personality-wise.

Bottom Line: Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come is a super-fast, very entertaining read. It’s an especially fun book to read in 2020, when many of us aren’t taking risks to go out into the world. It will remind you of a time when you could just walk up to anyone and leave the conversation knowing a little more than you did before, and possibly with a new friend, or at least acquaintance. It’s also a wonderful reminder of how short life is, how diverse experiences help shape who we are, and how important it is for humans to find common ground, even when it doesn’t seem like there could be any to stand on.

I really enjoyed this book, and I think you will, too!

You can find Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan HERE!

Book Review: The Vanishing Half

Running away is easy, but staying gone? That takes work.

The Vignes twins have lived in Mallard, a Black town in the deep South so small that you can’t even find it on a map, all their lives. Everyone knows everyone, and no one has a complexion darker than a blonde latte. Like many sets of identical twins, Stella and Desiree are seldom seen as individuals - most commonly referred to instead as “the twins”. But the two girls couldn’t be any more different. Desiree is loud, reactive, and in a perpetual state of motion. Stella is quiet, contemplative, and deeply intelligent. Each has dreams of a bigger life outside of Mallard, a place that seemed to them to be stuck in a postbellum time warp.

As the twins get older and a sudden family tragedy forces them to mature overnight, a plan is hatched to leave Mallard and all that it represents behind. But there’s a catch: in order to go, they must completely vanish without a trace, a decision not taken lightly. So under the cover of darkness, the Vignes twins leave Mallard for New Orleans with lofty dreams and a resolve to start anew. And for a while, life is good, or at least, better than it was before. But as the girls mature, Stella realizes that the light complexion the two share could open up doors for them they had never dared try. On several occasions, white people had assumed Stella’s identity before she could correct them. She had been able to enter establishments in the “main” entrance, had been treated with respect. What if she could live that life forever? What if she could “cross over”? What if one day she could just…turn white? And when an opportunity arises, Stella does just that, vanishing again, but this time, she leaves her sister Desiree behind.

Years pass and the Vignes twins are living separate lives as wives and mothers - Desiree as a Black woman in Mallard, and Stella as a white woman thousands of miles away. Neither sister fully grieves the loss of the other, but life moves on. It isn’t until decades later, after a chance encounter between the daughters of Stella and Desiree, that the twins are finally confronted by the decisions of their past. Little by little, the pieces to a puzzle long since abandoned start coming together…for better or for worse.

The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett is a powerful story of the detrimental effects of colorism on the Black self-esteem, the importance of acceptance, and the power of love in all of its forms.

The Good: From the very first chapter Bennett was able to pull me into a multi-decade story without missing a beat. I loved how she was able to develop the characters in a way that didn’t seem rushed, but also didn’t seem super drawn out. The dialogue was strong, and I felt that every character introduced not only had a strong, distinctive voice, but a well thought out backstory. Bennett’s superpower is her ability to create rich details.

The Bad: There’s not much about this book that I would change. If anything, it would have been nice to see some relationships in the book developed as well as others, but overall, I was really happy with what was presented.

Bottom Line: The Vanishing Half raises some uncomfortable questions for all readers, but especially readers of color. In times of desperation, what would you do to survive? Bennett’s well-written story is not just about a broken family, it is also the perfect example of how a snap decision made by one can have lasting effects on generations to come. A definite must-read.

Read it for yourself HERE.