Such a Fun Age

★★★★/5

I know I'm a little late to the party with Such A Fun Age by Kiley Read, but I'm so happy to have finally gotten to it! I loved the book and totally understand the hype. SAFA addresses critical issues surrounding racism, classism and female dynamics in the home/workplace - but the characters are so relatable and the writing is so upbeat that the book is still refreshingly fun. Definitely a book I really enjoyed while also gaining insight on cultural complexities that I didn't know nearly enough about.

Sunday Shack Up: Shakshuka

Sunday Shack Up: Shakshuka
Let me begin by saying we sincerely hope all of you are well and that you have the means to take the necessary precautions during this uncertain time. With all the calmness of Jackie Moon in Semi-Pro, (“NOBODY FREAK OUT”- bonus points if you understand this reference), Boston has been seriously hunkering down for more self-quarantining. What does this mean for us? Getting creative with our pantry supplies while dreaming of our favorite restaurants, of course! Not sure if this needs to be said, but we’re 100% about supporting our local businesses as much as possible right now (and always). Today’s meal is a recreation of our favorite spot, Tatte’s amazing Shakshuka. If you’re in Boston and haven’t had this, stop everything and order it for takeout.

The Dutch House

★★★★/5

I am so excited to finally be writing a review for The Dutch House! Ann Patchett is one of my all time favorite authors and this book had been on my TBR for months. I don't typically listen to fictional audiobooks (I usually use that platform for non-fiction), but my mom convinced me to give it a try and I'm so glad that I did. (It also definitely doesn't hurt that Tom Hanks reads the story and does an amazing job - feel better Tom and Rita!!!!)

Ask Again, Yes

★★★★/5

Wow - I have so much to say about Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. This is our second Ya-Ya Book Club pick, and I think it's going to generate some great conversation. For me, AAY is definitely the type of book that proves I can appreciate a book and rate it highly without actually "liking" it very much. It's extremely thought provoking with fascinating characters and complex subject matter - let's dive in! 

Tapas the Evening To You

(please pardon the terrible pun that is the title - best we could come up with!)

Well all, with COVID-19 seemingly upon us, now is definitely going to be the time to start recreating our favorite meals at home. Keep supporting your local businesses, but stay safe out there!

For us, Round 2 of the Restaurant Recreation attempt coincidentally takes us to another Jamaica Plain restaurant. Since our honeymoon, we’ve been suckers for Spanish tapas and Tres Gatos (@tresgatosjp) has been on our list for some time. This tapas-bookstore-record shop-restaurant checks off almost every box on the Booknerd’s list of favorite things. We highly recommend making a trip out to JP to check this place out, but build in some buffer time into your trip because its easy to spend time enjoying the small plates or perusing the record selection.