There are presents wrapped in bright paper with bows, or slipped into gift bags with tissue galore, and then there are gifts that come from the exuberant  suggestion of a dear friend. Have you ever gotten one?
I did, just after Christmas, when Janet, aka Country Mouse, recommended a little memoir that she thought I would like. Her enthusiasm was so contagious and our friendship so rooted that I knew I needed to read the book. I found it at one of the libraries I haunt and was turning the pages as soon as I arrived home. It was JUST the book I needed to read at JUST the right time, and now I want to tell you about it.
When writer Suzan Colon starts feeling the wrath of the downturn in the economy in 2008, she starts to economize on the cut-backs she correctly anticipates will happen. Sack lunches and walking instead of taking the subway are a prelude for the day her job no longer exists. At her mother’s suggestion, Suzan looks to her grandmother’s recipes for inspiration. It becomes a journey of recipes and family history as she explores not only Nana’s recipes, but her writing as well, along with her own mother’s stories of survival.
I read about Suzan making split pea soup just as my own ham bone was floating happily in a pot of green on the stove, and I thought about how we all “make do” with leftovers and leftover leftovers as I put ham in with potatoes to stretch that little piggy a little further on yet another day. I thought about the pinwheel cookie I was eating and how it came to Tom’s family through a cookbook that came with a stove and how Tom’s mother wrote a letter to the government seeking permission to buy the stove during WWII rationing as I read about Nana’s recipe for butter cookies, neatly typed for Nana had gone to secretarial school, when she wanted to be a teacher and a writer, but life and times got in the way.
This sweet little book is filled with Colon’s family history and survival as she works her way through the tough economy and all it entails that many are struggling through, still. It is, to me, really about looking to our family and their stories for strength, to take each day one at a time, to enjoy the little moments in life and to allow yourself a “treat” now and then. When I finished the book, I found myself wanting more, for this little gem found its way into my heart and nourished my soul JUST when I needed it. I’m thankful for the earnest recommendation of a long-time friend and kindred spirit, and I am thankful for having read Suzan Colon’s book. “Cherries in Winter” – I JUST might need to find myself some cherries soon.
So glad you enjoyed the book. I wasn’t very far in reading when I thought “This is a Penny kind of book if ever I read one.” I believe along with Suzan Colon that one does occasionally need that little bit of luxury whether it is Cherries in Winter or a dinner by candle light. It is sometimes necessary to get through too many times of being sensible and thrifty. Everyone should enjoy that little bit of fun. From now on, when my daughter says “Mom, you MUST read this book.” I will certainly believe her. Actually, I did the first time.
My kindred spirit, I hope you enjoy many “cherries in winter” during these times of economic uncertainty.
I certainly did, Janet, and I totally agree that we “need that little bit of luxury” you mention; sort of gifts to oneself. I found myself using a bit of dusting powder today, thinking of Colon’s Nana, then met a friend for a bit of hot chocolate. Always listen to your daughter, and then tell me, for we are kindred spirits, all.
Now, if I could just find some cherries. When I do, I’ll break into the First National Coffee Can and Savings Bank.
It sounds like a book I would love, Penny. I will add it to my Good Reads list today. Thank you for consistently writing good book recommendations.
Oh, I think you might, Andra. It is a very quick read and I think will bring some reminders of your Maw Maw. That is is a nice thing to say. Thank you.
I love this post and I’d love the book I’m sure! Some of my favorite recipes still are from my Mom’s copy of Household Searchlight, a depression era cookbook, I believe. I do have to say that a pot of greens boiling on the stove with a hambone in it would be a TREAT for us, not a sacrifice. I don’t tend to cook like that as much down here in the southland…That’s one thing (maybe THE one thing) I miss about chilly damp winter weather.
That must be a treasured cookbook, Sallie. Our colder winter climate does make for some good soup weather, although I’ve been known to get a pot of soup going in summer. I think I could eat soup just about anytime. Come on up for a bowl one day.
Sounds a great book: and its theme is close to all our hearts I suspect. I’too, cook a weekly chicken soup to make a roast go further.
It is a little gem of a book, Kate. I always love chicken soup, especially after a a roasting. As the saying goes, cook once, eat twice.
This sounds like a wonderful book, there is nothing better than discovering recipes that excite more than just the taste buds. Jx
Exactly, Janice, and Cherries in Winter does just that. I went to the library last night on my way to meet our daughter, and picked up two cookbooks on soup!
It sounds a most delightful book. I might just have to find it for myself.
It is delightful, Friko. I hope you will find it and enjoy it as I just did.
It sound exactly my kind of book, Penny, and as my library doesn’t have it, I’ve just found a secondhand copy on Amazon for 73 pence plus postage! The last time I ordered a similar book recommended by a fellow blogger, it was a wonderful treat and I know this one will be too.
Funny you should mention a ham bone. i have one soaking downstairs at the moment, alongside the marrowfat peas with which I will make ham and pea soup tomorrow. It’s certainly soup weather here.
Your good price and good fortune in finding “Cherries in Winter” fits right in with the spirit and message of the book, Perpetua. This is a sweet little gem that I hope you will enjoy as much as I did.
Oh, those ham bones . . . they certainly whet our appetites, don’t they? I’m sure your ham and pea soup was just what was needed in your soup weather, which doesn’t seem to be letting much there. Enjoy!