I’m in Pasadena for a bookseller’s conference — Pasadena! I knew nothing about this town except that a little old lady was from here and she could really go, granny, go. Granted, I’ve only walked the 7 blocks between the hotel and the nearest Erewhon, but it’s so cute. Bougainvillea draped across charming little bungalows and palm trees sprouting up from grassy medians.
And don’t get me started on Erewhon!! I’ve been desperate to check one out and spend all of my money on cold-pressed juices and sprouted paleo granolas. It was completely thrilling and I’m sure the guy who worked there was tasked with following me around because I must have looked insane, staring wide-eyed at the rows and rows of nut butters in glass jars.
Now I’m back in the hotel room, eating daikon kimchi (from a glass jar) and avocado rolls made with black rice. I mean, I might as well be Gwyneth Paltrow right now... or Dakota Johnson.
On the flight down I finished Creation Lake which I’ll talk more about next week because I’m still digesting it. If you’ve been waiting for the announcement, it will not be the next Pairings book club pick.
In the meantime, I wanted to do a God of the Woods focused round up because it was absolutely one of my favorite reads of the summer.
is currently basking in the French countryside so we’re going to find a time to talk about GOTW on Book Bites. I don’t want to reveal too much outside of our video, but in short it’s about a summer camp tucked in the Adirondacks in the 1970’s and Barbara Van Laar, a 13 year old camper, goes missing. It’s a mystery, sure, but it’s also a commentary on the haves and the have-nots and who gets away with what.The NYT review said they wished the villains were more nuanced and I have to agree — they are despicable, but they are not relatable. You can’t see a small part of yourself in their cold narcissism. There are also two characters whose storylines sort of fizzle out, but I devoured this book and recommend it to everyone who comes into the store. Smart, compelling, terrific. I need more great reads set at summer camps!
More to come on Book Bites!
I love a frittata. They’re hearty, healthy and they make excellent leftovers. This charred kale frittata that Alison Roman made on a camping trip is excellent with a dash of Zab’s hot sauce and a shower of Maldon salt.
Rebellious, punky Barbara would absolutely wear these studded flats when she’s all grown up.
How great is the Clare V. x Tracksmith collab?? I love it and am particularly smitten with these retro shorts in that bright tomato red with the contrasting trim. Perfect for running from the lake to your cabin to the mess hall.
A sexy, luxe, moody mini dress for the heavily sedated mother character, Alice, as she tries desperately to make her horrible husband notice her, stumbling cringingly into one of their soirees.
A relaxed sweater that Detective Judy Luptack might wear on her day off with a pair of straight-leg, dark wash jeans. No nonsense, but comfortable and pulled together in such a pretty soft mushroom-y color.
A gauzy, gorgeous bandana for a true camp look. I love the idea of it with those bright red track shorts and an oversized button down.
Because all of the campers wear tube socks, right? Very Wet Hot American Summer vibes.
This diamond necklace feels like something Peter Van Laar III would have bestowed upon Alice early in their marriage, before he came to pity and despise her.
A classic Patagonia fleece in a very cool navy blue to wear around the campfire or on early morning hikes through the woods.
Bug spray has come a long way since those sticky cans of OFF! Keep pesky mosquitoes at bay with this delightful, citrusy vanilla DEET-free spray.
The best of the best when it comes to hiking boots. Iconic and just the thing for Camp Emerson.
Enjoy the conference! Great thematic haul! Am also loving the book 🌲 🏕️ 🦌
Pasadena is cute as pie! My son's girlfriend went to high school there and she showed us the best things; Breakfast burritos (Lucky Boy), the original Trader Joes, and Vromans.