Week 15
This week, I continued to feel unwell, worked far too hard and read 2 books. I browsed wedding guest dresses, started a book club, watched the Minecraft movie with my friends and accidentally broke my PC. RIP.
How To Share An Egg by Bonny Reichert
I loved the premise of this. Reichert is the daughter of an Auschwitz survivor, and she tells the story of her life, her father’s life and her heritage through the lens of the community of food. It is beautifully written, carefully mapping out Reichert’s childhood, adulthood, her marriage and her steps into professional chef training. We read about Reichert going on a heritage tour and learning, again, carefully about her roots, and later, how she shares this with her father, who has done everything he can to shield her from the pain he suffered.
Reichert is an excellent, easy writer. Reading this book felt like an intimate privilege, painting warm pictures of her Baba rolling dough for desserts, Reichert whizzing around her father’s restaurants, Reichert scooping batter in her waffle maker as she and her son try to acquaint themselves to their new home. I loved it and I’m now a forever fan!
Rating: ★★★★★
Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus
I love Blink-182, and I especially love Mark Hoppus. I find him incredible, nothing short of inspiring. Full of a childish energy that practically bounces off of him (and onto Tom). This is his memoir, starting from his earliest childhood memories, to the second reformation of Blink-182.
I loved this memoir. It was peppered with references, things designed to feel familiar to the reader. The earliest chapters made reference to a cup of apple juice Hoppus spilled one night, as he listened at the door of his parent’s bedroom to the sounds of them arguing - Adam’s Song. He explained why Dammit was their closer song, and I had never realised that Dammit was their closer song! The making of Carousel, the first Blink song. Their rivalry with Green Day. Their first row seats to Fall Out Boy. And the part that felt difficult to read - Mark’s personal battle with cancer. I read this in one sitting, completely thrilled, completely satisfied that this memoir fully encapsulated everything I’ve ever loved about every form of punk (and unfortunately, ska).
Rating: ★★★★★