Summer Reading Flights | Sally Anne’s Top Picks
Written by Sally Anne Groomes
FICTION
What to Read
The Women in Black by Madeleine St John
In a year that has been woefully absent of travel and adventure, this book felt like a charming vacation and time travel all in one! Madeleine St John’s novel takes place in an Australian department store, Goode’s, during the 1950s. The book follows the fictional lives of four women working in the dress department in their requisite uniform, a tailored black dress. The story closely follows these four women in black—Patty, Lisa, Fay, and Magda—detailing their own struggles and successes in life, love, family, and friendship.
What to Eat
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac Biscuits
This cookie recipe seemed like a perfect fit as they were sent from the home front to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) soldiers due to their sturdy structure from the absence of eggs.
Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup shredded coconut
8 tablespoons butter, unsalted
2 tablespoons golden syrup or dark corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Microwave butter and syrup until bubbling
Stir together dry ingredients and add to wet mixture and vanilla
Roll crumbly mixture into balls
Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets with room for spreading and press down to flatten
Bake at 350° for 13-15 minutes
What to Watch
Ladies in Black
“Women in Black” was made into a film in 2018 starring Julie Ormond and an excellent cast. If you enjoyed the camaraderie of the book, you will love the movie adaptation. It follows and remains true to the general plot of the book with its lovable characters and the enchanting world of Goode’s.
NON-FICTION
What to Read
Come and Eat by Bri McKoy
Reading any New Testament gospel demonstrates that one of the places Christ was most likely to be found was eating around a table—sharing food, community, and love with others. Based upon this premise, Bri McKoy recollects her most formative meals and experiences around some very unlikely tables. McKoy’s stories are raw, inspiring, and testaments to God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Each chapter ends with a recipe and questions to connect you with whomever might be gathered around your table. The books ends with a 21 Day Dinner Challenge with grocery lists, recipes (like the one below!), and questions to share with your family each night. This book felt like a breath of fresh air, constantly pointing toward Christ’s goodness, while challenging us to better follow in His footsteps.
What to Eat
Quick Queso
Bri McKoy’s AMAZING Quick Queso
Whether you keep it simple or spruce it up with toppings, this Queso couldn’t be any easier or any more delicious.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
10-15 slices American cheese (cut into smaller pieces)
Green chilies (4 oz)
Directions:
Bring cream to a gentle boil, stirring constantly over medium heat
Add in cheese until desired consistency (add more cheese if you like thick queso; it will thicken as it cools)
Add in green chilies and remove from heat (add jalapeños if you like spice!)
Serve immediately with chips
Optional Toppings: cilantro, onions, tomatoes
What to Watch
The Hundred Foot Journey
Helen Mirren stars in this delightful movie that further attests to the unifying power of sharing food with others. What begins with two chefs acrimoniously competing against each other at their neighboring restaurants, ends with an inspiring example of the unifying power of an open table and welcoming heart.
I hope that something on the list will provide inspiration leading into the Summer season. If you read, watch, or drink any of these recommendations, shout it out in the comments!
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Sally Anne Groomes
Washington, D.C.
Sally Anne is a former literature professor who still cannot be caught without a book close at hand. Currently, she is raising her two kids, running many miles, and adventuring around the world one duty station at a time with her husband (a Navy doctor). She loves Jesus with all her heart and is learning daily how to count it all JOY.
Learn more about Sally Anne here and find her on Instagram at @sagroomes21.
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Coming off more than a year in pandemic mode I feel like we are all deserving of a fantastic tropical vacation. However, regardless of your summer plans, hopefully you will find time to dive into a good book, whether it be next to a beach, a pool or a toddler sprinkler! With that in mind, I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite fiction and nonfiction picks to help you mentally recharge, restore, and relax.