W3 Book Club-“Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
by Teri E. Popp & Laura Chin, Tastemakers in Residence
“This article was written before the current status of our nation practicing “social distancing.” This article serves as a guide for ideas for after social distancing is over, and for more book suggestions to read during this time.”
To describe Elinor as socially awkward is a huge understatement! She pushes people away from her with her blunt criticisms and commentary, while totally underestimating how much her comments can hurt. And thus begins the saga of Gail Honeyman’s “Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine.”
W3 Book Club’s most recent outing found that Elinor is not—in any way, shape or form—completely fine. In fact, she binge drinks has a dysfunctional relationship with her mother and lives on the edge of sanity. But, through author Honeyman’s skillful narrative, we all learned to love Elinor. She means well, and she wants to be fine. And, no matter what our experiences in life, isn’t that what most of us want?
Featuring a British theme, our host, Laurie, tantalized us with a fantastic food menu for our book club get together! It included:
Appetizers:
“Dame Julie Andrews” Antipasta Mini Skewers
“Harry’s Duke of Sussex” Crab Dip with Gluten-Free Crackers
“Sir Paul McCartney” Bean Dip with Crackers (actually Brian Boitano Bean Dip!)(recipe found at https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/brian-boitano/garlicky-white-bean-dip-recipe-2104170)
“Meghan’s Duchess of Sussex” Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Sauce
Main Course:
Braised Short Ribs in Pomegranate Juice (recipe found at https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-sweet-sour-pomegranate-short-ribs-creamy-polenta/)
Mashed Potato Casserole with Bread Crumbs (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013923-mashed-potato-casserole)
Pole Green Beans with Garlicky Crushed Walnuts (https://www.bonappetit.com/video/watch/effortless-entertaining-let-your-side-dish-shine)
Cranberry-Orange Relish (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012886-cranberry-orange-relish)
Dessert:
Lemon Bars with Olive Oil and Sea Salt (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017141-lemon-bars-with-olive-oil-and-sea-salt?action=click&contentCollection=Food&module=Cooking®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs_vE-cio5wIViJyzCh1NvwRpEAAYASAAEgIdnfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (https://www.kcet.org/food/weekend-recipe-chocolate-crinkle-cookies)
Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookie: “The Cookie” by Alison Roman (https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/salted-butter-and-chocolate-chunk-shortbread)
While Elinor may not be completely fine, W3 Book Club can vouch that our host’s menu was definitely more than fine!! Bon Appetit!! And please join me next month when our book club all enjoys some “Fried Green Tomatoes”!
You can find more of Teri and Laura’s W3 Book Club stories, along with Teri’s travel articles, by clicking here. It’s time for some armchair travel adventures; check out other W3 Book Club posts + dress the part, eat the food and have some fun staying in your own homes!