I’m sorry that we’re a bit behind with beginning the process of choosing our January read. I’ve been horribly sick with bronchitis all month, but better late than never!
January’s country is one I’ve loved from the wonderful beaches with perfect body-surfing waves to the warm people. And I figured all of us in the Northern hemisphere need a little warmth right now. I know I do though that may be the fever! <shiver>
This beachy country is known as the land of the flying fish & was originally named ‘the bearded ones’ by explorers because of the island’s magnificent bearded fig-trees.
Know which country I’m referring to? How about if I mention that a world-famous singer is from there & the island’s coasts cater to very different crowds— the gentle tide in the west is beloved by those with a penchant for easy swimming & soft-sand beaches while the eastern shore showcases aggressive waves perfect for surfers & for carving out beautiful rock formations like the above photo.
So which country are we adventuring to next?
If I say Rihana is the Bajan I was speaking of above, do now know the answer? Yep, our next country is Barbados! (Bajan is derived from the original—& more formal—word “Barbadian.” Due to stronger accents which once prevailed, the word sounded more like “Barbajan” & eventually was shortened to Bajan which is now used by the majority as the adjective describing someone or something from Barbados.) Side note: If you’re looking for a luxury Bajan vacation, I can’t recommend the Crane Resort highly enough. Just don’t go during the Sargassum seaweed season.
I also highly recommend this culinary adventure cook book which “brilliantly captures not only the cuisine of Barbados, but the culture as well.” It’s a multi-winner of Gourmand's World Cookbook Awards (Best Photography, Best Design, Best Self-Published Book, & Best Historic Recipes).
HAVE ANY bajan BOOK CLUB SUGGESTIONS?
We need to get in suggestions quickly & begin the vote in order to start the read on time so let us know your suggestions by Fri., Dec. 27 11PM ET.
(That's NYC time. See this converted to your local time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 of my suggestions, & 2 of Mia’s suggestions (the club co-founder) to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere