I don't know how it's been by you, but June & July have already been incredibly hot months in NYC with even higher temperatures predicted for August. Because of this & because we've been reading so many books about hot countries, I thought it'd be a nice change to select a country with a colder climate.
This location has an average high temperature of 55F (13C) in August & an average low of about 47F (8C). Ah, cool relief! Known as a land of light & darkness, its people are very focused on creativity as well as stories so we'll have a wide number of books from which to choose.
Know which country we mean? If not, here are some more hints. It continuously ranks high for gender equality & the beauty of its land is known by many, becoming a favorite of travelers in recent years. It is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes & some of the largest glaciers in Europe which has also earned it the nickname, the land of fire & ice.
So What Country are We Reading in August?
The last country in Europe to be settled, Iceland! I began thinking about Iceland after someone recommended this book by a premier Icelandic chef. The book piqued my interest even more after I read its description: "Equal parts recipe book & culinary odyssey, a celebration of Iceland itself—the inspiring traditions, stories, & people who make the island nation unlike any other place in the world."
While it does include some ingredients I won't eat, it also includes a number of creatives dishes I've begun making to delicious success:
- Rhubarb & Herb Sugar served with Chilled Aquavit (aquavit is a neutral spirit like vodka & commonly flavored with caraway as its dominant spice)
- Rye Beer Chips with Chive Skyr (skyr is an Icelandic-style yogurt)
- Porter-infused Apples Served with Apple Cake, Porter Fudge Caramel, & Hazelnut Granola
If you're looking for unique ingredients/dishes to try or just enjoy reading recipe books which also focus on the culture of another land, I highly recommend this read!
HAVE ANY BOOK CLUB SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your Icelandic suggestions by Sun., July 15 11PM ET. (That's NYC time. See this converted to your local time below.)
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 suggestions from Mia (the book club moderator) & 2 of my suggestions to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will vote. The most popular book from the list 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