Lacking something

I read Ruth Reichl's new book Not becoming my mother and was somewhat disappointed. Reichl has spent most of her adult life telling amusing stories about her mother's crazy antics. This book is a penance of sorts and a rediscovery of her mother. Her mother's life was stiffled by the conventions of society and she drives Reichl to break those bonds. I wanted to like this book more than I did. It seemed to lack some heart or something.

Calabria revisited - Stolen Figas

I first read about the area of Calabria in a memoir by Annie Hawes. Calabria is Italy's unloved stepchild, but I don't know why. Calabria is the poor southern end of the boot of Italy and held in some contempt by the rest of the country.

After reading Rotella's ode to the area and its history, you will think differently. Rotella's family comes from this area and he recounts his visit and meanderings around the area. a really pleasant trip. Stolen Figs is a wonderful stolen moment.