The Shadow of the Wind

It might not be the greatest book ever written, but the Shadow of the Wind is surely the best I've read in the past few years. Originally published in Spanish, this is a book about a book and it's troubled author. It's also a coming of age story for our protagonist who discovers the book as a child, on his first visit to the cemetery of forgotten books. Some parts of the book, like how the child's life mirrors the author and some love stories, are predictable enough. But the book has enough originality, and the right mix of romance and thrill to hold it together. All I'd say is, if you haven't read it so far, read it now. Even if you are not a book lover.

We chose to read the book for "This Book Makes Me Cook" in June. You would have noticed that we usually pick books with plenty of food references. This one was an exception. There aren't that many food references in a thriller set in war-torn Barcelona. But there is one. On the day hero, wet with rain and terrified after a fearful encounter, returns to the cemetery of books and to Isaac, the keeper of the books.

"Isaac threw a couple of blankets over my shoulders and offered me a cup of some steaming concoction that smelled of hot chocolate and some sort of alcohol".

Let's make this hot chocolate, the one that's pure sin. Take 2 tbsp cream in a small microwave safe bowl. Add a tsp of alcohol of your choice. Bailey's is preferable, but vodka will do. If this is your breakfast drink, skip alcohol and add a few drops of vanilla extract. Heat in the microwave for 10 seconds or until the cream is bubbling. Add 30 grams of semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped chocolate). Mix until no chunks remain. Pop it back in the microwave for 10 seconds, then serve in an espresso cup. Recommended for fearful nights, or rainy mornings, or just about any time you want.

And the rest of the book club? I think it was hard to get cooking inspiration from this book. But we have a winner from Sweatha. She made the very Spanish Patatas Bravas with Sangria.

And Aquadaze came up with Spanish Omelette, inspired from a much-loved scene in the book.

In July, we are reading "A Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar. If you would like to join us, do leave a comment here and I will get back with more details.

That's about the book club. Now, a couple of other things. One, this sinful chocolate is on its way to AWED: Swiss being hosted by my friend Sweatha this month.

Two, I noticed this makes an excellent entry for Srivalli's MEC : Breezy Breakfasts that I am hosting in June. Two more days to go folks, so if you have any microwave breakfast ideas, send them over now.