I think it is wonderful to read the novel and (re)read her story, "People Like That Are The Only People Here." The story, like the novel, walks the knife edge of reverent/irreverent all at the same time. The story is death-adjacent, funny, terrifying. A fav line, "'Life's a big problem,' agrees the Mother." You can read it here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/01/27/people-like-that-are-the-only-people-here
I do believe you must use some sort of cream. Perhaps compromise with 1/2 & 1/2? I know it is daunting pour in that much cream, but wow, is it delicious! Silky! And it takes the tomato down a notch. I Frankensteined three different recipes to put this one together. It's been my go-to for decades. I did omit pancetta. Maybe you want to add that back? Thanks for reading! xN
your "community chest" is on my "keep" shelf--so honest. i first met you when you were part of the narrative medicine conference where you shared about your breast cancer journey. so glad we made the connection.
I'm a huge Lorrie Moore fan--and "I am Homeless.." was just too weird for me. I guess that means I have to read it again, but i don't know if i can do it. Will consider, though, because maybe I wasn't patient enough with it. I'm brand new to your substack but oh wow, I love it already.
Not gonna lie, it is a hard book. Maybe don't pick it up again? I loved it, but not as much as other Lorrie Moore. The NYTs said of it, they loved it but because they expect more of Moore, they couldn't gush as they do of her other books. I suggest rereading "People Like That are the Only People Here." Such a brilliant short story, so funny and also death adjacent. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/01/27/people-like-that-are-the-only-people-here
Also, in case you are interested, paid subscribers get to participate in a 1x per month book chat. This round was Lorrie Moore. Next round will be James, by Percival Everett, along with Huck Finn!
Thanks for reading and for commenting. I'm glad you are here! xN
That's the best book review. I am getting it today!
I think it is wonderful to read the novel and (re)read her story, "People Like That Are The Only People Here." The story, like the novel, walks the knife edge of reverent/irreverent all at the same time. The story is death-adjacent, funny, terrifying. A fav line, "'Life's a big problem,' agrees the Mother." You can read it here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/01/27/people-like-that-are-the-only-people-here
I listened and listened and listened to the gorgeous reading of this lucscious poem. too...https://onbeing.org/poetry/refrigerator-1957/
Thank you! I love the poems of Thomas Lux. xN
I love how you identify the phrase in each opening paragraph that "catches" you. It's like Roland Barthes punctum for photographs....
Do those phrases catch you? xN
Not exactly. McCracken "this is not that book" (Ive read too many French theorists)
Zauner: "parachute kids."
Tessa Hadley: we agree
Does Penne alla Vodka need to have that cup of heavy cream? Can you leave it out entirely or add more cheese?
I do believe you must use some sort of cream. Perhaps compromise with 1/2 & 1/2? I know it is daunting pour in that much cream, but wow, is it delicious! Silky! And it takes the tomato down a notch. I Frankensteined three different recipes to put this one together. It's been my go-to for decades. I did omit pancetta. Maybe you want to add that back? Thanks for reading! xN
your "community chest" is on my "keep" shelf--so honest. i first met you when you were part of the narrative medicine conference where you shared about your breast cancer journey. so glad we made the connection.
Me too, Anne. Thanks for reading my work. I'm so grateful. And, honest is the only way to be... xN
I'm a huge Lorrie Moore fan--and "I am Homeless.." was just too weird for me. I guess that means I have to read it again, but i don't know if i can do it. Will consider, though, because maybe I wasn't patient enough with it. I'm brand new to your substack but oh wow, I love it already.
Not gonna lie, it is a hard book. Maybe don't pick it up again? I loved it, but not as much as other Lorrie Moore. The NYTs said of it, they loved it but because they expect more of Moore, they couldn't gush as they do of her other books. I suggest rereading "People Like That are the Only People Here." Such a brilliant short story, so funny and also death adjacent. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1997/01/27/people-like-that-are-the-only-people-here
Also, in case you are interested, paid subscribers get to participate in a 1x per month book chat. This round was Lorrie Moore. Next round will be James, by Percival Everett, along with Huck Finn!
Thanks for reading and for commenting. I'm glad you are here! xN
I love that story so much. Have read it many times. Just killer. I'll keep poking around your site! Thanks for the info on the book chat.
Just reread it this morning. Gutting and amazing.
oh you are friends with jennie shortridge. i was in the seattle 7 with her a billion years ago. She's the best!
She is!
There is so much deliciousness in this newsletter. Thank you, Natalie. I am waiting for THAT phone call, too.
Hope blooms eternal! xN