The month of June is here, so that means summertime realness, Juneteenth, hurricane season, Pride, and summer book lists.
To get y’all off on the right foot, here is a list of books, shows, and things to enjoy this month.
Books
Under Cooked: How I Let Food Become My Life Navigator and How Maybe That’s a Dumb Way to Live by Dan Ahdoot—This comedian shares his food story in a way that makes you feel not so bad about your relationship with food; at least for me. It's a great read if you enjoy food writing with humor thrown in.
Cook As You Are by Ruby Tandoh—Sometimes, we get lost in our cooking journey by the photos and dishes of influencers, content creators, chefs, and recipe developers. This book is a reminder to cook according to your life and where you currently are even if it is messy and simple.
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell—If you enjoy The Great British Baking Show and murder mysteries, this book is for you. A group of people from around the country have been chosen to compete in a prestigious cooking show on the host’s estate. During the competition, a storm rolls in keeping the contestants and host stranded, which is the perfect condition for a murder.
Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon—Imagine getting kidnapped by a serial killer, who is most definitely going to kill you but you are saved by a mysterious woman in black. She reluctantly helps you because she is on the hunt for someone who is the most prolific serial killer in the country. Your paths crossing puts you in the middle of a cat-and-mouse game that has been going on for years. Now, you are on the run with a stranger when all you wanted to do was finish your psychology degree and forget about your past.
Juneteenth
A celebration of freedom for Black folks in Texas who were the last known people to be told they were free from enslaved life, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
This celebration has now spread throughout the United States.
This day is marked with green, black, and red flags as well as red foods. Why red? Well, it is supposed to mark the blood of those lost during enslavement, with others saying, it is to remind us of our West African roots where red drinks are had on special occasions as well as our spiritual connection to the Earth.
There are a few cookbooks that will make a great addition to your collection while giving plenty of ideas of what to make to celebrate this day, as well as others. Because every day of freedom is worth being celebrated.
Every Day Grand by Jocelyn Delk Adams with Olga Massov—This cookbook gives you menu ideas and recipes to not only celebrate holidays such as Juneteenth and Christmas but for job promotions, Netflix and Chill Nights, and even good hair days. The collection of soulful recipes will be in rotation for any celebration, big or small.
Watermelon and Red Birds by Nicole A. Taylor—The first cookbook to celebrate Juneteenth is teeming with new classics created to give a fresh new spin on old ingredients. Don’t expect to find red velvet cake or other traditional staples, this book is all about the new ways we can enjoy and embrace our food and culture.
Soul by Todd Richards—A collection of recipes that show the evolution of this chef’s culinary journey. This not only has recipes but songs and menus to go with different occasions such as brunch and traditional lunches/dinners. You will find traditional recipes along with modern variations that are worthy of a professional kitchen.
Things to Watch
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story—If you need a good cry from a love story for the ages, this is your show. The fictional retelling of the arranged marriage of Princess Charlotte from Germany and King George. Be prepared to laugh and cry every episode. Even if you have not watched Bridgerton, this show is well worth watching for the writing and acting.
FUBAR- This Netflix show with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a CIA agent who has to work with his daughter, who he did not know was also a CIA agent, is full of laughs, ridiculousness, and painful relationship realizations. It includes terrorists, guns, killing, and lots of blood; a perfect action workplace comedy with dysfunctional families and relationships.
Shrinking—A dramedy on Apple TV+ that follows a therapist who decides to give truthful advice to his clients after the death of his wife. It gives you the pleasure of seeing a therapist give the advice that some of us need while also looking at the relationships the therapist creates and destroys due to his current state of mind. This show comes from the same people who created Ted Lasso.
There are personal celebrations that are on the way such as new family members being born, school selections, and new jobs to name a few. No matter the celebration, do remember to take time for yourself because you are worth celebrating, big or small.
Xoxo~Christilisa