The Book Club CookBook
Terrific food and book pairing ideas from book clubs from coast to coast.
The Book Club CookBook
ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen

From Rhys Bowen: “In a story that revolves around food and a woman who becomes a chef for Queen Victoria you’d think it would be easy to come up with a menu pairing, wouldn’t you? However, most of the food that was served to the queen was so extravagant, so over the top, that nobody would want to cook it today—certainly not to go along with a book group meeting! Menus included real turtle soup (first catch your turtle), lark and blackbird pie, and creations that included venison stuffed with lobster and other unlikely pairings that would surely make us sick today. So I’m sticking to what Bella does best, and to the dish that brings her praise from the queen herself: her scones. I suggest a traditional British tea party, starting with thin cucumber sandwiches, then the scones served with jam and clotted cream (thick whipping cream will do), and finally various cakes. And of course English tea with milk. It’s a meal that is perfect for meetings as it’s all prepared in advance and can be nibbled at leisure."

ADAM UNREHEARSED by Don Futterman

Egg Cream

Steak Marengo

Hot Dogs

Also: Beth El Synagogue Book Club, Omaha, Nebraska: In honor of Adam's Bar Mitzvah, we served a dessert buffet.

THE ADULTS by Alison Espach

Mom's Italian Anise Cookies

Dirty Martini

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by Edith Wharton (see our recipes in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE AGE OF LIGHT by Whitney Scharer

From Whitney Scharer: “In the novel, Lee eats omelets with snipped tarragon, beef bourguignon, scalloped potatoes with gruyere, and oysters. In her later life, Lee became a gourmet chef--almost a Surrealist version of Julia Child. There's an entire cookbook of her recipes. For an Age of Light party: *mild deviled eggs with snipped tarragon *gougères *cheese plate *scalloped potato stacks *beef stew (in small cups) Serve with cocktails — The Devil Inside and Louche Lips — there's a ritual to drinking absinthe, described briefly in the novel or earthy red wine.”

Also: ABC: A Book Club of NorthEast, Pennsylvania: “Coq au Vin in Burgundy, roasted asparagus, boiled baby honey gold potatoes, green salad, and baguettes, Creme Brûlée.”

AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Kelly McWilliams

Macaroni and Cheese and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

AHAB'S WIFE, OR THE STAR-GAZER by Sena Jeter Naslund (see our recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE AIR YOU BREATHE by Frances de Pontes Peebles

THE ALASKAN LAUNDRY by Brendan JonesJordan Family Smoked Salmon Dip

THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

–Food for Thought Book Club in Annville, Pennsylvania: Brazilian national dish "feijoada" and mini pyramids out of cheeses, crackers, and olives

THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn

-Flip and Sip of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Finn’s hangover one-skillet breakfast casserole, the little problems favorite bacon, goat cheese sandwiches, croissants, elderflower liquor, and rose wine. Our host made us favors with a Rose tea bag and rosebud soaps!

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL and ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL by James Herriott

ALL GIRLS by Emily Layden

Also see: ALL GIRLS Recipe Party

Emily Layden’s Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe

ALL MY RAGE by Sabaa Tahir

Reading Between the Wines of Albany, New York: We met at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant to enjoy food discussed and eaten in the novel: chai tea, poori, halwa, Chicken Kashmiri, and paratha, among other dishes! The Abbey Roads of Greater Boston : Pakistani food mentioned in book - Iced Chai, Paratha, Pakoras, Samosas, Biryani, Kheer

ALL THE CHILDREN ARE HOME by Patry Francis

Happy Bookers of Linn, Missouri: "Food from childhood: Franco American, Chips Ahoy, anise cookies, Nonna’s pies, and Dahlia’s special meals prepared for her kids for special occasions.

Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey: “In the spirit of the food in the book we'd serve Franco-American canned spaghetti and all of Nonna's fabulous Italian dishes!

Two Points of Interest Book Club of Brooklyn, New York: "Childhood favorites with a new spin."

ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE by Mike Gayle

ALL THIS I WILL GIVE TO YOU by Dolores Redondo

ALMOST HOME by Pam Jenoff

(see Pam Jenoff's recipe paired with ALMOST HOME)

–The Literary Lyres of San Fernando Valley, California: London-themed pot luck dinner with our discussion. Our cocktail was London Lemonade, Get Pickled and Drown Your Tears Pickled Eggs, London Broil, and London Bars

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID (for Hire) by Jen Glantz

THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY by Michael Chabon (see our recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

AMERICA, AMERICA by Ethan Canin: see author’s recipe in Table of Contents

AMERICAN DAUGHTER by Stephanie Thornton Plymale

AMERICAN PROMETHEUS: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin

Nonfiction Book Club of Seattle, Washington: Nasi gorgeng (Indonesian Fried Rice) that Oppenheimer served, along with his favorite dinner of steak, potatoes, and martinis.

AMÉRICA'S DREAM by Esmeralda Santiago: See the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

AND BY FIRE by Evie Hawtrey

ANGELA'S ASHES by Frank McCourt (see recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE by Noelle Salazar

See Noelle's Book Club Menu and Ontbijtkoek (Breakfast Cake) recipe

Also: The Happy Bookers, Sterling, Virginia: European-style (Allied) dishes: Dutch cheeses with crackers, French chicken cordon bleu and ratatouille, American mac and cheese, English sticky toffee pudding

ANGLE OF REPOSE by Wallace Stegner (see recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS by Lorna Landvik

–Reading Between the Wines of Ridgewood, New Jersey: Candy

ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy (see recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Fredrik Backman

The Book Club of Easthampton, New York: pizza, as referenced in book

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET. by Judy Blume

Cleveland Bookies of Cleveland, Ohio: Turkey sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, tuna fish, cole slaw, corned beef pickles, rye bread, chocolate parfaits (from the book)

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein

(see Enzo's pancakes recipe from Garth Stein, from Table of Contents)

–Paulinskill Lake Book Club in Wantage, New Jersey: dog bone-shaped cookies and "puppy chow."

THE ARTIST COLONY by Joanna Fitzpatrick

Boulevard Book Group of Westfield, NJ: We were fascinated by the Japanese abalone divers in the book and while we didn't have abalone, one of our group members made a delicious clam dip. Even though the book was set in the prohibition era, we enjoyed wine.

Blu Stocking Lit(erary) Soc(iety) of West Allis, Wisconsin: Vegetable lasagna. While abalone is a bit scarce in the Midwest, we followed through on the quote from page 38 "Then all you need is a vegetable garden in your backyard and you will never go hungry?"

ASHTON HALL by Lauren Belfer (click for Lauren's book club menu and Scones recipe)

Also: The Revivals of Germantown, Wisconsin: Nicky and Alice share a ploughman's lunch under a big old tree on their second day at Ashton Hall. Spread around a 22" wooden board, we lunched on smoked and cured ham slices, sourdough bread, locally-grown tart red apples and yellow pears, tomatoes, sharp white cheddar and Gorgonzola cheese, red lettuce, and Chutney. Served alongside: Apple, Gorgonzola, and Pancetta Slaw and Lauren Belfer's recipes for Sticky Gingerbread and Fruit Scones with homemade jam and clotted cream! Homemade brownies were tucked inside pink gift bags for afternoon tea.

ATONEMENT by Ian McEwan (see our recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT by Clare Pooley

From Claire Pooley: "The best accompaniments for The Authenticity Project are Julian’s favorite Butterscotch flavored Angel Delight and Mrs. Wu’s wonton soup with Chinese dumplings. I’m not sure how well those two things go together though!"

Also: Carrie's Book Club of Newtown, Pennsylvania: Pimms Cups and other treats mentioned in the book, including Jaffa cakes and gummies.

BACKSEAT SAINTS by Joshilyn Jackson: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

THE BADDEST GIRL ON THE PLANET by Heather Frese Sanchez

BAKING CAKES IN KIGALI by Gaile Parkin

–Frenchtown East in Missoula, Montana: Tea with cardamom spice and cupcakes

BALKAN GHOSTS BY ROBERT D. KAPLAN

–Co-ed Book Club of Greater Boston: Serbian Plum Brandy, and we made souvlaki

BALZAC AND THE LITTLE CHINESE SEAMSTRESS by Dai Sijie (see our recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

BARRACOON: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston

Jessica's Group of Akron, Ohio: Fish, sweet potato, beans, peaches, watermelon, and pineapple

THE BANGALORE DETECTIVES CLUB by Harini Nagendra

THE BAT by Jo Nesbø

Mystery Readers of Minneapolis, Minnesota: Thai green curry, chicken with cashew nuts, and Australian chardonnay (from book)

BAYOU BOOK THIEF by Ellen Byron

BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS by Jillian Cantor

BECOMING by Michelle Obama

BECOMING MS. BURTON: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women by Susan Burton

From author Susan Burton: "Organic butter lettuce, organic tomatoes, and basil, a variety of cheeses,

Keebler crackers, Gershen pickles, lemon cake, or oatmeal walnut cookies. I picked these food pairings because of my love for gardening, and organic foods, and they represent revitalization and healing."

BEE SEASON by Myla Goldberg (see our recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

BEFORE I KNEW by Jamie Beck

BEFORE WE WERE YOURS by Lisa Wingate - see Costco Connection article

Lisa Wingate's Apple Bread Pudding

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by B.A. Paris:

From B.A. Paris: "In BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, Grace and Jack give a dinner party for their friends. Jack chooses the menu; cheese soufflés to start, Beef Wellington for the main, and a Pavlova for dessert. I have cooked all these dishes at one time or another, and I know how challenging they are. It’s exactly why I chose them; Jack’s aim is to make Grace’s life as difficult as possible.

If anyone has ever made a soufflé, they will know how difficult it is to get it to the table before it collapses. Timing is everything, and we can sense Grace’s stress levels rising as Jack does his best to sabotage her efforts by keeping their guests talking when she has already called them to the table. Luckily, Diane steps in, and the soufflés are perfect. The Beef Wellington is less tricky although there is still the problem of soggy pastry under the beef.

Lastly, the Pavlova, a delicious concoction of meringue, cream, and fruit. I love both making this and eating it, and getting the meringue absolutely right – crisp on the outside, slightly chewy in the middle – is quite a feat. Luckily for Grace, she pulls it all off. These dishes are rather elaborate for a book club dinner, so I would skip the soufflés, make a beef casserole instead of the Wellington, and keep the Pavlova. Even if the meringue isn’t quite right, the cream and fruit will hide multiple sins. But if you do decide to make all three, please invite me, as they are some of my favorite things to eat".

BELLA TUSCANY by Frances Mayes: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

BEND TOWARD THE SUN by Jen Devon

BENEATH A SCARLET SKY by Mark Sullivan

THE BENNET WOMEN by Eden Appiah-Kubi

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER by Jennifer Weiner

–Devine Ladies Book Club of Midland Michigan: Key West Florida theme with frozen cocktails, fried plantain chips with dip, Key West Shrimp, Salad, and Key Lime Pie

BET ON IT by Jodie Slaughter

BETTER TO TRUST by Heather Frimmer

BETWEEN ME AND YOU by Allison Winn Scotch

BEYOND HAPPINESS by Dr. Jennifer Guttman

Omi's Orange Pound Cake Recipe

BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott

From Megan Abbott: "One food that appears in the book is the Cornish pasty, which is a signature food in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, so maybe pasties or some kind of hand pie. such as empanadas or pierogies."

Also: Carrie's Book Club of Newtown, Pennsylvania: “Baked fish, roasted potatoes green beans, puffy rolls, strawberry syrup, bubbly, rhubarb bitters, Blue Moon ice cream.”

BIG CHERRY HOLLER by Adriana Trigiani:see Adriana’s recipe in Table of Contents: From Breakfast with Anita Diamant to Dessert with James Patterson - a Generous Helping of Recipes, Writings and Insights from Today's Bestselling Authors

BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain

-Also see our BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN Recipe Party

-Also see Diane Chamberlain’s Gold Nugget Cake Recipe

BIJOU OF THE DEAD by Robert Freese

–Overdue Book Club of Huntsville, Alabama: Zombie finger cookies and appropriately colored brain matter cookies

BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA by Katie Cotugno

BITTER IN THE MOUTH by Monique Truong: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL by Melissa de la Cruz

BLACK BOTTOM SAINTS by Alice Randall

BLACK CAKE by Charmaine Wilkerson

Charmaine Wilkerson: Eleanor's Black Cake, Caribbean Rum Punch, and Jamaican Lemonade Recipes

BLACK KLANSMAN: Race, Hate and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime by Ron Stallworth

THE BLACK SWAN OF PARIS by Karin Robards

BLIND TIGER by Sandra Brown

Salem Crossing of Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Mimosas with mix-ins; strawberry & blueberry simple syrups, orange juice, and a mixed berry beverage. Vegetables with ranch dressing, mini quiches, ham & Swiss cheese baked sliders, boiled shrimp, charcuterie board of cheeses, and meat.

Carrollton Book Buddies: "We enjoyed some of our favorite Texas fare renamed for BLIND TIGER characters! Appetizers: Gert's deviled eggs, Lefty's Snake Bites (sausage balls), and Irv the Handyman's Texas Caviar. Main Course: Foley's Women of the Church Chicken Casserole, Thatcher's Tossed Salad with Hobson's Ranch Dressing. Dessert: Laurel's Pies-Peach/Cherry Crumble and Key Lime; Beverages: Bernie's Moonshine(Pink Lemonade Vodka Punch), Teetotaler-Peach Tea, and Branch. Deviled eggs, sausage balls, and jalapeno buttermilk dressing are from Homesick Texan.”

Also: Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut: "Book-inspired snacks! We enjoyed every food mentioned in the story, and some that were inspired by it, from veggie sliders, shrimp cocktail, a kiddie pool of drinks, 'egg toss' deviled eggs and fruit salad Jell-O shots. By far our best food table yet. Our amazing host had a custom sign made for Alton Rd!!”'=

BLOOMSBURY GIRLS by Natalie Jenner

BLUE RIDGE by Peter Malone Elliott

Steak Tartare

Cowpuddle Cookie Sandwich

Bourbon

BLUE SKY KINGDOM by Bruce Kirkby

THE BODYGUARD by Katherine Center (click for menu)

Katherine Center's Apple Crisp Recipe

BODY AND SOUL by Frank Conroy

–Bookwomen of Encinitas, California: New York steak and Waldorf salad

THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER by Amy Tan (see recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE BOOK OF CANDLELIGHT by Ellery Adams

THE BOOK OF LONGINGS by Sue Monk Kidd

Literary Ladies of Helena, Montana: Honeyed figs, flatbread, olives hummus, wine

THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS by Lisa Wingate

Click for Lisa's Buttermilk Pie recipe

THE BOOK OF SALT by Monique Truong: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

THE BOOK OF SECOND CHANCES by Katherine Slee

THE BOOK OF SEPARATION by Tova Mirvis

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

(see our recipe from Markus Zusak in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Reading Hearts of Media, Pennsylvania: Pea soup, which the characters in the book ate, and sandwiches on dark bread, a luxury they did not have

The Algonquin Book Club of Scotch Plains, New Jersey: Bratwurst and German potato salad

DRUM Book Club, South Seattle Community College, Seattle, Washington: Pea Soup

THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michele Richardson

Also: Morsels for the Mind, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Cheeseboard (just cheese, fruit and crackers), KFC!, Corn pudding, Spinach salad with wild blueberries and walnuts, Baking powder biscuits with blueberry jam. Kentucky Mules (Ginger Beer, mint, lime, and Jim Beam), Scripture Cake (to go).

THE BOOKSHOP BY THE BAY by Pamela Kelley - click for author's book club menu

Mimosas

Fleet Landing Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Butter Lettuce Salad

Bread and Butter Chardonnay

Also: Books and Brews of Allendale, Michigan: Mexican food and margaritas as we pictured ourselves on a beach discussing the book!

Over-Readers Anonymous Book Club, Alpharetta, Georgia: Since Caitlin and her friends went to an Italian restaurant in New York City, we met at our favorite Italian place, Casa Nuova in Alpharetta, Georgia.

BORN A CRIME by Trevor Noah - click for menu

Also: Morsels for the Mind, Grand Rapids, Michigan: South African Chutney Chicken, Swiss Potato Rosti (for his Swiss father), a veggie tray, cheese, and crackers, South African Shiraz wine, Dove dark chocolates.

Books & Munch of Charlotte, North Carolina: Kota, mentioned in the book and cheese (with crackers), as it was valued!

BOTH ARE TRUE by Reyna Marder Gentin

THE BOY IN THE FIELD by Margot Livesey

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT by Daniel James Brown

Morsels for the Mind, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Salmon Rillettes (like a spread), Crostini, Crackers, Melon, Vegetable Platter, Schnitzel (pork tenderloin), German beers (Bitburger, Hofbrau Dunkel, wines (Riesling Liebfraumilch), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), ice cream with caramel sauce, coffee and tea.

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Literary Lyres of San Jose California: Pecan Pie, Indian Pudding, Corncakes

BRAIN ON FIRE: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Miriam’s Book Club of Cary North Carolina: Sliced apples served with caramel sauce, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. The main character talks about having a fresh apple, after being hospitalized for some time. Also, soft pretzels as the book takes place in Manhattan and there is mention of a pretzel stand.

BRAVA VALENTINE by Adriana Trigiani:see Adriana’s recipe in Table of Contents

BREATH AND BONES by Susann Cokal

–The Final Chapter Book Club of Lockhaven, Pennsylvania: Danish smorgasbord

A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN by Susan Meissner

From Susan Meissner: “One of the primary settings for A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN is the RMS Queen Mary, a British ocean liner, in 1946. If your book club wanted to go all out and recreate a meal from archived menus of this ship from the actual time period, you could have a dinner of crème d’ Argenteuil, Halibut en Souchet, and steamed cauliflower with mousseline. This meal appears in the book as the war bride’s first dinner on their first evening aboard, on page 229, and is a dinner that was actually served on the Queen Mary.

Crème d’Argenteuil is asparagus soup. Halibut en Souchet is a poached fish, and you can also do that with a sous vide set-up.Steamed cauliflower with mousseline appears to be cauliflower that has been mashed and seasoned to the consistency of mousse. Or served with a mousse-like sauce. This recipe might be close to that the war brides ate/

This is a pretty ambitious book club meal! If you’d rather stick to something less complicated but authentic, try serving an English high tea. The war brides would have been likely to partake of one around 4 pm every afternoon. Here is a suggested menu for an English high tea."

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz

–Co-ed Book Club of Greater Boston: Plantains

BRIGHT LIGHTS, PRAIRIE DUST: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love by Karen Grassle

THE BULGARIAN TRAINING MANUAL by Ruth Bonapace

BYE, BABY by Carola T. Lovering

Chicken Milanese

Kale Caesar

Pesto Gnocchi

Smoothie

Grant's Rum Punch

A CALAMITY OF SOULS by David Baldacci

Pot Roast

Fried Chicken dinner

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Also: Wendy's Book Club of Malibu California: "Pot roast (mentioned in the book) with all the fixings, biscuits, and bundt cake for dessert."

King’s Chapel Book Club, Arrington, Tennessee "Southern food—fried chicken, coleslaw, cucumber salad, banana bread, buffalo chicken dip, desserts

CALEB'S CROSSING by Geraldine Brooks

–Wine, Women and Words of Needham, Massachusetts: chowder, smoked salmon, Indian pudding

CALL YOUR DAUGHTER HOME by Deb Spera

From Deb Spera:" Given that it is winter the menu options lessen but if I were going to host I’d do a good old-fashioned meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and collards with some homemade cornbread and butter and honey. If they want a themed cocktail then the Hurricane would be a good one to try. Otherwise coffee or sweet tea is good. For dessert: Hummingbird cake. Or pecan pie. Enjoy!”

THE CANDY HOUSE by Jennifer Egan

Neighborhood Book Club of Cleveland, Ohio: Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip cookies

CANE RIVER by Lalita Tademy

(see our recipe from Lalita Tademy in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Reading Between the Wines of Ridgewood, New Jersey: Upside Down Peach Cake and Ham Rolls

CAN'T LOOK AWAY by Carola Lovering

CARMEN AND GRACE by Melissa Coss Aquino

From Melissa Coss Aquino:

"The idea of women eating a meal together and talking about this book makes me emotional. The eating together is a centerpiece in the story— the way they build bonds and work on seeing themselves as whole and complete, with or without approval from the outside world. It is also what they do communally—from shopping to cleaning up to learning how to cook. Literally, it is the opposite of women cooking and serving food behind the scenes. The group that forms in the novel, The DOD, frequently has dinner together in a semi-self-created family dinner style. Bistec encebollado with tostones (Puerto Rican-style thin steak with fried green plantains) is both the first meal they eat together and a symbol of having some money —beef is not cheap and they are not a small group. It is also a classic Puerto Rican dish not tied to a holiday, but to a little extra cash.

Bacalaitos and empanadas are symbolic of comfort food eaten at street fairs, parties, cuchifritos, and other cultural gatherings— they represent the ways Puerto Ricans tried to bring Puerto Rico with them to the Bronx. They are a symbol of the various young women with Puerto Rican backgrounds, including the main characters, trying to hold on to what they have left of their roots in the absence of strong family structures for cultural transmission.

The desserts and the drinks are a mixture we might call a 'remix' in the Bronx. Things that don't hold fast to rules, but make multiple references at once. The Malibu coconut rum with Coke or coconut water is a drink I make, and might even name Orchard Beach in honor of the beach they –and I— love in the Bronx. It’s an acquired taste, but smooth and tropical in a gritty way. I associate the smell of coconut oil with the beach and hence the coconut rum has a sensory connection.

Appetizers: Empanadas: Beef, chicken, turkey, cheese, or shrimp

Centerpiece: Bistec encebollado (Puerto Rican-style thin steak), served with plantains–the thin steak is classic and appears in the book. Or, serve Bacalaitos (Puerto Rican codfish fritters).

Drinks: Malibu Rum and Coke, or Malibu and coconut water—a twist on Rum and Coke.

Dessert: Classic Flan or thinly sliced guava paste with queso blanco on crackers, a favorite in my family for generations. Guava and cheese can also be baked in empanadas, and dusted with confectioner's sugar for pastelillo de guava. And, Skittles and Peanut M&M’s are Grace's go-to stress reducers. so they can be a fun party stash as well."

CATCH US WHEN WE FALL by Juliette Fay

CATHERINE THE GREAT: PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN by Robert K. Massie

–Bucks Book Ladies of Bucks County, Pennsylvania: Russian tea cakes, Caviar deviled eggs, and Ukranian poppy seed cake

THE CELLIST OF SARAJEVO by Steven Galloway

–Chicklit Chicas from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Bosnian theme (unfortunately there aren't any Bosnian restaurants in Ottawa so we went to a well-known Croatian restaurant). At the New Dubrovnik restaurant, we ate schnitzel, Dalmatian Veal (delicious veal medallions), Cavabcice (ground meats hand rolled into mini cigars and grilled), red wine, and Croatian beer.

For dessert: palacinke (crepes filled with a variety of ingredients like strawberries and cream, chocolate), rolat (chocolate sponge cake roll with chocolate BURSTING out) and torta (chocolate and vanilla butter cake).

CHANUKAH GUILT by Ilene Schneider

–Bonami Book Group of Albuquerque, New Mexico: Latkes, homemade applesauce, and smoked salmon toasts

CHASING THE PANTHER: Adventures and Misadventures of a Cinematic Life by Carolyn Pfeiffer

Peasant Pasta

Bloody Mary

Fish & Chips

Shopping in Italian Markets

Also: Revivals of Germantown, Wisconsin: "Lunch overlooking the lake with multicultural appetizers Baba ganoush with toasted pita bread (a nod to Omar Sharif); Beet and goat cheese dip with assorted fresh vegetables (Market Fresh Vegetables like one would shop for in France) Lunch: Avocado chicken salad with jicama and peperoncini peppers on a bed of lettuce with French baguette (A nod to Italy.) Dessert:-Lemon buttermilk ice cream with black currant jam and sugar cone."

Get Woke Book Club. New Prague Minnesota: Honoring her European adventures: Caprese skewers, marinated olives, goat cheese & figs, Pinot Grigio.

Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado: Italian cookies that were a tribute to Carolyn's adventures in Italy.

Bookish Girls of Coto de Caza, California: Movie snacks! Candy, popcorn, licorice, and soda

CHILD 44 by Tom Rob Smith

–Wise Women and Words GFWC Greater Ocala Woman's Club of Ocala, Florida: borscht

THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD by Melanie Benjamin

From Melanie Benjamin: "I’m not Swedish, so I don’t have any family recipes. (Although the menu at every Ikea restaurant comes to mind!), but here is a Stollen recipe, a Swedish favorite, not just at Christmas. And then, maybe Swedish meatballs? Here is a recipe." Also see Melanie's glögg recipe.

CHOCOLAT by Joanne Harris

See The Book Club Cookbook Cooking Project Round Up and recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook

CHOSEN ONES by Veronica Roth

see article and recipe in The Costco Connection

THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR by Nina de Gramont

THE CICADA TREE by Robert Gwaltney

Also: The Revivals of Germantown, Wisconsin: Iced Tea, Autumn Apple & Feta Salad, Watermelon Salad, Feta, Mint; Skillet Cheddar Cornbread, Southern Pecan Praline Cookies, Coffee

CILKA'S JOURNEY by Heather Morris

THE CIRCLE by Dave Eggers

–The Chick-Lits of Chino Hills, California: Transparent items such as spring rolls, soup, jellied salad and champagne (because the company’s goal is to make society transparent), and round items such as zucchini slices, blueberries, grapes, tomatoes, Ritz crackers, and Oreos (an homage to the Circle and the ultimate goal in the book of closing the Circle).

CITY of FLICKERING LIGHT by Juliette Fay

COBBLESTONES, CONVERSATIONS, AND CORKS by Giovanni Ruscitti

COCKTAILS UNDER THE TREE OF FORGETFULNESS by Alexandra Fuller

–Read 'Em and Eat in Port Angeles, Washington: African peanut soup

THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman (click for Sara's book club menu and recipe)

Carrollton Book Buddies, Texas: "We met at tropical Tommy Bahamas restaurant for a chopped salad with shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Tropical beverages included. Cloud Coconut Martinis and Jalapeno Margaritas."

Ranch Readers, Littleton, Colorado: Banana chocolate chip cake/ banana pudding topping, tropical fruit salad, Huli-huli Chicken.

Blustocking Literacy Society, West Allis, Wisconsin: Wacky Cake, a classic chocolate cake born of necessity for WWII rationing.

THE COLDEST WINTER EVER by Sistah Souljah (see our recipe for THE COLDEST WINTER EVER in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Regal Sisterhood Book Club of McKinney, Texas: Stromboli and Calzone (catered by Brooklyn's as book is set in Brooklyn) and Virgin and Experienced Iced Teas (Winter’s stay in Long Island)

THE COLLECTOR'S APPRENTICE by B.A. Shapiro

THE COLOR OF ICE by Barbara Linn Probst

A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by John Kennedy Toole

–Chimney Hill Book Club of Edmond, Oklahoma: Red beans and rice, King Cake and Hurricanes (New Orleans setting)

–Food for Thought Book Club in Annville, Pennsylvania: Bugles (Dunce Caps)

THE CONFESSIONS OF MAX TIVOLI by Andrew Sean Greer

–Women of Words of Green Valley, Arizona: Roadside Lemonad

COOL CREATURES, HOT PLANET: Exploring the Seven Continents by Marty Essen

Tween the Lines of Grand Rapids, Minnesota: Honoring each continent of the world with a regional dish. The Salmon Jerky recipe was paired with Antarctica.

THE COPENHAGEN AFFAIR by Amulya Malladi

CORELLI’S MANDOLIN by Louis de Bernières

See The Book Club Cookbook Cooking Project Round Up and recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

COST by Roxana Robinson: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland

From Andrew Leland "One of the core classes at the Colorado School for the Blind, which I visit toward the end of the book, is “home management,” which includes cooking. I don’t recommend that you do what I did –wear vision-occluding sleep shades while trying to cook meals; disability simulations rarely do more than exacerbate the stigma and fear around disability (“wow, this is so hard!”). Sleep-shade training only works because students practice for months at a time. That said, I think it would be fun for a book club to cook some of the same stuff I did while I was under sleep shades: my first victory in blind cooking was a grilled cheese—if you like, try (with your eyes open) sliding a butter knife down the handle of your spatula to confirm tactilely (even if you can see it) that the bread is centered on the spatula before flipping it. The most complex meal I made under sleep shades were both recipes from NYT Cooking: red lentil soup and massaged kale salad! Massaging kale is a wonderfully tactile experience; I think I can in good conscience encourage you to close your eyes as you massage those leaves; awaken your senses!”

Andrew Leland

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas

Fantastic Four: Lemon Tart (in book)

THE COVENANT OF WATER by Abraham Verghese

From Abraham Verghese: “The dishes mentioned in THE COVENANT OF WATER aren’t difficult to make but do require spices that may not be handy, like asafetida, turmeric, mace, and cardamom, for example. A simple dish that’s often mentioned in Covenant is kanji --or congee as it might be better known to many readers. The word “congee” is derived from the Tamil word “kanji.” It’s essentially rice porridge. Kanji takes different forms in different countries and even in different states in India, but it’s simply white rice cooked (and slightly overcooked) in excess water (or miso or chicken stock) along with salt, pepper, and ginger. Toppings could include shredded chicken, scallions, bacon, roasted garlic, roasted sesame seed, or steamed fish. Add soy sauce, Tabasco, or chili sauce to personal taste. Papads from the Indian store are easy to make in a microwave and are great to crumble into the bowl like crackers. Kanji is meant to be a simple affordable dish, a full meal. For dessert, ripe plantain, sliced lengthwise and fried in a pan with butter and sugar is a nice touch. To drink (since fresh palm toddy is hard to come by) I suggest Indian beers which tend to have a unique flavor. (Brands like Taj Mahal, King Fisher, or Golden Eagle.) Enjoy!”

CROSSING TO SAFETY by Wallace Stegner

Wine, Women, and Words of Greater Boston: Vermont and Wisconsin cheese and crackers, canapés, jello mold, and champagne.

Bakers Books of Wichita Kansas: Sara Lee cake, cookies.

CRAZY TO LEAVE YOU by Marilyn Simon Rothstein

CRYING IN H MART by Michelle Zauner

Michelle Zauner's Cold Radish Soup

Michelle Zauner's dotorimuk-muchim

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Mark Haddon

(see our recipe from Mark Haddon in The Kids' Club Book Club Book)

–Kings Mountain Book Club of Woodside, California: Food with a number on it

–The Literary Ladies of Avon, Ohio: Red color theme

CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese

see Abraham Verghese's recipes for Doro Wat, Beef Fry and Upma in Table of Contents and The Book Club Cookbook

THE DANISH GIRL by David Ebershoff (see David Ebershoff’s recipe in Table of Contents )

THE DANGERS OF AN ORDINARY NIGHT by Lynne Griffin

DARK AND SHALLOW LIES by Ginny Myers Sain

Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut: Southern delights mentioned in the book: Honey’s Pralines, Willie Nelson’s Gator Piss cocktail—with Midori, lime juice, rum, sweet & sour mix, and seltzer—Cajun wings and shrimp dip.

|ELHS Book Club Trinity, Alabama: jambalaya, gumbo, and pistolette rolls (crusty French rolls), foods mentioned in the book.

Book Club Girls Sparta, New Jersey: Hurricane Punch, crawfish, gator bites, and cajun fried catfish along with cornbread for a themed Bayou menu.

DARK ROADS by Chevy Stevens

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

–The Ladies of Autumnwood of Grand Island, New York: Dishes made from the items found near the register at a supermarket (because the winners of the lottery worked together at a supermarket)

DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE by Isabel Allende (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

DAUGHTERS OF NANTUCKET by Julie Gerstenblatt

From Julie Gerstenblatt: “The food from 1846 leaves something to be desired, but the food scene on Nantucket now is incredible, so I’m going to suggest that, while you read and discuss the past, you eat and drink in the present – it will be much more enjoyable!

To begin, while everyone is arriving, you must have smoked bluefish pate, which goes really well with Prosecco (or champagne, should you be feeling really festive and indulgent; I know that Eliza Macy for one would reach for the good stuff, were she with you. ;)). The original recipe for the pate comes from The Nantucket Table, a cookbook I adore, but I actually really, really love the bluefish pate made fresh by 167 Raw, a fish store and food truck on Nantucket, so I did my best to recreate that recipe for you. Serve it with small, crunchy crackers or smear it on sourdough bread. Should you be afraid of bluefish pate – although it’s delicious - serve lobster salad instead. (But I do like to think that the “smoked” factor of the bluefish is an homage to the Great Fire of 1846.)

For your appetizer, warm up your favorite New England clam chowder. I imagine that Meg Wright from the novel makes a great one for Benjamin, but feel free to buy yours instead of making it from scratch. Serve this with a Cisco Brewers beer, perhaps the Whale’s Tail Pale Ale.

For dinner, I’d sear some Nantucket Bay scallops (in season Oct-March; or get whatever scallops you like the rest of the year) and serve them over a hash of Bartlett Farm tomatoes and corn (again, those are island items) with chorizo for smokiness and salt – and as a nod to the many whalers, sailors, and families that arrived on the island from Portugal. You know who likes to go scalloping on the first day of the season in October? Maria and Linley. Serve with a crisp white wine.

For dessert, make a blueberry pie. Blueberries grow wild on Nantucket starting in late July—and I prefer them to the more traditionally famous berry of the isle, cranberries. Joseph Allen often makes some extra cash by selling the berries right out of his own backyard."

THE DAVINCI CODE by Dan Brown (see recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

DAY AFTER NIGHT by Anita Diamant: see Anita Diamant's recipes in Table of Contents

DEAR BLACK GIRLS: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping Into Your Power by Tamara Winfrey-Harris

DEARIE: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz:

KC Book Club of Kansas City, Missouri: Boeuf Bourguignon and Mousse Chocolate, a table decorated with butter boxes and empty wine bottles. All guests wore pearls.

DEATH COMES FOR THE ARCHBISHOP by Willa Cather

Beth’s Book Club of Akron, Ohio: Frijoles with meat, corn, bread, apples and cheese, and burgundy wine.

A DEATH IN CHINA by Carl Hiaasen and Bill Montalbano

–Wise Women and Words GFWC Greater Ocala Woman's Club of Ocala, Florida: won ton soup and Chinese noodles

THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN by Jacquelyn Mitchard- see recipes in Table of Contents

DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver

Rapid Readers of Buffalo, New York: Bacon and tomato sandwiches, black-eyed pea stew, Mello Yello

Well Read of Chicago, Illinois: Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, apple cobbler

Ravenous Readers of Boise, Idaho: Pineapple and Ham Pizza

THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Erik Larson

(see our recipes from Erik Larson in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Novel Broads of Omaha, Nebraska: White Chocolate Dessert

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA by Lauren Weisberger (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE DIARY OF MATTIE SPENSER by Sandra Dallas

–The Wednesday Afternoon Lunch and Book Club of Northern San Diego, California: Pioneer-style lunch One pot chicken noodle stew, homemade bread with jam and field green salad

–Great Expectations of Mississauga, Ontario: Color theme: (Devil's Food whiteout cake), Cracker Jacks popcorn & juice and fruit, (juicy fruit) to represent the food that was introduced at the Fair (including red); strawberries and cream; white chocolate; red and black licorice, cookies of different colors; red and white wine

T HE DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS by Pip Williams

From Pip Williams: "Lizzie and Mrs. Ballard are fond of a pot of tea and a plate of sandwiches—they are a staple in the Sunnyside kitchen and the Scriptorium. Mrs. Ballard is also famous for her sponge cakes and will often send one over to the Scriptorium for the lexicographers’ morning tea. I’d suggest a strong English breakfast tea."

Also: J and C Book Club of Dover, Delaware: Cucumber-watercress soup, raisin scones (mentioned in book)

THE DILEMMA by B.A. Paris

DINNER FOR ONE: How Cooking in Paris Saved Me by Sutanya Dacres (click for author menu)

Also: Sweetgrass Book Club of Isle of Palms, South Carolina: "We adored the recipes in the book! For book club, we sipped her Champagne Lavender Cocktail, in the 'Glow Up' section—recipes that represent the 'sweetness of life'— along with the tasty Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwich -with zucchini, scamorza cheese, and spices. Bon Appetit!”

Mountain Meadows Book Club of Renton, Washington: "A cheese platter and an attempt was made at that very first dish, the roasted chicken and fingerling potatoes, and, of course, a champagne lavender cocktail!"

THE DINNER LIST by Rebecca Serle

DISGRACE by J.M. Coetzee (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE DIVE FROM CLAUSEN’S PIER by Ann Packer (see Ann Packer’s recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

DO NO HARM by Christina McDonald

A DOG'S PROMISE by W. Bruce Cameron

see our article in the Costco Connection

DON'T ASK, DON'T FOLLOW by Mary Keliikoa

Eggs Benedict|

Peruvian Chicken with Spicy Green Sauce

DON'T FORGET TO WRITE by Sara Goodman Confino

DON'T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND by Camille Pagan

DOUBLE EXPOSURE by Jeannée Sacken

DOUGLASS'S WOMEN by Jewell Parker Rhodes( see author recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook)

THE DRAGON LADY by Louisa Treger

DREAM OF THE BLUE ROOM by Michelle Richmond

The Literary Lyres of San Fernando Valley: Blue Cake

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett

Read with Us of Little Rock, Arkansas: Beef Stew, Apple Cake, and Thumprint cookies from the novel

MA SPEAKS UP: And a First-Generation Daughter Talks Back by Marianne Leone

MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

From Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: “There is an entire section at the end of the book that features recipes. I’d use those. There are also cocktails; Queen Bee Cocktail, and Bee’s Knees Cocktail - all are honey-based!

Recipes from Olivia’s Moleskin notebook include: Beekeeper’s Granola, Cranachan, Pork with Honey-Lime Marinade, Kale Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey Loaf, Pavlova, Honey-Vanilla Frozen Custard

Also: Jamie's Book Club of Oshkosh, Wisconsin: Apple pie with melted Cheddar cheese (in book)

MAAME by Jessica George

Jessica's Jollof Rice recipe

Jessica's Book Club menu

including Condensed Milk Toffee, Millionaire's Shortbread, Bofrot

Also see: Macarons

Mushroom Risotto

Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

Banoffee Pie Ice Cream Sundae

A MAGICAL NEW YORK CHRISTMAS by Anita Hughes

THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST by Allison Pataki

From Allison Pataki: “My brain just keeps screaming CEREAL; any Post cereal! So a larger breakfast theme could be fun: Eggs, bacon, cereal, oatmeal, toast, orange juice – that kind of thing. Marjorie loved to serve what she called ‘Adirondack Pie’—homemade pancakes with maple sugar, syrup, and whipped cream. It’s not light fare ;)— to her guests up at Camp Topridge.

Since Marjorie gave the world Grape Nuts cereal, I like the idea of using Grape Nuts to make Grapenut Pudding. Marjorie also gave the world Birdseye Frozen Foods, so perhaps working in frozen vegetables or berries to a side dish could be quite apt! Marjorie also owned Jell-O and frequently served it at her dinner parties, so Jell-O would be a perfect choice to add in for a gathering. And Marjorie was very well-known for abstaining from alcohol, so perhaps some fun ‘mock-tails’ that used orange juice or grapefruit juice or lemonade with some non-alcoholic bubbly could be a fun nod to the Hostess with the Most!”

THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis

Potage Petite Marmite

Asparagus with Hollandaise ButterCaramel Cake

THE MAID by Nita ProseFrom Nita Prose: “Readers will find the following items discussed/mentioned/imbibed/eaten in the book: chardonnay, tea, lots and lots of tea, crumpets and jam, raisin bran muffin, The Olive Garden food, but especially the Tour of Italy (see their menu for more details) Many book clubs do an Italian night and recreate The Olive Garden menu items. Others do a high tea, which works perfectly with the themes of the book."

MAINE by J. Courtney Sullivan

–Souper P’s of Roswell, Georgia: Maine foods including lobster bisque, Irish soda bread (because the family was Irish Catholic), and for dessert, rice pudding with Maine blueberries!

THE MAKE-UP TEST by Jenny Howe (click for Jenny Howe's menu)

MALIBU RISING by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Bookish Ladies, Coto de Caza, California: Beach party based on beach theme of the book with surfboards, a sign for the restaurant, beach snacks, gummy fish, and homemade Mai tais!

MAMA DAY by Gloria Naylor (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

A MAN CALLED OVE by Fredrik Backman

Friends and Fiction of Cincinnati, Ohio: Meat, potatoes, gravy (Ove’s favorite meal), Persian cookies, chocolate ice cream

Read and Feed of Colorado Springs, Colorado: Saffron Chicken and rice

MAN ENOUGH: Undefining My Masculinity by Justin Baldoni

Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey: “We thought spicy Thai food (Justin is extremely handsome) and a crisp beer (it's the drink that most people associate with a ‘man’s’ drink, but we love it too) would pair with the book.”

Words with Friends of Greater Boston: Justin's Peanutbutter Cups (Justin's favorite treat)

THE MANDELBAUM GATE by Muriel Spark

–Overdue Book Club of Huntsville, Alabama: Israeli salad and a Middle Eastern rice dish

A MAP OF DAYS by Ransom Riggs

See our article and recipe in The Costco Connection

MARCH by Geraldine Brooks

–Bookwomen of Encinitas, California: Dinner of grilled summer vegetables (eggplant, peppers, portobello, onion, zucchini, and yellow squash), corn pudding, and a garden salad, all in keeping with Reverend March's vegetarian sensibilities, and boysenberry-apple pie for dessert.

MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES by Sarah McCoy

THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir

–Chick-Lits of Chino Hills, California: (What else?) a baked potato bar and Tang!

THE MARRIAGE PORTRAIT by Maggie O'Farrell

The Bookies of Chicago, Illinois: frittata, apricots filled with cheese, honey cake

MARY JANE by Jessica Anya Blau:

From Jessica Anya Blau: "Mary Jane takes place in 1975, in Baltimore, Maryland. The protagonist, Mary Jane Dillard, lives with her tidy, conservative parents who have a framed picture of President Ford hanging in their dining room. The family includes the President and his family in their nightly prayers. Mary Jane helps her mother with dinner each night and then takes her mother’s recipes with her to the Cone house where she’s a summer nanny who also prepares meals. Unbeknownst to Mary Jane’s mother, Dr. Cone is not the kind of doctor she thinks of as “respectable.” Rather, he’s a psychiatrist, and he and his wife have secretly taken in a rock star, Jimmy Bendinger, and his movie star wife, Sheba, for the summer in order to help Jimmy get sober.

Mary Jane and Izzy, her five-year-old charge, buy lots of candy for the Cone house. Everyone eats candy necklaces, Screaming Yellow Zonkers (candied popcorn), and popsicles. Mary Jane also buys Slim Jims which Jimmy likes to eat in alternating bites with something sweet. For breakfast each morning, Mary Jane makes what she calls, “Birds in a Nest.” To do this she makes pancakes, cuts out a hole in the center with a glass, cracks an egg in there, and then flips it until it’s all cooked. She uses lots of butter in the pan, lots of salt on top, and serves it with syrup and butter. For dinner at the Dillard house and the Cone house, they have ham, meatloaf, string beans, fried potatoes, chicken a’ l’orange (recipe), and salad.

The meatloaf is made with onions, diced celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper added to hamburger meat and then baked in a loaf pan. The potatoes are sliced into discs and fried in Crisco. The salad is an iceberg lettuce wedge with cut tomatoes arranged on top and buttermilk ranch dressing poured over it. For dessert, Mary Jane serves orange sherbet with three Nilla Wafer cookies broken in half and then arranged like a flower in the center of the sherbet. She also serves angel food cake one night. None of the food is organic, olive oil is never used, and there are no grains other than white rice.

To create the recipes and meal plans in the book, I went online and looked at homemaking magazines from 1975. It was fun reading—I highly recommend it!"

THE MASTERPIECE by Fiona Davis

THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT by Lynda Cohen Loigman (click for Lynda Cohen Loigman's menu)

Also:

My Mom and I of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania: “A smorgasbord! We had a blast capturing foods mentioned in the book lox and capers, cornichons— we decorated pickle jars with ‘The Pickle King’, as in the book. We had magical color-changing butterfly tea, as we wanted some magic to go with the story, and chocolate babka for dessert, like our beloved characters, baked.

The Ladies of Autumnwood of Grande Isle, New York: “We enjoyed Challah and red wine, and took home jars of pickles that I designed with a Raskin’s label.”

Not Your Mama's Book Club of Georgetown, Kentucky: several varieties of pickles and chocolate babka

MATHILDA SAVTICH by Victor Lodato

–The Literary Lyres of the San Fernando Valley, California: Absolut Train Wreck Cocktail; fried chicken, curly fries and chocolate pudding packs (all Mathilda's favorites!)

THE MAYFAIR BOOKSHOP by Eliza Knight (click for Eliza's menu)

See our article and recipe in The Costco Connection

THE ME LIST by Julee Balko

Latte

Baguette with olive tapenade, fancy avocado toast, wine

Wine

THE MEASURE by Nikki Erlick

From Nikki Erlick: "Some of the best food opportunities might be inspired by Nina and Maura’s trip to Venice. You could pair Venetian Spritz cocktails with traditional Venetian cicchetti, or small bites, such as mozzarella in carozza (fried cheese sandwiches), baccalà mantecato (grilled polenta and creamed cod), or polpette di carne (meatballs). Similarly, Amie and Ben enjoy a first date of cappuccinos and biscotti.

Much of the story’s action also occurs in New York City, so perhaps an NYC-themed menu featuring classics such as soft pretzels, bagels and lox, black & white cookies, and cheesecake could be fun.

Of course, anything wrapped in “string” or snacks served in a little box would also be very thematic and a chance to get creative with your culinary skills!"

MEDIOCRE: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America by Ijeoma Oluo

"Anybody who knows me knows that when times get tough, the tough make pudding. Between the pandemic, a house fire, and being immersed in white male supremacy for this book and in my life, times have certainly been tough. Fortunately, homemade pudding is one of the most comforting foods on the planet. Its buttery creamy goodness takes you back to a better childhood than you actually had. And pudding is so easy to make! Here’s my go-to recipe for butterscotch feminist pudding."

MEET ME IN BOMBAY by Jenny Ashcroft

MEET ME IN MONACO by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden

(see our recipes for MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Reading Between the Wines of Ridgewood, New Jersey: Sushi

THE MESSY TRUTH by Alli Webb - click for meny

Loaded Nachos

Chinese Chicken Salad

Mimosa

In-N-Out Burger and Fries

MIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig

Tiffany's Book Club of Orlando, Florida: Black bean tacos, vegan fajitas, and macarons

MIDWIVES by Chris Bohjalian

–Moms Reading of Wakefield, Massachusetts: Foods you craved when you were pregnant

The Literary Ladies of Avon, Ohio: Vermont-based foods

MILK IN MY COFFEE by Eric Jerome Dickey (see recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook)

MILLICENT GLENN'S LAST WISH by Tori Whitaker

A MILLION REASONS WHY by Jessica Strawser - click for menu

MIRACLE CREEK by Angie Kim - click for menu

Also: Book Club of Frankfort, Illinois: In the book, there is a discussion about timing and doing what you feel you have to do versus what you want to do. A lot of that centered around food. So this meal did not appear in the book, but in keeping with the idea of not depriving ourselves or forcing ourselves to do what we should do instead of what we really wanted to do, we had the indulgent meal we wanted with multiple courses, desserts, and beverages.

MIRROR GIRLS by Kelly McWilliams

MISS KOPP JUST WON’T QUIT by Amy Stewart

MONKEY BUSINESS by Carleton Eastlake

MONSOON MANSION by Cinelle Barnes

THE MOONLIGHT MARKET by Joanne Harris - click for menu

Midnight Mimosa

Fat Boys

Tom's Fancy Cheese on Toast

MORE HOME COOKING: A Writer Returns to the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin

THE MOST LIKELY CLUB by Elyssa Friedland

THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER & LOUISE Colleen Oakley

MOTHERLAND: A Memoir of Love, Loathing, and Longing by Elissa Altman

Also: Literary Gourmets of San Diego, California: in recognizing the differences between you and someone you care for, you try to make them happy, or at least well-fed! We served: French Garden Salad with roasted beets, roasted asparagus, goat cheese and spiced pecans and mixed greens, roasted eggplant layered with pesto, marinara, roasted pineapple with pistachios, raspberries, and crème fraiche.

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN by Johnathan Lethem (see Johnathan Lethem’s essay and recipe and book club menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW by Sally Hepworth

From Sally Hepworth: "Diana serves roast lamb and cauliflower at her first meeting with Lucy, maybe that could feature on the menu? There are also references to a green salad and potato salad."

MOZART'S STARLING by Lyanda Lynn Haupt:

From Lyanda Lynn Haupt: "Definitely Sacher Torte! This is the famed dessert of Vienna. There are many recipes available online. On the side, serve deep, rich espresso with a cube of raw sugar and a small glass of sparkling water. The water is often added to the espresso. Too late in the evening for caffeine? The beverage of choice in Vienna is a wine spritzer—either red or white wine with sparkling mineral water. The ratio is about 50-50. While not traditional, but of course, some lovely juice could substitute for the wine if preferred."

Mr. DICKENS AND HIS CAROL by Samantha Silva

From Samantha Silva: ”I have it on good authority that Charles and Catherine Dickens were enthusiastic party-throwers throughout their marriage (at least the happy years), and Christmas time was a favorite. The more guests, the longer the menu. ‘A Five O’clock Christmas Gathering at Devonshire Terrace’ might include assorted sandwiches or canapés and a Christmas cake —think traditional English liquor-soaked fruitcake or a slightly lighter, crumblier 'Whisky Dundee’, which Catherine, being Scottish, might have liked. Serve it with a Victorian Shrub (a Rum Punch): 2 quarts of rum, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 1 cup lemon juice, 2 pounds sugar, and 5 cups of water. If you can mix it ahead and let it sit for 2 days, all the better. Another 12 days is best! ‘God Bless Us, Every One!’”

MR. EMERSON'S WIFE by Amy Belding Brown

–Pressed for Time Book Club of Westerly, Rhode Island: Traditional New England dishes featuring cranberries and apples -- a hearty apple crisp with oatmeal topping, and Wensleydale cheese with cranberries.

MRS. KENNEDY AND ME by Clint Hill

Bookish Readers of San Francisco, California: “The Clint” Negroni cocktail and French Onion Soup

Wine, Women and Words of Greater Boston: The Clint Negroni, Jackie's Negroni, Spanakopita (Greece)

MUDBOUND by Hilary Jordan

(see our recipes from Hilary Jordan in Table of Contents)

–The Souper Ps of Roswell, Georgia: Potato soup, a salad with small mozzarella balls to represent cotton, and Mississippi mud pie

–Beyond the Book of Sebring, Florida: Catfish, greens, mudpie, and mudslides

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie

Reading Moms of Antioch, California: Tour of European cuisine, including, from Vincovci in Croatia, potato pancakes with Lesco (Hungarian relish). "Although named 'Hungarian' this is also eaten widely in Serbia, so I used it to represent Vincovci, where most of the book takes place."

MURDER YOUR EMPLOYER by Rupert Holmes

Book Club of Mt. Dora, Florida: brioche and cafe au lait

THE MURMUR OF BEES by Sofía Segovia

THE MUSIC OF BEES by Eileen Garvinhttps://www.instagram.com/p/C3TpaTMrFDQ/

From Eileen Garvin: “Like Alice Holtzman, one of the main characters in The Music of Bees, I am a beekeeper. Unlike Alice, I only have three hives at most. A typical hive can produce about eight gallons of honey per season. People often ask me what I do with all that honey. Sometimes I save it and give it back to the bees in spring. Sometimes I give it to friends and family. Often, I stash it away in my cupboard because I love to eat it. I take honey in my coffee, and I enjoy cooking with it. The recipe below is one of my favorites for spring. The honey-lemon vinaigrette is a sweet burst of sunshine after the long winter. Enjoy!"

Spring Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette

8 cups spring greens or baby spinach, ½ cup hazelnuts—roasted, skinned, and chopped, ½ cup dried cherries, blueberries, or huckleberries or 1 cup fresh, 4 tablespoons smoky blue cheese—crumbled

Vinaigrette: Zest and juice of one large lemon, 1-2 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup olive oil, salt and pepper

Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey, then drizzle the olive in while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You might try these Oregon producers: Jacobson Salt, Bee Local Honey, Freddy Guys Hazelnuts and Rogue Blue Cheese.

MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook

MY MOTHER'S KITCHEN by Meera Klein

–Messy Housekeeper's Book Club of Cobleskill, New York: Chocolate popcorn & hot chocolate mulled cider

MY FINE FELLOW by Jennieke Cohen: Empanadas, book club menu

MY OWN LIGHTNING by Lauren Wolk

Read & Explore, Voorheesville Public Library: Shortcake with Pennsylvania strawberries, white peaches and whipped cream.

MY MURDER by Katie Williams

From Katie Williams: “Being murdered and then cloned is stressful; one might be tempted to indulge. The novel features cocktails and many sweet pastries. The ambitious could bake the childhood birthday cake Lou remembers, shaped like a swan, 'a confectionary wonder, with white chocolate curls and coconut shavings for feathers.' A simpler bake would be the profiteroles Lou and Fern scheme over, the lemon bars the sleuthing Luminols make, or the cupcakes Lou's boss, Javier, brings in when she returns to work, "chocolate cupcakes with frosting that spelled 'Welcome' and vanilla cupcakes that spelled 'Back,' so you had to have one of each." To wash down the sweets, Lou's drink is a gin and tonic. Fern's drink, which she orders because her previous self would hate it, is a scotch.”

MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult (see Jodi Picoult’s recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

MY SOUL TO KEEP by Tananarive Due (see author recipes and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook)

MYSTIC RIVER by Dennis Lehane (see recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook

OCTOBER SUITE by Maxine Claire (see recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook

OFF THE MAP by Trish Doller: Click for Trish's book club menu

Hitchhiker's Chicken Marbella

Cocoa and Jameson

Döner Kebabs

GuinnessSangria

OLGA DIES DREAMING by Xochitl Gonzalez

From Xochitl Gonzalez: “A few suggestions of Olga-themed snacks for book clubs: For earlier in the day, a big strong coffee and a buttered roll are a morning classic for Olga, wrapped up in South Brooklyn nostalgia. Italian rainbow cookies are also a favorite of mine. For evenings, vodka martinis are a must. Hors d'oeuvres fit for a fabulous wedding in New York and could pair nicely as well. My arroz con gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas) recipe is easy, delicious and very Boricua.” Click for ingredients and instructions.

OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout

(see our recipe from Elizabeth Strout for Olive Kitteridge's Grandmothers Doughnuts in The Book Club Cookbook) and our on website

Also: Book Bites Book Club of Forestville, Connecticut: Blueberry Coffee Cake, Blueberry Muffins, Wild Maine Blueberry Jam

Cathy’s Book Club, Austin, Texas: "Coast of Maine" themed dinner, a dinner menu which might have been prepared in Crosby, Maine, but was easily gathered in Texas-Olive's Abrasive Yet Tender Olives, Mother of the Groom Shrimp Appetizer, Olive's Clam Chowdah

ON A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS by Andrea Yaryura Clark And see book club menus here

ON THE PLUS SIDE by Jenny Howe

Frosé

Rangoon

Sour Candy Cocktail

Fried Shrimp, Fries, and Malt Vinegar

Chocolate Chip Cookies

ONE AMAZING THING by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

ONE FOR THE BLACKBIRD, ONE FOR THE CROW by Olivia Hawker

THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI AND MARGOT by Marianne Cronin

From author Marianne Cronin: “To start, it absolutely has to be an egg and cress sandwich, cut into triangles. This is what the hospital chaplain, Father Arthur eats every day for his lunch. When Lenni first meets him, it is this fact that she remembers about him. It's a symbol of how repetitive his days are as he sits in the empty chapel hoping someone will come in who needs his help. Next, I would recommend strawberry yogurt. The book is set in the Glasgow Princess Royal NHS hospital and though jelly is often the cliche hospital food, every time I've had surgery I've been offered yogurt and so that detail had to make it into the book. Lenni's favorite is strawberry. Finally to drink—some pear liqueur. Margot drinks this with her best friend Meena. Originally when I was writing I was imagining Meena drinking Midori but it didn't exist at the time so I invented a pear-flavored liqueur that is bright green.”

ONE OF THE GIRLS by Lucy ClarkeFrom Lucy Clarke: “ONE OF THE GIRLS is set on the fictional Greek island of Ageos. The women share dishes of tzatziki and glistening olives beneath the Greek sun and drink ice-cold Ouzo or glasses of Prosecco. Eleanor is the biggest foodie in the group and describes her utter pleasure in eating freshly prepared saganaki:

Eleanor drew the small plate directly in front of her. It was her favorite – graviera cheese fried in olive oil brought straight to the table with just a squeeze of lemon. It was so freshly prepared that the golden crust still gently sizzled. Using the edge of her fork, she sliced into the crisp saganaki, which oozed with melted cheese. She dropped a corner into her mouth, closed her eyes, and chewed. Salty, lightly zested, a hint of a crust. Utter perfection.

For food pairing, I'd suggest a meze of the Greek dishes that the women enjoy in the novel, such as stuffed vine leaves, toasted pitas to dip in creamy hummus, a generous tub of tzatziki to slather on hunks of bread, a big Greek salad filled with sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumber and sprinkled with oregano, and of course, melted saganaki. For drinks, it really must be Ouzo or a chilled glass of Prosecco.'Yamas!'"

ONE NIGHT, NEW YORK by Lara Thompson

ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus

(see recipe for ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN and more in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Wednesday Afternoon Lunch and Book Club of Northern San Diego, California: Buffalo burgers, Indian succotash, Country Chicken Stew, mixed field green salad with goat cheese, homemade bread, chocolate cake

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Charlotte Rixon - click for Book Club Menu

Fish Finger Sandwich

Greek food

Sex on the Beach Cocktail

Gin and Tonic

ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner

Book Club Girls of Sparta, New Jersey: "California wine and rich desserts you would find in Vienna."

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM by Marie Benedict

From Marie Benedict: "'The Hedy Lamarr' a cocktail created by West Bridge, a Boston bar

OONA OUT OF ORDER by Margarita Monitmore

From Margarita Montimore: There are a number of foods and beverages that are featured in OONA OUT OF ORDER. These include fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, steak, bagels with lox and cream cheese, toad-in-the-hole (a British dish involving sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter with onion gravy), panko fried chicken, truffle mac and cheese with soppressata, Brussels sprouts, squid ink pasta, broccoli rabe, beef Wellington, vindaloo, shrimp fra diavolo, fresh clams and oysters, eggs Benedict, French toast, savory crepes with fish and pork, pho, papaya salad, gazpacho, lo mein noodles and sesame chicken, chai, soy lattes, tea, Cabernet, Bloody Marys, Margaritas, Pinot Grigio, gin and tonics, beer, éclairs, birthday cake, crème brûlée. Above all else, if there's a single drink that represents OONA OUT OF ORDER it would be champagne—lots and lots of champagne.”

OPEN HOUSE by Elizabeth Berg: see the author's meatloaf recipe in our book Table of Contents: From Breakfast with Anita Diamant to Dessert with James Patterson - a Generous Helping of Recipes, Writings and Insights from Today's Bestselling Authors

THE OPTIMIST'S DAUGHTER by Eudora Welty

(see recipe in The Book Club Cookbook)

ORANGE MINT AND HONEY by Carleen Brice

–Go On Girl Book Club of Indianapolis, Indiana: Baking her cookies, and making the tea to go along with the

THE ORCHARDIST by Amanda Coplin

The Postcomers Book Club of Wellesley, Massachusetts: Gingered Apple Fizz cocktail

AN ORDINARY WONDER by Buki Papillon

THE ORPHAN COLLECTOR by Ellen Marie Wiseman- click for menu

THE ORPHAN WITCH by Paige Crutcher- click for menu

OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen- click for menu

Also see:

Crabcakes

Potato Chip Sandwich

Marshmallow Martini, Sweet potato fries with Marshmallow Sauce, and Chocolate Milk in Toasted Marshmallow Shot Glasses

Cornbread in a Glass of Milk

Mom and I Book Club, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania: Cornmeal marshmallow dishes based on a character: Fluffernutters (marshmallow whip and peanut butter sandwiches), tamale pie stuffed peppers, cornmeal sugar cookies, and marshmallow-flavored lip balm as a keepsake.

Pittsford Moms Book Club, Pittsford, New York: "S’mores bars— the story takes place on Marsh Island, and all restaurants in town have something marshmallow on their menu."

St. Louis Book Club, St. Louis, Missouri: "We made amazing foods to match the book: cornmeal air-fried tomatoes, potato chips on Hawaiian rolls, Mac & cheese, cornbread, Palomas, and marshmallow popcorn."

Port Wine and Book Society Readers, Port Washington, Wisconsin:" The detail around food was great! We made several dishes with corn or cornmeal to celebrate: Polenta and shrimp, fresh corn salad, corn dip, corn chips, and popcorn."

THE OTHER MRS. by Mary Kubica

OTHER PEOPLE’S THINGS by Kerry Anne King

OUR DARKEST NIGHT by Jennifer Robson

OUR PLACE ON THE ISLAND by Erika Montgomery - click for the author's book club menu

Lobster Daiquiri

Strawberry Pie

Crab Ravioli

Watermelon Salad Crab Cakes

Blueberry Muffins

Also: Book Club Girls Sparta, New Jersey: "A sea breeze cocktail would pair well and as a nod to the scene with Cora and Max, mini meatloaf sandwiches with basil mayo. Along with a charcuterie and cheese board as we could envision sipping cocktails and having snacks in this beautiful seaside home."

OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon

–Chaptersandtea based in Orem, Utah: Oatmeal cookies since oatmeal was abundant in 18th century Scotland

THE OUTSIDE BOY by Jeanine Cummins

The Book Club of Westchester, New York: Chicken, butter, and tomato sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, Taytos crisps, chocolate digestives

THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton

(see recipe from S.E. Hinton inThe Kids' Club Book Club Book)

OVERKILL by Sandra Brown - See Sandra's Pulled Pork Recipe

Also: Reckless Readers of Eastford, Connecticut: Blue Overkill cocktail( vodka, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao)— tasty, like Zach, and packed a punch like Kate—and a charcuterie board

The Wine Club with a Book Problem of Woodstock, Georgia: There are many football analogies and football references throughout the book. We put together a "Tailgate Football Menu": Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Balsamic Fig Infused Burger Bites, Wings, Homemade Salsa & Chips plus Guacamole, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pizza Pepper Poppers

THE OVERNIGHT GUEST by Heather Gudenkauf

From Heather Gudenkauf: “Much of THE OVERNIGHT GUEST takes place in the middle of an old-fashioned Midwest blizzard or in the blazing heat of summer and there are dishes that are uniquely apt for each season. While reading and discussing the wintry sections of the novel, you can't go wrong with hot chocolate spiked with Bailey's. As for the summery chapters, you can't go wrong with state fair foods: lemonade, funnel cake sprinkled with powdered sugar, popcorn, and anything on a stick: corn dogs, cotton candy, chocolate-covered New York cheesecake, pork chop, and salad - like I said - all on a stick!”

PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee

THE PAINTED GIRLS by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Wednesday Afternoon Lunch and Dessert Book Club of San Diego, California: "The inspiration for the menu came from the older sister Antoinette's decadent meal of Mussels inGarlic Sauce and drinks of Cassis, and the book's Parisian setting. On the menu: Cr_me de Cassis with Sparkling Water, Mussels in Garlic Butter Sauce, Spinach Quiche, and Strawberry Mascarpone Crepes."

THE PALACE OF ILLUSIONS by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

PALACE WALK by Naguib Mahfouz (see author’s recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

PAPER DOLL LINA by Robyn Lucas

THE PAPER PALACE by Miranda Cowley Heller

Click for Miranda Cowley Heller's Pasta Bolognese Recipe

see our article in The Costco Connection

Also: Martini

THE PAPER WIFE by Laila Ibrahim: From Laila Ibrahim: Food mentioned in THE PAPER WIFE includes: rice with chicken, tofu, and vegetable cooked in garlic and ginger, sesame balls with bean paste, and jook(rice porridge) with cinnamon. Also fresh strawberries, mandarin oranges and green, ginger and jasmine tea. I can also imagine a book club doing a Chinese chicken salad, chow fun noodles, pork buns or pot stickers which are yummy American-Chinese foods.

PARADISE ON FIRE by Jewell Parker Rhodes

THE PARIS APARTMENT by Kelly Bowen

THE PARIS ARCHITECT by Charles Belfoure

See our article and recipe in The Costco Connection

THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT by Rhys Bowen

PicnicPatisseries

Croissants

THE PARIS DECEPTION by Bryn Turnbull - click for author menu

Bryn's Coq au Champagne Recipe

Charcuterie

French 75 Cocktail

Jambon-beurre

THE PARIS ORPHAN by Natasha Lester

THE PARIS SECRET by Natasha Lester

THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain

–Words with Friends, in Lebanon, Ohio: French wine, cheese, and French pastries from a local bakery

THE PARKING LOT ATTENDANT by Nafkote Tamirat

Also, see

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE by Aimee Bender

–The BookWormers of Dublin, California: Lemon Bundt Cake

PEACE LIKE A RIVER by Leif Enger

See The Book Club Cookbook Cooking Project Round Up and alsoThe Book Club Cookbook: Leif Enger’s recipe for Mrs. Enger’s Cinnamon Rolls with Coffee Frosting

PEONY IN LOVE by Lisa See: See the author’s recipe

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks

Morsels for the Mind, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Foods in the book: dates, figs, matzo with goat cheese, papadums with chutney, Vindaloo shrimp sacher torte with fresh apricots

THE PEOPLE WE KEEP by Allison Larkin

From Allison Larkin: “April works at Margo’s Diner in her hometown, so classic hometown diner food works well! The book takes place in the 90s, so there’s nothing fancy happening at this diner. She also works in a cafe in Ithaca that serves espresso drinks, and Bodie, who works there, makes mac and cheese from scratch with breadcrumbs baked on top. April eats an array of junk food — Pop Tarts, Kraft Singles, Corn Nuts. Robert makes her a fancy lasagna and Ethan, and April reciprocates with a frozen TV dinner lasagna. Adam shares a calzone with her — it’s not stated in the book, but it’s the Buffer Zone from DPDough. And they order eggplant pizza."

THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS by Alka Joshi (click for Alka's book club menu

Alka Joshi's Chickpea Curry (chole) recipe

Macarons

Gulkand

Oyster and Wine

Bhaji

Also see: Alka Joshi's Favorite Chai

Also: The CLAMS (Corte Madera Literary and Munching Society) of California: Food featured in the novel: French macarons, Indian curry, and naan. The décor included a French tablecloth and gold tray with colored etched glasses."

THE PERSIAN PICKLE CLUB by Sandra Dallas

From Sandra Dallas: “There is more food IN THE PERSIAN PICKLE CLUB than I remember. The only actual meal described is ham with red-eye gravy, and mashed potatoes. and rhubarb pie.

Here are the other foods mentioned: spareribs and sauerkraut, pickled pigs' feet, bread pudding. snickerdoodles, jumbles, hermits, ice cream, fudge, gooseberry pie, tapioca pudding fruitcake, chocolate pudding. burnt-sugar cake, sour cream-raisin pie, blackberry jam plum butter. rose-hip jam, sliced tomatoes, piccalilli, potato salad, perfection salad, peaches, biscuits with raisins, bread and butter, buttermilk hot cakes, tea, coffee, bourbon

Also –The Book Club of Troy, Michigan: Food arranged like a quilt square

PERSONAL HISTORY by Katharine Graham (see recipes and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

click for the author's recipe and book club menu

Also: Book Club of Murfreesboro, Tennessee: “Red Party.” We all wore red, all the decor (as best as possible) was red and all the food was red.

THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe: see the author’s recipes in Table of Contents

THE PIANO TEACHER by Janice Y.K. Lee see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents)

PINEAPPLE STREET by Jenny Jackson

THE JPG Book Club of Rochester, New York: Mushroom tarts, goat cheese salad, and onion rings (All mentioned in novel).

A PLACE FOR US by Fatima Farheen Mirza: From Fatima Farheen Mirza: "Food is a crucial part of any family life: it is at the dinner table where a family gathers at the end of a day, connects with one another, laughs together, launches into an argument together. Food is also a way that we know our loved ones—we know the food our family members love, we know the particular dishes our mother makes. Because A PLACE FOR US is about a family, thinking about the meals this family shared together was a joy and a huge part of the process, and many scenes, be they tender or tense, took place at the dinner table Three items are memorable to me: Mango Lassi was one of my favorite drinks as a child. I would always order it when we went to an Indian restaurant, but I especially loved the lassi my mother would make from fresh mangoes in the summertime. First she would crush the mango flesh into a pulp, then she added milk, sugar, and—if we were lucky—vanilla ice cream. It was a true treat, and so easy to make that I began making it for myself and my cousins. To this day the taste reminds me of summer. Characters are seen drinking lassi a few times. Amar sets lassi out on trays for family friends at his house, wanting to distract himself from thinking of Amira. But my favorite scene with mango lassi is between Hadia and the eldest Ali boy, Abbas Ali. Hadia has had a crush on Abbas Ali since she was very young but has never acted on it. When she is about to move away for college, she and Abbas make mango lassi together for the neighborhood kids who have just finished playing basketball. When he learns which glass is hers, he pours her a little extra. Though he never voices that he has feelings for her too, I always like to believe that he does."

PLAINSONG by Kent Haruf (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

PLAY TO WIN by Jodie Slaughter

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Fish, Veggies, and Cornbread

Sweet Tea (+ Vodka)

Bologna Sandwich

Strawberry Cake

Bologna Sandwich

THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA by Philip Roth

–Culinary and Literary League of Trenton, New Jersey: Raisin Noodle Kugel (Jewish Food)

THE POISON GARDEN by A.J. Banner

THE POISONWOOD BIBLE by Barbara Kingsolver (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

POPE JOAN by Donna Woolfolk Cross: see Donna Woolfolk Cross's Fried Almonds Recipe, and also her roast pork (Cormarye) recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

POPPY IN THE WILD: A Lost Dog, Fifteen Hundred Acres of Wilderness, and the Dogged Determination that Brought Her Home by Teresa Rhyne

THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS by Meg Waite Clayton

PRACTICE GIRL by Estelle Laure

Reading Between the Wines of Albany, New York: Items inspired by the book, including pineapple upside-down cake, ice cream sundaes, sugary cereals, and fruit loop “Rice Krispie” treats.

PRAIRIE FIRES: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser

PRAISE SONG FOR THE BUTTERFLIES by Bernice L. McFadden

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY by John Irving (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

PRETTY REVENGE by Emily Liebert

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen

Jane Austen Book Club of Greater Boston, Massachusetts: "For Jane Austen’s birthday, December 16th, we have a party. Recipes have included buche de Noel, Anne’s baked Brie, English cucumber sandwiches, Mr. Elton’s Beets, and Catherine Morland’s Asparagus."

Kahakai Kitchen: White Soup

" For my bookish dish, I wanted to make a white soup because it is mentioned in Pride and Prejudice (Bingley is going to have the ball at Netherfield when his cook has made enough white soup) and the Collins family eat soup for dinner. It is unlikely it would be white soup as it was more of classic Regency party dish for balls than an everyday food, but there are dinners at Rosings and the Autumn festival, and Marla where perhaps it could have been enjoyed. Since the classic recipes I googled included chicken and things like "a knuckle of veal" and I don't eat meat, I took inspiration from some white ingredients from the garden--potatoes, cauliflower, and a parsnip and the almonds in Maria Lucas's wedding cake icing to make my soup."

THE PROMISE OF THE PELICAN by Roy Hoffman

THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING by Rhys Bowen - click for menu

Berry Tart Recipe

THE PURSUIT OF ALICE THRIFT by Elinor Lipman

(see our recipes from Elinor Lipman in Table of Contents)

–Dallas Gourmet Book Club: Fudge brownies because Ray, the boyfriend, is a carnival fudge salesman

QUANTUM by Patricia CornwellFrom Patricia Cornwell: "Captain Chase rarely stops working to have a proper meal, but if she did, she might have a filet mignon, cooked medium rare, with a Caprese salad and a dirty vodka martini."

THE QUEENS OF ANIMATION: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History by Nathalia Holt

Cork & Olive Book Club of Valrico, Florida: Our theme was, of course, Disney! Remy's Ratatouille, Pocahontas' Cornbread, Gophers Succotash from The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Glass Slipper Cocktail, Magical Stuffed Mushrooms from Alice in Wonderland, Spaghetti and Meatballs from The Lady and the Tramp, Wild Acre Wood Salad Gray Stuff from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White's Potato and Sausage Soup, Frozen Jello Shots. We had several children's books from the movies and themed our food around those stories. We also had large coloring book sheets on the table so we could do a bit of 'inking' ourselves."

SADIE by Courtney Summers

SALLY BRADY'S ITALIAN ADVENTURE by Christina Lynch (click for the author's book club menu

Also: My Mom and I of Pennsylvania: "Pasta with apple sausage, and Gorgonzola: The book starts with a young, hungry, abandoned Sally Brady debating stealing an apple just to have something to eat. Olive, feta appetizer: Set in Italy, olives were mentioned a lot.Gelato with wafers: Sally delighted in gelato, and there were some heartwarming scenes of Sally getting away from it all and having gelato with Italian wafers. We also included red gingham which was a bit of a wink at the fact that Sally hates gingham tablecloths.”

Between the Pages of Grand Rapids, Michigan: "Italian Salad, Stuffed Zucchini Boats, and Fettuccini Alfredo with three flavors of Gelato for dessert."

THE SAMURAI’S GARDEN by Gail Tsukiyama (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

SAPIENS: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Ann's Book Club of Mystic, Connecticut: "Wheat and rice crackers: with cheese, Corn Chips and Salsa - Wheat, rice, and corn were important to early agriculture. Berries, nuts, seeds and fruit. the diet of foraging societies."

SARAH'S KEY by Tatiana de Rosnay

(see our recipes for SARAH'S KEY in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Page Turners of Oberlin, Ohio: French theme: Stuffed mushrooms, cheese platter, French onion soup and for dessert a ladyfinger cream pie

–Morsels for the Mind of Grand Rapids, Michigan: Cheesecake and foods representing the various ethnicities in the book: wine, brie, and crudités (French), challah (Jewish), and pierogies (Polish)

SARAH'S QUILT: A NOVEL OF SARAH AGNES PRINE AND THE ARIZONA TERRITORIES

by Nancy E. Turner

–Women of Word of Green Valley, Arizona: Biscuits

SATURDAY by Ian McEwan

The BBC (Breakfast Book Club) of West Hartford, Connecticut: Poached salmon and chilled shrimp (the protagonist served fish to his guests) and all the wines mentioned at the end of the novel.

SAVING RUBY KING by Catherine Adel West

SAVOR IT by Tarah DeWitt - click for book club menu

THE SCARLET LETTER by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

–Food for Thought Book Club in Annville, Pennsylvania: "the only book that we've ever read that doesn't mention ANY food ": regional food, American food (American author), red foods, foods that start with the letter "A"

THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan

Wendy's Book Club of San Antonio, Texas: String cheese, Gluten-free apple crumble, blue cookies, and popsicles.

SEABISCUIT: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE SEAMSTRESS OF SARDINIA by Bianca Pitzorno

THE SEASIDE SISTERS by Pamela Kelley - click for menu

Steak Tips and Grilled Vegetables

Caesar Salad

Raspberry Cheesecake

Wine

Shrimp Cocktail

THE SECOND HOME by Christina Clancy

THE SECOND LIFE OF MIRIELLE WEST by Amanda Skenandore

From Amanda Skenandore: “Pecan trees were scattered about the grounds of Carville. Patients would gather them to eat in the fall when the nuts dropped. So any dish with pecans—pecan pie, pecan chicken salad, banana nut bread—would tie in with the book. Foods Mirielle and the other characters would have found at the canteen could also make a fun book club addition. Coca-Cola (in glass bottles), Charleston Chews, Hershey’s Chocolate Bars, Cracker Jacks, and Oh Henry! Bars are a few mentioned in the novel. Other candies that were around in the 1920s include: Tootsie Rolls, Bit O Honey, Gummy Bears, Baby Ruth, Abba-Zaba, and Double Bubble chewing gum.”

THE SECRET BETWEEN US by Barbara Delinsky see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry

From Patti Callahan Henry: "Enjoy a tea service: a selection of English breakfast, Earl Grey, or green tea with sugar and milk options on the side. Add it some tea biscuits or scones with butter and jam as a food option."

THE SECRET HISTORY by Donna Tartt (see recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook)

THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR by Alka Joshi

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd

(see our Honey Cake recipe from Sue Monk Kidd in The Book Club Cookbook

THE SECRET LIFE OF SUNFLOWERS by Marta Molnar

From Marta Molnar: “Any French or Dutch foods would work—or a combination. One book club made sunflower seed bread sunflower seed butter, and sunflower seed cookies. One famous Dutch option is Poffertjes, small pancakes, baked in an iron skillet, and traditionally served with melted butter and dusted with icing sugar. In the book, the heroine makes Stamppot".

SECRETS IN A HOUSE DIVIDED by Clara Silverstein

SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE by Rea Frey

SEPARATION ANXIETY by Laura Zigman

From Laura Zigman: “When Judy isn't wearing her dog in Separation Anxiety and arguing with the Montessori people, she's always trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Judy's very much a salmon person and one suggestion would be to make the salmon, broccoli, and salad dinner that she and Gary prepare together one night as they're discussing whether they should invite the Puppet People to stay with them for a tuition reduction. Judy is all about comfort -- wearing the dog is the physical manifestation of that -- so any kind of comfort food, whether it's pasta, or baked goods, or forbidden snacks like Fritos and Oreos -- would be her go-to choices.”

SEPULCHRE by Kate Mosse

–Book Hags of Grass Valley, California: Black Forest Oatmeal Cookies and dining at a restaurant, Toffanelli's, which has rock walls surrounding the patio. (the closest thing to a Sepulchre!)

THE SEVEN DAY SWITCH by Kelly Harms

SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Williams

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

-Book Club of Falmouth, Maine: Arroz con pollo, Cape Codder cocktails

-Reading Time of Austin, Texas, Dirty Martinis, Manhattans, Coconut Cake

SHADOWLAND by Elizabeth Kostova

Nita's Book Club of Lexington, Kentucky: Bulgarian nut and fruit cake

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruis Zafon

(see our recipes and menus for THE SHADOW OF THE WIND in The Book Club Cookbook)

–Book women of Encinitas, California: Paella with white sangria

SHANGHAI GIRLS by Lisa See

see author recipes from Lisa See in Table of Contents and The Book Club Cookbook

–Ladies of Autumnwood of Grand Island, New York: Chinese food ordered from a local restaurant, including wonton soup, spring rolls, pork potstickers, beef and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, and Chinese vegetables and for dessert, almond cookies and of course fortune cookies. Also, plum wine to complement the dishes, and Chinese black tea.

A SHORT WALK THROUGH A WIDE WORLD by Douglas Westerbeke

From Douglas Westerbeke: "Since the story takes us all over the world, circa 1880 to 1950, I suppose it would only make sense to have a room full of little taster trays. Instead of traveling the world, we can do the next best thing and travel a room full of food!

Our first stop is a marketplace in Siam (Thailand, today) and we could pull the dishes right out of the third paragraph of the very first chapter: Steamed Crab Claws and Curried Prawns wrapped in sheets of Bean Curd. Sounds pretty good to me...

Our next stop is Paris, and maybe the French Onion Soup that her mother cooks for her that fateful night is in order, her last meal at home. Since our taster trays are largely finger foods, we’ll keep it simple: pastry stuffed with Duck Liver Pate, perhaps, and a crepe topped with butter and powdered sugar for dessert.

As we travel the room, we soon find ourselves in North Africa. Shakshouka is my personal favorite, but why not include Pastilla in bite-sized pieces or a bowl of Tagine with Preserved Lemon?

We travel by train across Russia. In one scene, Aubry is offered bread, and though I imagined wheat bread in the book (better to show off the drops of blood that soak through it when she takes a bite), I’d probably go with Russian Black Bread for our taster’s menu, good to soak up the last drops from the bowls of Borscht.

Halfway through the book and we are in India, in a palace where Ulavacharu is served, a spicy lentil soup, but let’s not stop there. Let’s also include Pav Bhaji, perhaps some Samosas, all washed down with a cup of Masala Chai.

Aubry then describes her adventures on the Tibetan Plateau. Here, in such a cold dry land, gardens are rare and the food is all meat and milk. Here, we can treat ourselves to thinly sliced yak meat simmered in broth, served with Chhurpi, a popular Tibetan cheese, and a cup of Butter Tea."

Samosas

Crepes

Tagine

Onion Soup

SHOULDER SEASON by Christina Clancy

THE SHOW GIRL by Nicola Harrison

The Show Girl Recipe Party

Nicola's Menu and Maple Bee's Knees Recipe

THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE by Jo Piazza

From Jo Piazza: "When I set out to write THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE, I wanted to write the most delicious book I had ever read. I taste-tested and cooked each dish I wrote about in the book several times. I almost want to put a warning label on the book that people should read it with food because they’re going to be hungry!! These are referenced in the novel."

*Sicilian Negroni with toasted crostini drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, topped with whipped ricotta and crushed pistachios.

*Pasta alla Norma

*Mini arancini al ragu

*Cannoli

SIDE TRIP by Kerry Lonsdale

SIGNAL FIRES by Dani Shapiro

From Dani Shapiro: "One of my favorite characters in Signal Fires is Theo Wilf, who grows up to become a famous chef, though that was never Theo’s goal. Food is love and nurturance for him. He spends his childhood cooking with his beloved mother Mimi. Feeding people delicious meals is the way he knows how to connect. And the novel itself is so much about the ways in which we are all interconnected and interdependent. Theo goes off to Buenos Aires (running away from his family and from himself) and trains as a chef while there. So perhaps Asado (otherwise known as barbecue) accompanied by a bottle of good Argentinian Malbec. What is most important is to gather, in the way that book clubs allow us to do, and talk about the contents of our hearts."

THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS by Pat Barker

THE SILVER STAR by Jeanette Walls

Read and Feed of Denver, Colorado: Pringles, Cheetos, and Chicken Pot Pies

SISSIE KLEIN IS COMPLETELY NORMAL by Kris Clink

SISTER OF MY HEART by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents

Also Falmouth Newcomers Falmouth, Massachusett: appetizer of nuts roasted with chili (chat), tandoori chicken salad, raita, coconut rice, and yogurt pie.

SIX DAYS IN ROME by Francesca Giacco

See Francesca's recipes for Negroni Sbagliato and Spaghetti allacciughe (pasta with anchovies)

Bookish Ladies Book Club of Coto de Caza, California: We enjoyed Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes”.

Reading is My Cardio, Smithfield, Rhode Island: Italian-themed cocktail party featuring charcuterie, Aperol Spritzes, and a gelato bar for dessert.

Next Chapter, Leesburg, Virginia: Aperol Spritz cocktails, a charcuterie board, tiramisu, and wine-soaked grapes.

THE SIXTEEN PLEASURES by Robert Hellenga

–Literai Society of Greensboro, North Carolina: Italian bread, cheese, and pastries

SKIPPING CHRISTMAS by John Grisham

–The Ladies of Autumnwood of Grand Island, New York: Personal-sized pizzas (as a contrast to the normal Christmas dinner

SMALL MERCIES by Dennis Lehane

Mystery Book Club of the North Shore, Massahcusetts: Pot roast, Fried Clams

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE by Claire Keegan: Claire Keegan's Christmas Cake recipe

SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS by David Guterson (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN by Lisa See: see author recipe from Lisa See inThe Book Club Cookbook

SO WE MEET AGAIN by Suzanne Park

Also see Suzanne's Korean Mandu (Deep Fried Dumplings) Recipe:

Also: The Ridgeway Country Club Book Club of Memphis, Tennessee: Passed Hors D'oeuvres: Nashville Hot Chicken Bites and Korean Chicken Bites; First Course: Korean Mandu ; Second Course: Korean Beef Bulgogi; Japchae with Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry; Third Course: Millionaire's Twinkie (Dolly Parton's favorite dessert)

SOBREMESA: A Memoir of Food and Love in Thirteen Courses by Josephine Caminos Oria

SOIL The Story of a Black Mother's Garden by Camille Dungy

From Camille Dungy: “During 2020, when I was home with my family, I felt like I was almost always either in the kitchen or the laundry room. My garden was one of the few places where I could escape. A lot of the food I describe cooking in the book is actually wild game acquired from hunter friends. Elk or pronghorn seasoned with sage, dried juniper berries, and a bit of cedar smoked salt. Probably not ingredients that are easily accessible for most people. But I also describe a green garden tomato pizza I made towards the end of summer that I find quite tasty. I imagine it would be easy to serve in appetizer portions like a flatbread. I used a premade cauliflower crust for myself and a homemade pizza crust for my husband and daughter. A thin layer of pesto (homemade or store-bought; a layer of sliced green tomatoes (you can also substitute green apples or red tomatoes depending on whether you want more sweet or more tart); feta cheese; a sprinkling of fresh or dried rosemary. I love to add Kalamata olives but I’m the only one who likes them in my family. I don’t need this to be super cheesy, but if that’s your preference, go ahead and include some mozzarella cheese. Bake in the way you typically bake homemade pizza. Slice and enjoy.”

SOLD ON A MONDAY by Kristina McMorris

See Max's Manhattan Cocktail recipe

Also see recipes, for cocktails, appetizers, dessert and more in the Sold on A Monday reading guide

SOMEBODY'S HOME by Kaira Rouda

SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE by Lyn Liao Butler: Mai Tais, Malasadas, and Tropical Fruit

Also see: Tsunami Fries

SOMEONE ELSE'S SECRET by Kaira Rouda

SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES by Jojo Moyes

BookClubbers of Cranston, Rhode Island: Lamb Stew, Victoria Sandwich

SOTAH by Naomi Ragen

–Hudson Valley Bookies of New Winsor, New York: Matzo ball soup

THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (click for menu)

Also: Sticky date pudding

Coq au Vin

Paella

Roast Chicken

Also: The Reckless Readers, Eastford, Connecticut: Soulmate bars peanut butter & jelly- the ultimate soulmate of food! And The Drop martini a cranberry lemon drop martini, that will send you over the edge after only a few.

SOUTH OF BROAD by Pat Conroy (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook

SOUTH OF THE BUTTONWOOD TREE by Heather Webber

From Heather Webber: “The best pairing to go along with South of the Buttonwood Tree would be cookies and coffee. In the story, one of the main characters, Blue, often tries to bake away her troubles, something she calls “cookie comfort.” Her favorite flavors are coconut chocolate chip, chocolate espresso, butter pecan, and butterscotch. And everyone in Buttonwood loves a good cup of coffee, hot or cold, preferably from Kitty’s Diner.”

SOUTH TO AMERICA: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

Reading Together of Washington, D.C.: Beignets biscuits and coffee, mint juleps, whiskey

THE SPACE BETWEEN US by Thirty Umrigar (see the author’s recipe in Table of Contents)

SPARE by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex

Roast Chicken, Lemon, Rosemary, Gravy

Princess Diana's Favorite Bread and Butter Pudding

THE SPIRIT CATCHES YOU AND YOU FALL DOWN by Anne Fadiman (see recipe and menus in the first edition of The Book Club Cookbook)

A SPARK OF LIGHT by Jodi Picoult

see author's Mississippi Mud Cake recipe

THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

(see recipe and menu ideas from Laurie Halse Anderson in The Kids' Club Book Club Book)

SPIN by Peter Zheutlin

A SPY AMONG FRIENDS: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre

GSB Book Group: Indian Curry, Port, Brandy and Chocolate

THE SPY AND THE TRAITOR: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre

Wine, Women, and Words of Greater Boston: Mars Bars, Cheese and Onion Crisps, Smoked Salmon Canapes, Ukranian Flag Cocktail Shot

STARS IN HIS EYES by Marti Gironelli

START WITHOUT ME by Joshua Max Feldman

STATE OF PARADISE BY Laura van den Berg

From Laura van den Berg: "I started State of Paradise not long after I had moved back to Central Florida, where I grew up, and one of my favorite post-writing meals was a grilled (or blackened) grouper sandwich from a local seafood spot. Sometimes, if I was eating with my family, we’d get garlic fries and fried clam strips to share. My sister has a mango tree in her yard—in the summer that’s my favorite dessert—so I suggest ending the meal with a fruit salad: mango, blueberries, a little mint. If you drink, pair it with an ice-cold beer (and if you happen to be in the Orlando area see if you can find a beer from Crooked Can or Devian."

STAY WITH ME by Ayobami Adebayo

STEVE JOBS BY Walter Isaacson

Ladies of Autumnwood of Grand Isle, New York: "Apple" cake and appletinis.

STILL LIFE by Louise Penny

STILL ME by Jojo Moyes

STILL SEE YOU EVERYWHERE by Lisa Gardner

Ann’s Best Ever Pomaikai Poke recipe

Spaghetti

Charcuterie

Also: Reading Between the Wines Book Club of Albany, York: “Poké bowls from a local restaurant in honor of the book’s setting. We also served pineapple and coconut macarons.”

Book Club Girls of Sparta: “We suggest crab cake appetizers, spicy spaghetti bolognese, and a deep rich red wine to give a nod to the events in the book and the famous poke bowl."

Junior League of Kalamazoo: “Spaghetti (without laxatives), pigs in a blanket, and chocolate brownies.

STOLEN BEAUTY by Laurie Lico Albanese: From Laurie Lico Albanese: "STOLEN BEAUTY has several scenes set in Vienna’s Café Central Wien, which dates to 1876, and was a key gathering place for Vienna’s intellectuals. Their traditional Viennese Breakfast includes a hot drink, croissant, and soft-boiled egg.

STONES FROM THE RIVER by Ursula Hegi (see recipe and menus in The Book Club Cookbook)

THE STORIES WE TELL by Joanna Gaines

Get Lit Book Club of Coto de Caza, California: “We made and discussed recipes from THE MAGNOLIA TABLE COOKBOOK! We enjoyed Joanna‘s famous biscuits, silo cookies, scones, and stuffed mushrooms. Joanna is gifted with her baking and decorating— such a unique individual."

THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA by Fiona Valpy

From Fiona Valpy: "When Josie arrives in Casablanca as a twelve-year-old refugee from Paris during World War 2, she throws herself into the culture of Morocco with the help of her new-found friend, Nina, whose mother, Kenza is a wonderful cook. To accompany a book club gathering, I’d suggest serving a delicious tajine (perhaps made with lamb for meatlovers or with a selection of mediterranean vegetables for vegetarians). This richly flavored, slow-cooked stew is best served with some plain couscous and a traditional Arabic tomato and cucumber salad.

Afterward, some of Kenza’s ghoribas —little soft cookies flavored with orange zest and honey— would be the perfect way to round off the evening. They would go well with some fresh mint tea for an authentic taste of Morocco.

THE STORM CHASERS by Jenna Blum: Rommegrod: Norwegian Pudding and the author’s recipes in Table of Contents

THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg

Also: Newly Revisioned Bookclub, St. Albans, Vermont: “Per your suggestion, we enjoyed hotdogs, and made Orange Blossom Cookies in honor of Lucille.”

STRANGERS IN BUDAPEST by Jessica Keener

STREET CORNER DREAMS by Florence Reiss Kraut - click for menu

Happy Bookers of Linn Missouri: Anna’s uncle Tony’s deli-inspired bread, salami, and Swiss cheese.

SUGAR by Bernice McFadden: see recipe in The Book Club Cookbook

THE SUITE SPOT by Trish Doller (click for Trish Doller's menu)

SUMMER AT THE CAPE by RaeAnne Thayne

SUMMER AT TIFFANY by Marjorie Hart

–WOW (Women of Words) of Green Valley, Arizona: Egg salad sandwich

SUMMER HOURS Amy Mason Doan

THE SUMMER LIST by Amy Mason Doan

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER by Erika Montgomery

SWEETBITTER by Stephanie Danler

A SWEET MESS by Jayci Lee

SWEET SALT AIR by Barbara Delinsky

The Bookends Book Club of Wakarusa, Indiana: Clam Chowder, Passion Flower Tea (grown on Quinnipeague), Molasses Indiana Pudding, and of course, pie!

THE SWEET SPOT by Amy Poeppel

From Amy Poeppel: "Time for tapas and sangria! The Sweet Spot is all about gathering with people who may be strangers at first but who could well become close friends if you're willing to welcome them into your life. Melinda is having a hard time getting along with people after her husband of thirty years leaves her for a much younger woman. But when a bartender from a neighborhood dive bar invites her to his house for dinner, the evening changes her whole outlook. As she chats with people she's never met before over a table of shared tapas—think small dishes of sardines, olives, sausage, patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and grilled bread with Manchego cheese and prosciutto— and a big pitcher of sangria, Melinda finds herself having a marvelous time. (End the evening on a sweet note with flan! Here's my favorite sangria recipe from the New York Times.

THE SWEET TASTE OF MUSCADINES Pamela Terry

From author Pamela Terry:

"I can't think of anything better to serve with The Sweet Taste of Muscadines than Southern biscuits and jelly. If you can locate some Muscadine jelly, even better! You might want to make a nod to the South and serve iced tea or tip your hat to the Scottish part of the book and serve it hot. Either way, I wish I could be at that book club!"

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley

–First Thursday Book Club of Birmingham, Alabama: Jacksnipe Pie (a chicken pot pie), Vidalia Onion Pie, Tomato Pie, and Custard Pie. We did a seated dinner and the tablescape included Pennyblack stamps as well as cucumber vines and cucumbers

THE SWEETNESS OF WATER by Nathan Harris

The Bookies of Charlottesville, Virginia: Chocolate and vanilla cake, apple pie, as mentioned in the book.

SWIMMING BETWEEN WORLDS by Elaine Neil Orr

SWITCH by A.S. King

East Lawrence High School Book Club, Alabama: Meatloaf Castle: In the story, the mom cooks a meatloaf shaped like a castle with a gravy moat and mashed potatoes. We replicated the meal and had so much fun just seeing if we could succeed! The students created outfits for small characters for the castle

TAKE MY HAND by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

From Dolen Perkins-Valdez: 7-Up Cake

“I mention 7-Up Cake in the book. That wo