I just spent a few quiet moments on this beautiful Saturday finishing
Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist. I read the first 150 pages within hours of receiving the book in the mail last week. Then I tried to slow myself down because I didn't want the book to be over so soon! That's when you know you're reading a good book.
My sweet friend
Mary first brought this book to my attention a few months ago. I heard about Shauna's two other books,
Cold Tangerines and
Bittersweet, and this was her newest. I'd had her books on my reading list for awhile but kept pushing them to the side when I looked for a new book. I typically read on my Nook but I knew that I wanted to read the paper version of her books so that I could mark them up with all my thoughts.
I finally ordered Bread & Wine and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. it. is. so. good. I dogeared basically every other page because she said something awesome or because I wanted to try the recipe. Her writing is fluid, easy to read, and thoughtful. Each chapter is a short story, maybe just a few pages long, but her points are so well made.
About 30 pages into the book, Shauna writes about being hungry. She writes about loving food and finally admitting that she's "hungry". Mostly for food, but also for life. And she goes on to say...
"To feed one's body, to admit one's hunger, to look one's appetite straight in the eye without fear or shame - this is controversial work in our culture.
Part of being a Christian means practicing grace in all sorts of big and small and daily ways, and my body gives me the opportunity to demonstrate grace, to make peace with imperfection every time I see myself in the mirror. On my best days, I practice grace and patience with myself, knowing that I can't extend grace and patience if I haven't tasted it."
Preach Shauna. And so, this is how the book continues. With Shauna's wise, smart, and insightful remarks about our daily life. About gathering around a table, sharing a meal, the bread and the wine. She really hit the nail on the head with this book. I would have highlighted every line...but that's just called coloring.
And then there's the recipes. Amazingly simple, but worth mentioning all the same. I found all her notes and anecdotes about the recipes so fun to read. I already have grand bread making plans for Monday.
In lieu of finishing this book so fast, I went ahead and ordered her two other books. I'm sure I'll have them finished by the end of next week. Thank goodness
she writes a blog...
