TELL ME EVERYTHING

“These are my stories. They are stories of loneliness and love … And the small connections we make in this world if we are lucky.”
🗳️
I could not put down this wise, poignant and deeply immersive novel that revisits the characters of Elizabeth Strout’s previous novels set in Maine. Fan favorite Olive Kitteridge (oh she’d hate that expression!) is back, as is Lucy Barton, who has returned to Maine with her former husband. In this story, Olive, Lucy, and her friend Bob Burgess consider their respective relationships, face a series of personal crises, and ask important questions about what we want from ourselves and each other. As Bob attempts to solve a local murder mystery and understand his friendship with Lucy, we bear witness to the stories that link the lives in this town, and the ways they are both broken and strengthened by the past.
🗳️
This was a *wow* book for me, about the complicated ways ordinary people ache to connect, hunger to be heard, and yearn to matter. Elizabeth Strout’s distinct, observant voice is filled with deep feeling and introspection beneath its spare directness. The contradictions of this small town - both melancholy and comforting - left me wondering if it is a torturous or idyllic place. (More likely, somewhere in the middle.) This thought provoking novel would be a fantastic book club choice, with its many perspectives on the power of connection, perils of loneliness, and acceptance of ourselves.
🗳️
Baking is how I’ve been alleviating my election anxiety! Did you know that whoopie pies are the official state treat of Maine? There are cult favorite flavors, specialized bakeries, even an annual state whoopie pie festival! I never really knew about official state treats and desserts. (Mine is grape pie - what??) Maybe if I bake all the swing state desserts today it’ll be good luck!!!

You can find this recipe here !