Ann Mah's newsletter / July 2019
July 2019 newsletter
Bonjour!
We landed in Paris last week in the middle of a heat wave, but even 95ºF temperatures couldn't wilt my enthusiasm. It is so wonderful to be back! I don't even mind that we don't have air conditioning (okay, maybe I mind a little).
These past few weeks I've been juggling my full-time job with full-time kid-care. Jet lag has allowed me to work late into the night, like a vampire, but now it's fading and I'm back to my regular 9pm bedtime (kidding – sort of). All this to say, please forgive me if this newsletter is shorter than usual – I'll be back to my regular schedule when summer camp starts next week. In the meantime, I've added a few kid activities to my list of favorite Paris spots – and I am super excited to be researching a new book project. I'll have more details to share soon.
Here's what else I've been up to...
What I've been eating
–I had some leftover tart dough in the freezer and transformed it into this simple strawberry galette from Bon Appetit. I can't vouch for the graham cracker crust but I liked the combination of strawberries and lime.
–Ever since the Paris heatwave, I've been basically eating Greek and caprese salad. But before it was hot, I really loved this genius one-pan pasta from Martha Stewart. Everything, and I mean everything – sauce and pasta – cooks together in a single pan. Also my kid loved it. A miraculous recipe.
–Fig, tahini, and milk chocolate chip cookies? Yes, please. Thanks for the recipe, David Lebovitz.
What I've been reading
–I have been astounded by the reaction to my article following the footsteps of a young Jacqueline Bouvier in Paris. Although I knew JBKO was adored / reviled, I had no idea she still inspired such passion... like 380+ comments worth of passion. If you missed it, you can check out the piece in the New York Times Travel section.
–Speaking of Jackie, I'd like to see this photo exhibit while I'm in Paris.
–Bennington College in the 1980s was an incubator for some of Gen X's most intriguing writers: Bret Easton Ellis, Jonathan Lethem, Donna Tartt. This oral history from Esquire takes a gossipy deep dive into the era.
–A writer friend, Eric Weiner, author of The Geography of Bliss, is hosting a writers workshop... in Nepal! The Himalayan Writers Workshop – open to writers of all experience levels – will combine writing exercises and work-shopping with explorations of the Kathmandu Valley. A portion of the workshop proceeds go to Quilts for Nepal. Dates are November 10 to 20, 2019 and more details can be found here.
–And if you're looking for a writing retreat that's little closer to home, Eric is hosting a separate event, along with author and fellow NPR alum, Jacki Lyden, at Colton House in Flagstaff, Arizona from October 29 to November 3. Details here.
–A young woman moves into a Paris apartment and discovers, in the cellar, the belongings of its previous resident, Madeleine. She begins documenting her life, which spans the 20th century. Check out The Madeleine Project, now in English. (Via The Everyday French Chef)
–If you can't visit Burgundy, Burgundy will come to you (if you're in Washington DC)! I'm looking forward to a special tasting of Burgundy wine from the Château de Pommard at the Alliance Française de Washington DC, hosted on September 20 by my friend Preston Mohr. More info and tickets here.
New books from friends
I'm delighted to highlight a few great novels by my author friends to help them spread the word – and help you find a hidden gem! Are you looking for a great summer read? Here's what's new in stores this month:
The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess – A modern yet timeless coming-of-age story about friendship, romance, and one young woman's complicated relationship with a wickedly charming family of literary superstars. Did I mention it's set on Cape Cod? The perfect beach read for book lovers.
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger – I read this book a few months ago and trust me when I say this tale about parents competing to get their kids into an exclusive school for gifted children is mesmerizing and terrifyingly prescient. If you are fascinated by the college admissions scandal, this book is a MUST READ.
Tiffany Blues by MJ Rose – MJ is a master of historical romantic mystery, and her latest book is now in paperback. A stunning look at the Jazz Age, this is the story of a young painter whose traumatic past threatens to derail her career at a prestigious summer artists' colony run by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. fame.
The Romanov Empress by CW Gortner – Glamorous, turbulent, and tragic – and now in paperback – this is the dramatic tale of the beloved Empress Maria, the Danish princess who became the mother of the last Russian tsar.
Sneak peek!
The Lost Vintage will be out in paperback on August 6th! Here's a sneak peek of its NEW LOOK, which I adore. The woman in the foreground so palpably resembles my mental image of Hélène that I got chills when I first saw her. Preorders are available now – and nothing supports an author more :) so please tell your friends and book clubs. I am truly grateful for your support.
See you next month with another dispatch from Paris. Happy Fourth to all who celebrate – please have a hot dog for me!
Amitiés,
Ann