I don't know if it's the release of latest season of the The Crown (Dominic West! Imelda Staunton!) or the buzz surrounding the talented thespians of Theatre 308 who take on The Tempest this weekend. It might be that as I type, two very lucky members of my family are off to reunite with old friends in London. Whatever universal force offered up the nudge, this week we’re hopping across the pond.

BRIDESHEAD REVISITED: Here’s how we landed with this 1945 novel from Evelyn Waugh (stick with me, it’s a bit windy). A few weeks ago, we hosted a couple of authors and during the all-important “tell me how to pronounce your last name” pre-show check, one author said: “Waa, like Evelyn Waugh.” Well, this English major with more degrees than necessary responded with a blank look. The author was so engrossed in prep that I don’t think (hope!) she noticed but I, dear reader, had no idea who she was talking about. Evelyn Waugh, Evelyn Waugh. British, I thought (correct). But forced to name his famous titles? Couldn't do it. No clue. Not a one. Trusty Google surprised me with the aforementioned book as a credit. Had I read it? I thought not. Had I seen the movie? A bit more likely. Time to remedy it all, I decided. My hand was forced on a recent outing to another indie bookstore that happened to have a table of classics, including this from Waugh, with the most gorgeous covers, making the choice an obvious one. And you know what? I’m loving it. I am transported, my streak of current hot picks gently interrupted by riverside picnics, debaucherous parties, needy friends, and secret trysts. A true delight. 

DEMON COPPERHEAD: The best appointment on my calendar this week was a Zoom with a handful of fifth graders working through a journalism unit. One of the goals: learning to take notes longhand (a dying art, hooray for their dedicated teachers, soldiering on in this increasingly technology-dependent world!). The second goal: ask smart questions of their subjects. We barreled through several until they asked for my favorite book and stunned by what should have been an obvious softball question, I paused. "Girl, Woman, Other," I answered. Why? No lofty reason here beyond I just truly loved the experience of reading that book. A lot. Dwight Garner (with whom I don’t always agree) nailed it in his review: “this is a big, busy novel with a large root system” and indeed it is, direct from Booker Prize winner and British treasure, Bernardine Evaristo. Here’s the trouble: it's already been a Friday Five feature. Using the criteria of a book that I simply loved reading, Demon Copperhead takes the spot because while it’s decidedly not British (coming from the Appalachian treasure that is Barbara Kingsolver), it IS loosely based on Dickens' novel of a similar ilk. I know I'm not the only bookseller recommending it for holiday reading and gifting.

A STAGE FULL OF SHAKESPEARE STORIES: A few months ago, a lovely customer came in looking for Shakespeare to share with kids. Problem was, we didn’t have anything quite special enough on the shelf but I loved the idea so much we went on the hunt. Happily, we stumbled across the most gorgeous anthology of the Bard’s most beloved plays in a beautiful package to boot. Author Angela McAllister retells each in a way that is appealing to children. A lovely introduction and a classic treasury that will stand the test of time. 

THE BRITISH COOKBOOK: Phaidon’s recent food centric releases are on fire. If this was another Friday Five, I’d mention Bras: The Tastes of Aubrac or The Mexican Vegetarian Cookbook (that COVER! I’ve cooked from it and it’s five star all the way around). If this was another Friday Five, I’d mention The River Cafe Look Book: Recipes for Kids of All Ages (although, come to think of it, we could certainly argue as to why this one belongs front and center in this category, but no matter — you can have a look here). If this were another Friday Five, I might talk about Portugal, The Cookbook, or The Wellness Principles. But obviously this isn’t another Friday Five so today the fabulous British Cookbook by author and food historian Ben Mervis gets to shine. Covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland this is cookbook and cultural history, both. A most comprehensive volume, you’ll find 550 recipes including everything from Bonfire Night Black Peas to Devils on Horseback. A beautiful gift for the enthusiastic home cook. 

THE WRITERS: This book is not British BUT one look at the cover and you’ll know why it’s on the list. Zadie Smith, arguably one of the finest authors around, graces the cover with a steady, calm gaze that belies the somewhat chaotic interior shots of her very well-lived in kitchen. Photographer Laura Wilson created this collection as an ode to the photo essays in Life magazine and in the process, offers up the perfect gift for literary afficinados and art enthusiasts. Readers will find some of the best and brightest within. Rachel Cusk, Edwidge Danticat, David McCullough, Haruki Murakami, Carlos Fuentes and Seamus Heaney appear. Margaret Atwood in her garden, Tim O’Brien showing off magic tricks and Louise Erdrich in her beloved Birchbark Books also take part. I’ll admit I gifted this to my home as soon as it arrived. Planning to travel to Texas in before January 1, 2023? You can catch the photos in person at the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin.