This week's Third Thursday in Summerville will celebrate Christmas around the world. Our book selections are keeping to that theme. For more information, along with upcoming events and celebrations, visit Main Street Reads, Summerville's independent bookstore, your local library or "shop small" from your couch at a special page built just for your Summerville Reads selections at https://bookshop.org/lists/summerville-reads-as-seen-in-the-summerville-journal-scene. And remember, books really do make the best gifts.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
"Christmas Is Coming: Traditions from Around the World" by Monica Utnik (ISBN 9780735844438, NorthSouth Books, $25 hardcover, 136 pp)
This holiday book offers a delightful journey through the heart of Christmas customs across the globe. Perfect for cozy evenings by the tree, the beautifully illustrated work combines the stories, tastes and legends that make the holiday season magical.
From the origins of decorating Christmas trees to the history of glass ornaments and nativity scenes, Utnik explores the roots of cherished traditions with captivating detail. Each page transports readers to different corners of the world, unveiling unique customs such as Sweden's Julskinka (Christmas ham), Venezuela's Hallaca and Greece's sweet Kourabiedes. The book also delves into enchanting myths, such as talking animals on Christmas Eve, and highlights classic holiday staples such as The Nutcracker and Christmas carols.
The atmospheric illustrations by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello make the book as visually appealing as informative. Whether you're curious about why Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25 or interested in the origin of iconic dishes such as Panettone or Christmas Pudding, Utnik offers a feast of knowledge for readers of all ages.
Ideal as a gift or for personal enjoyment, "Christmas Is Coming" is a heartwarming celebration of cultural diversity and the universal joy of the holiday season. It is a treasure trove of Christmas cheer that will keep us enchanted year after year.
HISTORICAL FICTION: TRAVEL TO 1800s FRANCE
"The Champagne Letters" by Kate Macintosh (ISBN 9781668061886, Gallery Books, $28.99 hardcover, 352 pp)
Grab this for a champagne New Year's read. It is a sparkling blend of historical fiction and contemporary resilience. Perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel, this dual-timeline novel celebrates the enduring spirit of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, the trailblazing "Widow Clicquot," and the modern woman inspired by her legacy.
In 1805, in Reims, France, Barbe-Nicole defied societal expectations to pursue her late husband's dream of creating a world-renowned champagne house.
Faced with the chaos of Napoleonic politics, Russian invasions and ruthless competition, she must forge her path to greatness, redefining her business and her identity. Macintosh vividly brings to life the grit and glamour of the early 19th-century wine industry, immersing readers in Barbe-Nicole's fight for survival and success.
In present-day Chicago, Natalie Taylor's life is in pieces after a painful divorce. Seeking solace in Paris, she stumbles upon a collection of Barbe-Nicole's letters that ignite her courage to embrace change.
As Natalie's journey takes unexpected turns, Macintosh weaves a compelling narrative about rediscovering strength and purpose in life's darkest moments.
With lush prose and an evocative sense of place, "The Champagne Letters" celebrates the timeless power of female determination. The parallel stories of Barbe-Nicole and Natalie remind readers of the importance of perseverance, self-reinvention and seizing opportunity -- even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Effervescent and inspiring, "The Champagne Letters" will leave you raising a glass to women who dare to dream big and rewrite their own stories.
SOUTHERN WOMEN, SOUTHERN COOKING!
"When Southern Women Cook: History, Lore, and 300 Recipes with Contributions from 70 Women Writers from America's Test Kitchen" (ISBN 9781954210493, $40 hardcover, 520 pp illustrated)
Here's a groundbreaking celebration of Southern food and the women who shaped its legacy. Curated by Toni Tipton-Martin and Cook's Country Executive Editor Morgan Bolling, this 520-page treasure combines more than 300 recipes with more than 200 captivating stories of culinary pioneers, offering a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Southern cooking.
This beautifully illustrated cookbook goes beyond recipes, offering a deep dive into the history and evolution of Southern cuisine. The stories honor diverse voices -- from enslaved cooks who laid the foundation of Southern foodways to modern innovators redefining the cuisine today.
Contributors like food journalist Kim Severson, beverage historian Tiffanie Barriere and Emmy-winning author Von Diaz enrich the narrative with insights into cultural heritage, hospitality and resilience.
The recipes included are a mix of Southern classics and inventive dishes that reflect the region's dynamic flavors. Highlights include Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, Pickle-Brined Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Brunswick Stew and Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi.
Recipe headnotes add context, offering tips and tales that connect each dish to its historical and cultural roots.
The cookbook showcases the vastness of Southern cuisine, from Texas barbecue to Gullah Geechee rice dishes. Alongside the recipes are stories of remarkable women like Edna Lewis, whose biscuit wisdom inspires cooks today, and Joy Perrine, dubbed the "Bad Girl of Bourbon."
It is perfect for home cooks, history buffs and anyone who loves a good story. It is a joyous tribute to Southern women's creativity, hard work and spirit.
NEXT WEEK: We'll forego the reviews to bring you a special announcement about an upcoming Summerville event. (Hint: There's also a competition for writers involved.)
Shari Stauch loves all things Summerville and is a fierce champion of literacy in the Lowcountry. She owns Main Street Reads (115 S. Main St., www.mainstreetreads.com). An avid reader, author and publisher, she also serves on the boards of the Timrod Library and Summerville DREAM and the literacy committee of Summerville Rotary. She can be reached at [email protected].