Stir.
Such a quiet and simple word that says so much.
A quick internet search reveals the nuances of the word stir. An act of mixing food or drink with a spoon or other implement. To move or cause to move slightly. Rise or wake from sleep. Leave or go out of a place. Begin or cause to begin to be active or to develop. Arouse strong feelings in someone. Prompt a feeling or memory or inspire the imagination.
Stir is the perfect word to choose for this book title.
Today is the paperback release of Jessica Fechtor’s 2015 award-winning inspirational memoir, Stir – My Broken brain and the meals that brought me home. Somehow I missed the original book release a year ago even though I follow her blog, sweetamandine.
I can only imagine how a brain aneurism would be life changing. To wake up to a perfectly normal day with nothing but blue skies ahead. And just like that, snap, everything changes.
At 28, Jessica suffered a brain aneurysm and life, as she knew it, changed instantly. Happily married to the best-friend-who-she-never-imagined-to-fall-in-love-with yet everyone-else-knew-they-were-perfect-for-each-other, Jessica slowly but surely began her miraculous recovery by rediscovering the restorative power of cooking and baking and the connection that food has with who we are at our inner core. This is, essentially, a love story about food and its depth will surprise and delight you.
Lest you think that reading a book about someone with a brain aneurysm is horribly depressing, this book is nothing but upbeat and lovely and hopeful. Jessica not once considers herself a victim but rather takes the time while bedridden and recovering as a time to deeply observe her life. The love story about food unfolds as she realizes that who she is, who we are, is often connected to food memories and to our loved ones. Erase all the madness and folly of life and it comes down to the simplest pleasures of life: a family-loved roasted chicken, matzo ball soup, and that goofy smile that you give someone because you are utterly happy to just be with them… and alive.
If you are wondering how “meals that brought me home” actually helped her broken brain, I was wondering the same thing when Penguin House asked me to read this book and share my thoughts about it. I almost said no thank you and was poised to move the email request into a delete folder. Instead, I paused and decided otherwise and am so glad that I did.
I absolutely loved this book and I know that many of you will feel the same way, too.
At one point, while Jessica was in the hospital and the anesthesia was wearing off, her dad said something so beautiful that I felt my own breath catch and tears well up. “I’ve been thinking,” he said. “I wish I’d had you sooner so I could know you for longer.”
Love.
During her last days in the hospital, Jessica made lists. While she had no appetite, she knew she would one day and she wanted to be ready. She was determined to coax herself back to the table with what she used to like to eat with the hopes that her normal self would show up. She would use the simplest of tasks in the kitchen to retrain her body. As she grew stronger and stronger, the simple tasks would turn into more complex ones and she slowly but surely worked her way up to entertaining and hosting. And regaining her life. Focusing on others instead of her illness. “You cook for one. A fried egg and toast, a potato with cottage cheese, a single artichoke, steamed. Baking on the other hand? I don’t care how big your sweet tooth is, you can’t eat all those cookies alone. You bake to share.”
You know that feeling with a book hits you in that certain special way? Perhaps it is because of where you are in life at the very moment, almost as if the book had chosen you? When you are ready to drop the insignificant, the clutter in life, and just enjoy every moment as much as possible?
This is that book.
I loved this book. I loved that it was deep without being heavy, happy without being sappy, and full of recipes that weren’t even her own. I loved that it was peppered throughout with stories of family and friends that were full of love and support.
Sounds like something you would like to read?
I have one free copy from the publisher to giveaway!
Leave me a comment, preferably with your twitter, blog name or something to make it easy for me to contact you if you win.
Comment question: Which foods evoke the strongest memories for you?
Contest ends on next Tuesday, April 12th at midnight (CDT). I will pick a winner via randomizer on Wednesday, April 13th.
No purchase necessary to enter. Contest void where prohibited. Contest open to US residents only.
Happy reading. May you also fall in love with this story, as I did.
Eat well, my friend. Eat well.
Lyndi
{Randomizer.org picked #1, Kaylin as the winner of a copy of STIR. Congrats, Kaylin!}
One food I have thought about a lot recently is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My dad used to make one every time he was going out all day fishing. But he'd never eat it! He thought it was a "good luck charm" of sorts and would bring the sandwich, but never eat it.
That's endearing, isn't it? You are going to have to carry on that tradition, Kaylin. xoxox Hope you are enjoying Austin (I know you are!)
Dinty Moore Beef Stew will always remind me of camping with my family. My parents took us all over the United States when I was a child. We slept in tents. Whenever I smell this stew it conjures up images/smells of camp fires, roasting marshmallows and being with family. Love it!
Smells are often tied to memories and I love that Dinty Moore Beef Stew has such fond memories for you, Cindy!
Some of my strongest food memories are tied to my dad. He loved cooking out on the grill. So the smell of charcoal and grilling burgers brings me back to summers on the deck or in the yard. I can picture him standing over the grill flipping burgers and turning hot dogs. He loved to do corn on the grill as well. Everything came out with this smoky odor and flavor. To this day when I smell that, it brings me an odd sense of comfort.
If only you could bottle that scent and take a whiff whenever you needed to. At least when you grill, you get great memories and a great meal. Thanks for sharing, Gloria.
Food plays such an integral part to memories. Such sentimental times I have experienced…all seen to be tied to food. This book sounds amazing!
The book IS amazing, Lisa! It was light-hearted yet very profound. Thanks for stopping by.
Loved your review. I am definitely going to pick up a copy. BTW—it's probably chicken and dumplings, but you may have already known that:)
Mmmm… chicken and dumplings. Ok, next time you are in Northwest Arkansas, stop by MJ Pizzaria on Elm Springs Road (next to Macadoodles) and try the homemade gnocchi. It tastes a lot like chicken and dumplings and I think you will like it. The last time I went there they sneaked in some purple potatoes and it threw the whole thing off, so make sure they exclude those!
(from April 6 via email)
Hey Lyndi…..I must say your question really got me remembering all the good times around my parents and grandparents table at mealtime! My paternal grandmother was of Italian descent and I so loved her Polenta mush (with butter and parmesan cheese stirred in after cooking) served generally with chicken cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and sweet peas from her garden, wonderful herbs and of course garlic topped with more parmesan cheese. I still make it occasionally and still love it!My favorite dessert of many she made was a Budino with whiskey sauce.
From my maternal grandmother who was of Danish descent I remember her chicken dinners (after we killed and cleaned the chicken….I couldn’t do that anymore) and her homemade rolls and pastries. My dad used say you needed to keep your hands on them because they were so light and fluffy that they’d float right off your plate. (Mom said Gram thought the sun rose and set by him after saying that).
Last but not least, My Mom (who is 94 yrs and still cooking 3 meals a day by the way ) made and still makes the very best apple dumplings EVER and rhubarb custard pies. I still can’t make them like she does Probably a good thing….lol Have I made you hungry yet?
Hugs Lynne
Mmmmm, polenta mush with butter and parmesan cheese? That sounds wonderful! And served by your Italian grandmother gives you bonus points! And yes, you made me hungry(ier) by telling me about your other grandmother, and your mom! And I loved every bit of this, thank you so much for sharing! hugs!