Everything I’m Reading (and Eating) This Summer

Every other Wednesday, Bon Appétit executive editor Sonia Chopra shares what’s going on at BA—the stories she’s loved reading, the recipes she’s been making, and more. If you sign up for our newsletter, you’ll get her letter before everyone else.

When I was a kid I took part in a lot of programs that encouraged young students to read more books by, well, bribing us with things like pizza and ice cream. I was (and still am) a big fan of books and food, so afternoons reading turning into evenings with free treats were the best of both worlds for me—and always felt kind of like I was getting away with something.

I had the same rush when, for our June–July issue (out now; subscribe to get future issues!), my coworkers green-lit a story featuring seven newish novels that all have a lot to do with food. There’s a beautiful generation-spanning story centering four Dakota women and the seeds that sustain them; romances set against two rival phở spots, a charming English B&B, and the dreamy Italian coast; and a murder mystery wherein our protagonist’s ex, a food critic, dies in her aunt’s Filipino family restaurant. All the novels are, I think, ultimately uplifting, and if you’re looking for a summer read (that pairs perfectly with a summer snack), I hope you’ll check them out.

Since I didn’t include any children’s books in the print story, I wanted to share a few fun, kid-friendly options for the littles in your life:

It’s hot here in Brooklyn, and I’m definitely spending more time reading on the sofa and less time in the kitchen. Meaning I’ll only brave my oven for the quick hits: Christina Chaey’s spicy braised tofu, Sarah Jampel’s sheet-pan gnocchi, and contributor Rosalyn Vera’s perfect-for-brunch mollettes, which were a fast favorite in our home. I’d love to hear what low-fuss recipes you’re cooking from the BA archives, and, of course, what you’re reading too. I’m at sonia@bonappetit.com.

Originally Appeared on Bon Appétit