Someone We Know
Synopsis: No one does neighborhood drama like Shari Lapena and this book is no exception. The book starts with a teenager breaking into various homes in his neighborhood to hack into their computers and learn their deepest and darkest secrets. Later, we learn that a woman down the street is murdered and the entire neighborhood is turned upside down.
Corey’s Review: A few of my girlfriends and I read this book during quarantine and it was such a good way to disconnect from reality. It’s is a classic page turner and I think one of my friends even stayed up all night to finish. I don’t usually lean towards this genre, but I can see why it is enjoyed by so many people. I think if you can take this book for what it is you will really enjoy it. If you are looking for an easy read that is suspenseful with neighborhood drama then this would be a great pick! Rating: 4/5
Nicholette’s Review: I missed out on this one, but it almost sounds like a description of Desperate Housewives! I get the impression that was a pretty spicy neighborhood. Maybe a good beach read?
Menu: Ironically the women in the neighborhood all belong to a book club so we thought it would be fun to do a pot luck book club. I decided to make “the dip” from Alison Roman and it was a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients:
⅓ cup olive oil
4 scallions (or green garlic), white and light green parts, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems) or chives, plus more for garnish
Flaky sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups labneh, full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Method:
Heat the olive oil, scallions, red-pepper flakes and cilantro in a small pot over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the scallions and red-pepper flakes start to visually and audibly sizzle and frizzle and turn the oil a bright, fiery orange. Remove from the heat, and let cool enough to taste without burning your mouth, then season with salt and pepper.
Combine the labneh and lemon juice in a medium bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon into a bowl and swirl in the sizzled scallion mixture. Top with extra cilantro, if you like.
