Chain Gang All Stars

Synopsis: Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker are the stars of Chain Gang All Stars, a highly popular, highly controversial, and highly profitable program of America’s private prison industry. Set in the not distant future, prisoners compete gladiator style in televised death matches, playing to crowds in packed arenas. There are protesters of course—not EVERYONE is a fan. Loretta and Hamara are teammates as well as lovers leading to an inevitable showdown.

Review: This novel is a good example of why I try to forge ahead with a book, even when my first impression is less than admiring. This book was included on several “Best of 2023” lists, so I decided to give it a shot. I’ll admit, it was a hard sell at first. The violence can be a bit graphic. The whole notion of death matches as entertainment was frankly sickening. However, as the characters came to life, there was a lot more to this story than just violence and mayhem. I can’t say I “enjoyed” it in the traditional sense, but it was ultimately incredibly powerful and moving. Dark, yes, but also very creative. A sharp critique of our system of mass incarceration and cultural obsession with violent sports, this is the Roman Coliseum for the new age. It ended up being one of my favorite books of the year, but I wouldn’t have said that in the first 30-40 pages, so hang in there friends, it’s worth it.

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: Most of the prisoners in this dystopian tale have to survive on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. No recipe required! But if you are a star, you get chef prepared catered meals delivered to you by drone. Loretta, as the dominant fighter, is afforded relatively luxurious accommodations and meals. Instead of peanut butter and jelly for breakfast, she receives a delivery of eggs Benedict which she chooses to share with one of the newbies, fostering loyalty and an alliance. This recipe for easy Hollandaise sauce is from Ina Garten—foolproof.

2 extra large egg yolks at room temperature

1 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1) Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in the jar of a blender and process o low for 15 seconds.

2) Melt the butter in a small saucepan until sizzling hot. Remove the small clear plastic insert of the blender. with the blender on low, slowly add the hot butter to the egg and lemon mixture, blend for 30 seconds until the sauce is very thick. Use immediately.