Book Club- The Art of Choosing

/ Uncategorized

Our latest book club read was The Art of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar.  Overall, it was a decent book with some interesting insights.  As is probably obvious by the name, it’s all about how we make choices.  I would argue that the name of the book should have been the science of choosing, since a lot of the book was devoted to discussing various studies around how people (and animals) make choices.  While some of the discussion about the studies was intriguing, I quickly began to dread when she’d mention another one. I knew it meant page after page of minutiae about that just went on too long.  Maybe it’s just the timing of things but right now with all of the facts and data swirling about these days around Covid-19, I don’t necessarily need all that in my reading for pleasure.  Know what I mean?  The other book club ladies felt the same way. 

I also found the writing styles jarring.  I used styles, as in plural, because it felt like the author had 2 separate voices.  The softer more anecdotal voice and the more scientific voice relating all the data of the studies.  I have to admit, I really enjoyed the former writing style and would love to read a whole book about her life in that voice. 

I would say I could recommend this book, but only to a certain group of people that I new would enjoy the science behind it.  Those that want an easy “beach read” right now, this book is not for your I’m sorry to say. :/

We met again online.  We forgot to take a pic until after we’d all gotten off the call so had to take a few to get everyone, lol. These are wacky times!

Our next book is Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker and I cannot wait to read it!  As always, you can check out what we’ve read and my corresponding posts on my Book Club Pinterest board.

 

The Pick Your Poison 

I thought it would be fun to make a cocktail related to this book by doing something that involved some choices.  I feel like we’re all learning to “make do” with whatever we have in our cupboards and fridges so this cocktail is perfect for that.  I’ve chosen some ingredients that pair well with several different kinds of spirit so you can use whatever you have!

Start by filling your cocktail glass with ice and pouring in half of the lemon-lime soda.  If you want something less sweet (or don’t have lemon-lime soda), use club soda or sparkling water they’ll both work great. Now pour in the lime (or lemon, or grapefruit) juice and sweet vermouth. Add your favorite spirit on top of that. The ones I’ve listed in the recipe are the ones I’ve tried so I can attest that they taste good, but I bet there other great options out there.  

Top with the rest of the soda and give it a stir.

Enjoy!