Among the many poignant moments in this quirky love story by Audrey Niffenegger, it's the lazy picnics shared by grade-school Clare and her time-traveling husband-to-be that stand out for us.
In the future, Henry and Clare are married and have their own host of problems. But here in the meadow behind Clare's childhood home, they can take a break from their lives to play a game of chess, discuss their favorite Beatle, and nibble on the leftovers from Clare's lunches.
Since Clare's family can't know about Henry until he and Clare 'officially' meet in the present, these picnics are top secret and their meals consist of whatever food Clare is able to sneak out of her house: crumbly cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches wrapped in tin foil, and occasionally some 'rocket fuel' coffee. Henry, always ravenous after time-traveling, wolfs down Clare's eclectic offerings with admirable gusto.
We like the idea of a clandestine picnic all our own! Sure, it's still chilly and gray outside. No matter! Poke around in the fridge for some leftovers, brew up a big thermos of coffee, and roll out a fuzzy blanket right on the kitchen floor. This weekend, how about we all steal a few secret minutes for ourselves and the folks we love?
A Mid-winter Picnic Menu:
Spicy Ovenroasted Chickpeas
Steelcut Oats with Dates, Coconut, Cinnamon, and Pecans
Clean-Out-the-Pantry Pumpkin Peanut and Ginger Soup
French-Press Coffee
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I highly recommend this book, especially since it was written by my second cousin! She tells quite a story.
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I LOVE this book!! I was hoping for a sequel when it was finished. :)
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GREAT book.
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I love this book so much!!
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My favorite book of all time. An absolute must-read!
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One of the best books I read last year.
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I love this book. I have leant it to so many people it is getting a bit of a "well read" look. Everybody loved it.
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