66 Comments
Dec 23, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I am interested in any type of healthy recipe! My husband had a real sweet tooth and loves when I bake cookies, etc. I would be more willing to bake more often if I can make healthier sweet treats!

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I love that this as a goal, Luann. Lots of recipes here and in my book. Let me know if you have questions!

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Apr 21, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I loved We All Want Impossible Things, and have recommended it to many friends. A brilliant combination of sad and very funny.

Currently working my way through the wonderful Demon Copperhead. I read everything Barbara Kingsolver writes.

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Thank you Nancy. A great recommendation. I am also currently reading Kingsolver's latest.

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I just read Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. Not the best read during the vacation I was taking, BUT it’s excellent! It’s about family, mental illness, and marriage. Please read it, but maybe not at the beach. Now that I’m home, I’m working my way through Simply Genius Cookbook by Kristen Miglore — no clunkers yet! You must give in and trust. Even the simplest recipes are packed with flavor!

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Feb 24, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I’ve loved Simply Genius as well!

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Good to know! Thanks Dana.

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Feb 24, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Reading BHK of course, and just gifted to my sis-in-law, brand new to any interest in brain health. So fun to gift such a gem by such a gem!

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You are so kind. I love that people are reading the book, gifting it, and of course, cooking from it.

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Hi Brandon! I see that Sorrow and Bliss has amazing reviews. I have been taking a break from this genre after reading Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker, also a fantastic book. I'll put it on my list. And I have always been a fan of Kristen's genius recipes. Sounds like I need to add that to my cookbook collection. Thanks so much.

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And right now I’m reading The First 20 Minutes, which is a huge departure for me. I’ll buy books like these, start them, and then wish I could press them against my head so that all the information flows directly into my brain. It’s an in-depth look at exercise and its benefits (with recommendations) based on the latest science that’s so well written and unexpectedly funny, that I haven’t — shockingly — been able to put it down.

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Funny, me too. Wishing I had invested in speed reading classes in college. Does this book go into the brain health benefits, in particular Alzheimer's risk reduction?

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Feb 22, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Currently reading Horse by Geraldine Brooks.

A favourite for 2022 was Still Life by Sarah Winman

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I loved Horse! Still Life has really good reviews too. Thanks Jill!

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Feb 21, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

A Gentleman in Moscow-never wanted it to end.

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It's such a good audiobook too! I have listened to some of my favorite parts over and over. Have you read any of his other books? I enjoyed them all, but Gentleman is probably his masterpiece.

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Feb 20, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I am reading “The Maid” by Nita Prose. Met you at Copperfield’s in Santa Rosa and found discussion very motivating. I am interested in Vasudha Viswanath’s “The Vegetarian Reset” as it looks like a great complement for your book with interesting recipe ideas.

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Hi Susan! So nice to hear from you. I have heard The Maid is a great read. Thanks for the recommendation.

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Feb 19, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Annie, loved this post, and like your other subscribers, I am a voracious reader.

I recently finished "Remarkably Bright Creatures," a first novel by Shelby Van Pelt, and it was one of my all-time favorite novels. It is the story of a 70 year old woman who works nights cleaning an aquarium in the Puget Sound area, and her friendship with Marcel--an octopus. It's also a mystery. Wonderful insights about human nature--as seen from the eyes of a thinking and talking octopus.

I am also reading "Lessons from Lucy," by Dave Barry, who just turned 70. His dog Lucy, is 10 (the equivalent of 70 in dog years.) This funny and insightful book shares what we can learn about being happy while growing old, and how we can find joy in every day--just like Lucy.

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I have had Remarkably Bright Creatures on my list since you mentioned it in your newsletter Sally! Lessons from Lucy sounds wonderful. We could probably start a whole other thread about our favorite dog books:)

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Feb 19, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

My 2 favorites of 2022 were Cloud Cuckoo Land and the Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post - amazing story of an incredible strong woman. Great historical review along with her story!

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Feb 19, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

My favorite was either Cloud Cuckoo Land or Tha Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post! I read the whole spectrum of fiction.

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Reading fiction is supposed to be really great for cognitive health! I have to give Cuckoo Land another chance. Thanks Susan!

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I am reading now The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, by Peter Frankopan. It brings a different perspective of universal History, with the focus centered not in Europe, as we were told at school, but more to the East, where languages, religions, trade practice, cience and even gastronomy have their origins. For me, a real adicted to History, it’s being an amazing experience.

Last Year reading was another amazing document: 10% Human, by Alanna Colen. I strongly recomend.

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Feb 21, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

The Silk Roads was really interesting! So much that we do not know about our world and our shared history.

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I was intrigued when I saw that book browsing in my local bookstore! Wonderful recommendation, thank you Gardel!

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Feb 19, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

This is such a great post. I love getting book recommendations from other like minded individuals. I am currently enjoying The XX Brain by Lisa Mosconi, Phd and Ikigai, The Japanesse Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.

My favorite read of 2022 was The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave.

I would love to learn to cook more Indian inspired dishes so The Vegetarian Reset sounds very interesting to me.

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Isn't Lisa's book wonderful? Great recommendations. Thanks Kelly!

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Currently reading:

1) Year of Wonder: Classical Music to Enjoy Day by Day *I'm looking to deepen my listening and reconnect to classical music and this book is a great way to dive in each day.

2) Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin *incredibly smart writing, I'm really enjoying it!

3) Parwana, Recipes and Stories from an Afghan Kitchen *making an Afghan meal tomorrow for a refugee student. A beautiful book!

I'm excited to look through all the comments. Thanks Annie for your work, it's been inspiring to learn from you.

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I forgot to add my favorite of 2022 (or was it 2021??): Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. I would say it's my favorite of the last decade actually. Absolutely love that book but it takes time to really get into (like 100+ pages for some-but worth it!)

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Feb 26, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I loved this book too and also wondered if it was the best thing I’d read in over a decade!

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This is so good to hear. I am a diehard Doerr fan but couldn't get into that book. I need to give it another go. Thank you!

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I was well past 100 pages but it finally clicked and I couldn't put it down. It's brilliant but definitely challenging at first.

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Totally agree. Once I put it together then I was off to the races. But how cool that he kep us reading to that point. I’m looking for something else that is that challenging and yet rewarding!

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Me too Susan! My husband feels that way about Midnight's Children by Rushdie. I have not been able to finish it but want to try again. Have you read any other books you feel that way about? I love a good, long book you never want to end.

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Feb 19, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Definitely give it another try

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Current read: The River of Doubt, by Candice Millard.

Best read in 2022: Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son by Anne Lamott. (ANY BOOK by Anne Lamott is worth your time!)

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Yes, I am such an Anne Lamott fan. It's been awhile since I've read one of her books though.

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

The Vegetarian Reset looks great. My sister is a huge fan of Indian food and has been going more plant based lately. I would love for her to see the recipes and how the food is made healthier.

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I bet she'd love it. I really like how approachable these recipes are. I am making the Dan Dan Noodles tonight.

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

Currently reading Joyce Meyers How To Love Hard People. She is open about her struggles and how love is better than hate and the ways to get yourself to a place where you can put the past behind and help those you might not otherwise want to help. She is funny i and pragmatic at the same time and keeps it real and relatable.

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Sounds like an important book. Thanks Michele!

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Feb 18, 2023Liked by Annie Fenn, MD

I love this Annie !! I read all the time and of course love your book brain health kitchen!! Recommend to all my friends

Recently have read Fairytale by Stephen king - amazing story

Lessons in chemistry / one of my favorites

West with giraffes / excellent Mad honey by Jodi picoult. Demon copperhead - newest by barbara kingsolver

Thx everyone for all the recommendations - c as my wait for more

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Thanks Karen! Love hearing that people are both READING and COOKING with BHK book. I actually am listening to Lessons in Chemistry and partway into Demon Copperhead. I need to focus! Great recommendations, thank you!

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