This is my first official post to Cooking the Books, so here’s hoping it works! I am so excited this site and club have taken off. I have officially purchased our first novel, which was an adventure in itself. My poor husband got dragged to not one, not two, not three, but four bookstores on a conquest for “I Loved, I lost, I Made Spaghetti”. There is nothing better than seeing a six foot guy with tattoos asking “do you have I love, I lost…”. We finally found it in a Barnes and Noble and I have snuck in the first chapter, “Antipasto” on the way home (since it was only two pages!). I love how it already has me thinking and reflecting on my own life. I already feel that Giulia could be a good friend. In a short two pages I started wondering about how I often rush to present my best qualities to others, rather than taking it slow. I also began to think of my pre-matt years. I often cooked for myself and although I certainly appreciated the quiet of a good meal for one, I wonder if good company is a necessary ingredient for even the best recipes. I am sure I will continue to ponder these and many more as I read on. For now, here are the beginnings of my cooking expeditions!