An Unexpected Chapter

Clover has always been the one left behind. Her kindergarten teacher passed away in front of her in the middle of a dramatic reading of Peter Rabbit, her parents died during their travels when she was six, and her beloved grandfather passed away soon after Clover graduated from college. Clover is afraid of being left behind but not afraid of death. Now in her thirties, she makes her living as a death doula in New York City, living in the rent controlled apartment she’d shared with her grandfather. She lives quietly, her only friend is her eighty-something neighbor, Leo, as new people avoid her once they learn how she makes a living. She keeps journals to honor her clients, recording their last words, regrets, advice, and confessions. She is particularly haunted by their regrets. If a client regrets not pursuing a career in art, Clover takes an art class to honor them.

Then Clover meets two people who do not let her keep a safe distance. Her new neighbor, Sylvie, keeps insisting that Clover go out with her for coffee. And Sebastian, a man Clover meets at a death cafe, keeps popping into her life, insisting that she become a doula to his grandmother, a person as meaningful to him as Clover’s grandfather was to her. Clover’s life becomes unrecognizable. She’s going to yoga classes with her neighbor and going on dates. And Claudia, Sebastian’s grandmother, is her most intriguing client yet. She tells Clover of the great love of her life, the man she let go. Clover and Sebastian embark on a quest to find the mysterious Hugo and give Claudia the closure she needs. In the search for Hugo, Clover finds that it is time for her to live without regrets.

I loved this story of a woman living a small life in a big city. Being introverted, I related to Clover, and I enjoyed watching her open up to the world. While most of the novel features thirty-something Clover, we do get occasional chapters about her youth, providing a glimpse into how a kind and shy woman came to be so solitary. It is a well written novel with a small but compelling cast of characters. It would be a great book club choice because everyone could find a character to relate to. Also, it lends itself to discussions about regrets and the roads not taken. Strongly recommended.

Book Club Menu

Clover and her grandfather had a Sunday tradition where they would have breakfast at the neighborhood diner, then go to the bookstore where they would each buy one book. In honor of Clover and her grandfather, we are having a breakfast themed book club menu. Clover always goes for the French toast, so the main is clear here:

• Baked Cinnamon French Toast with Mascarpone (recipe below, assemble ahead of time)
• Bacon, turkey or regular
• Fresh fruit
• Mimosa bar. Have sparkling water available along with the Prosecco and juices so people can make mocktails if desired.
• Coffee and tea

Baked Cinnamon French Toast with Mascarpone

This French toast bake is delicious, so I hope you like calories. I don’t know if it’s the mascarpone or the buttery topping of French Toast Crunch, but it just works. Don’t let the uniform color put you off because this brown wonder is delicious with warming flavors of cinnamon and caramel. The crisp edges are particularly good.

Please note that several hours of soaking are needed, so please plan ahead.

Baked Cinnamon French Toast with Mascarpone


The French toast will need to soak in the fridge overnight or a minimum of 4 hours so please make this ahead of time.

Ingredients
A loaf of day old bread, broken into pieces
4 oz mascarpone
1 tablespoon sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla, divided
8 eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup dark rum (or extra milk, if you don’t have rum)
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch, crushed slightly
½ teaspoon salt
Directions
Spray 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine mascarpone, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, rum, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Blend well with a handheld mixer.
To assemble, place half the bread cubes in the baking dish, then dot with dollops of the mascarpone mixture. Top with remaining bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture over the top. If needed, press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to make sure everything soaks up the wet ingredients. Refrigerate overnight or a minimum of 4 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 and remove the baking dish from the fridge.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and salt. Add the topping evenly to the French toast.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.