shauna neiquist is just good company.

In Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes, Shauna Niequist opens her heart to readers. The book is laid out in her characteristically short chapter/memoir style, chapters moving between childhood experiences to her current life as a wife and mother of two little boys. This memoir/cookbook is filled with essays on food, family, and friends, most chapters connecting to a recipe that the author herself loves and uses. Niequist has this way of turning the kitchen into a safe place where perfection is completely unnecessary and honestly, frowned upon. She takes the stress out of preparing a meal, encouraging readers to put on some music, get out the cutting board, and invite friends and family in. Pour the wine and fully involve yourself in the satisfaction of nourishing both body and spirit as you offer a meal at your table. It's really kind of beautiful.

I for one love Niequist's use of quotes at the beginning of every chapter, I am a sucker for a good quote. Her tales are touching, her anecdotes about life are witty and real, and her recipes are yummy, so no complaints here.