The Way of the Gardener: Lost in the Weeds Along the Camino de Santiago

Penner, Lyndon. The Way of the Gardener: Lost in the Weeds Along the Camino de Santiago. 2021. 224p. ISBN 9780889777835.

One of the most famous walking trek in the world is the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James. Though made up of many different roads that all lead to the Cathedral of Santiago, the most famous path is the French Way, which starts in St. Jean, on the French side of the Pyrennes, and then cross into Spain on a 800 kilometer walk. Pilgrims from all over the world accomplish this walk for various reasons: as a test of faith, as a spiritual journey, or as a feat of endurance and strength. 

Penner, who is well known for his gardening chronicles on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, walked the entire length of the Camino with a friend, observing people and nature along the way. Focused on the plants he encountered, Penner describes the northern part of Spain in term of its ecology and the impact human activity had on plants such as olive groves and chestnut trees. Along the way, Penner encounters difficulties but meets wonderful people, eats good food, and enjoys nature. 

Those looking for a challenge or those who enjoy hiking will appreciate this of the beaten path memoir and will long to follow in Penner's footsteps and discover for themselves this amazing path.

With the Fire on High

Acevedo, Elizabeth. With the Fire on High. 2019. 392p. ISBN 9780062662835. Available at FIC ACE on the library shelves.

Emoni is the proud mother of baby girl Emma, but as she starts her senior year in high school, having a two-year old and living with one's grandmother is not necessarily where she saw herself. When she became pregnant after her first time having sex with her much older boyfriend, Emoni determined to stay in regular school in Philadelphia and earn her diploma, instead of attending the more forgiving school for pregnant and teen moms. 

Ever since she delivered Emma, Emoni has been faced with one challenge after another. Her boyfriend broke up with her soon after learning she was pregnant. Her African-American mother died during Emoni's birth. Her Puerto Rican father is a deadbeat, more interested in taking care of his community than taking care of his daughter. Her grandmother's disability checks are not enough to support them both, so Emoni works at a local burger joint part time, supplementing the household's income. And Emma continues to grow and demand more time from her mother.

Aside from Emma and her grandmother, what Emoni loves to do most is cook. She is a fantastic cook, and never makes the same dish twice, always modifying and improving what she's made before. Her dream is to run her own restaurant, and she would love to attend culinary school, but realistically has no chance as her grades are not very good, and she's got to care for Emma. Returning to school at the beginning of her Senior year, Emoni discovers that the culinary arts program has returned. She eagerly enrolls in the class, even though one of the requirements is a week-long apprenticeship in Spain that she will need to pay for. She doesn't know how she will make that work, but she will find a way.

Then there's new guy Malachi, straight from New Jersey, who endeavors to get to know Emoni better, even though she pushes him away several times. Emoni is neither interested in a relationship, nor does she have the time. But Malachi is in the culinary course, so it's hard to avoid him. Despite her culinary skills, she runs afoul of the chef, who instructs her to follow the recipe. This is important because people may have allergies, and it achieves consistency. Emoni considers dropping the class, but she perseveres, and eventually discover that her culinary talents can in fact take her farther than she thought possible.

Emoni's story contains a dash of romance, a whole lot of family love, and the desire to exceed expectations and circumstances. Fans of food will enjoy the rich dishes Emoni describes, and will appreciate how hard Emoni works to be the best mother and person she can be.