Book Recommendation: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

This book should come with a trigger warning. Its depictions of the every day struggles of running an indie-business, crooked friendships, and loss and death are unnervingly accurate and real. While reading the book there were many a times that I had flashbacks of memories of my own past. It’s both a testament to the quality of work Zevin’s put out and a reminder that some stories can be a painful read.

I related with Sadie, on her artistic instincts and creative endeavors, her resistance to the corporate greed and being told to work in the confines of a system. I related with Marx being the adult in the room, gluing their friendship together. Related with Sam’s grandparents who found solace in caring for their grandson, and celebrated every small win of the kid (my grandmother was like that). I related with Sam when he felt love and care must be shown, not told. I also loved the fact that this is not a romantic love story, we need so many more stories about real, authentic and messy friendships!

At the same time it was frustrating to see Sadie and Sam struggle with communication, there were times when I felt I wanted to steer the book in a certain direction because the way it was headed was inevitable and foreseeably disheartening.

All this is to say that the book had me more than invested. It’s a great book and that’s what makes it a gut wrenching read that weighs on you heavy with its hyper-realistic and authentic emotions.

Rating: ★★★★★ (Hall of fame level good)

Pizzeria Antica Port'Alba - Oldest Pizzeria in the world

Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba is the oldest (and arguably the world’s first pizzeria). Established in 1738 they started as a roadside cart where they’d offer the fishermen fresh pizza (tomatoes on a flat bread sometimes topped with anchovies).

Sadly the pizza there didn’t live up to the hype. I tried their Marinara (the only vegan item on the menu); The dough was dense, the bottom charred and the tomatoes lacked flavor.  What made matters worse was the fact that they were selling artisanal Neapolitan oliera at an exorbitant markup, almost like a tourist trap.