Enjoy a delightful culinary and literary pairing with the Tomato-Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, accompanied by the novel 'Where the Crawdads Sing' and a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or julienned
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and mozzarella balls.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the tomato, cucumber, and mozzarella mixture. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Add the torn or julienned basil leaves to the salad and give it a final toss. Serve immediately, either chilled or at room temperature.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Delia Owens' debut novel, 'Where the Crawdads Sing,' tells the story of Kya Clark, the 'Marsh Girl,' who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. The novel beautifully describes the marsh's intricate ecosystem while unraveling the mystery of a death in the town. It's an emotional coming-of-age and murder mystery story.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting influence Kya's character development?
- What role does nature play in the novel?
- Discuss the significance of the trial in the town versus the wilderness.
- How does Delia Owens use the concept of isolation in the book?
- Discuss the symbolism behind the title, 'Where the Crawdads Sing.'
- Examine the depiction of gender roles within the narrative.
- How do Kya's relationships with other characters evolve throughout the story?
- What moral dilemmas are faced by the characters, and how do they resolve them?
- How does the author build suspense around the central mystery?
- In what ways does Kya defy societal expectations and norms?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219109
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and slightly bitter cocktail that pairs perfectly with a summer salad. Its vibrant orange hues and fizzy nature create a perfect contrast to the creamy mozzarella and fresh vegetables in the salad.
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the Prosecco over the ice, followed by the Aperol.
- Add a splash of soda water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
- Serve immediately.