Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / Books / Read With Us: Leave the World Behind Discussion

Read With Us: Leave the World Behind Discussion

March 2, 2021 By Carole

Okay, readers, the day you’ve been waiting for has arrived . . . it’s time to talk about Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. Bonny and Kym and I are each posing one question about the book for our online discussion and then we’ll be hosting a Zoom meeting tonight to dig a little deeper with a live chat.

My question has to do with the grocery store trip that Amanda takes right at the beginning of the novel. Do you remember the list of things she purchased? It’s rather pretentious and I think says a whole lot about the lifestyle of this family. Here, I’ll quote a bunch of it for you.

She bought yogurt and blueberries. She bought sliced turkey, whole-grain bread, that pebbly mud-colored mustard, and mayonnaise. She bought potato chips and tortilla chips and jarred salsa full of cilantro . . . organic hot dogs and inexpensive buds and the same ketchup everyone bought. She bought cold, hard lemons and seltzer and Tito’s vodka and two bottles of nine-dollar red wine. She bought dried spaghetti and salted butter and a head of garlic. She bought thick-cut bacon and a two-pound bag of flour and twelve-dollar maple syrup in a faceted glass bottle like a tacky perfume. She bought a pound of ground coffee . . . those fancy crackers you put out when there were guests, and Ritz crackers, which everyone liked best, and crumbly white cheddar cheese and extra-garlicky hummus and an unsliced hard salami and . . . packages of cookies from Pepperidge Farm and three pints of Ben & Jerry’s politically virtuous ice cream and a Duncan Hines boxed mix for a yellow cake and a Duncan Hines tub of chocolate frosting with a red plastic lid, because parenthood had taught her that on a vacation’s inevitable rainy day you could while away an hour by baking a boxed cake. She bought two tumescent zucchini, a ag of snap peas, a bouquet of curling kale so green it was almost black. She bought a bottle of olive oil and a box of Entenmann’s crumb-topped doughnuts, a bunch of bananas and a bag of white nectarines and two plastic packages of strawberries, a dozen brown eggs, a plastic box of prewashed spinach, a plastic container of olives, some heirloom tomatoes wrapped in crinkling cellophane, marbled green and shocking orange. She bought three pounds of ground beef and two packages of hamburger buns, their bottoms dusty with flour, and a jar of locally made pickles. She bought four avocados and three limes . . . it was more than two hundred dollars, but never mind.

Wow, right?

So here’s the question: How does this list reflect her background and her hopes for the days ahead? Think of a trip or a vacation you’ve taken in recent years and how you prepared for it. What do you think your approach to planning a trip says about you? How is it similar or different from Amanda’s approach?

The trips to Cape Cod that I take with my family every summer are pretty similar in concept to the vacation that Amanda and her family are taking. Just like them, we rent a house and, just like them, we mostly eat in. My approach is to plan meals for the week and make an extensive list and do a big shopping trip with little trips for fresh bread or other things later in the week. I definitely tend to splurge at the grocery store when we’re on vacation. I’ll buy the more expensive cheese, the prepared snacks from the deli, the high end olives and crackers and the fancy ice cream.. I indulge to treat myself and my family to things I would normally deem too expensive, to make meal preparation easier, and I justify it by telling myself that it’s still less expensive than eating out.

I suppose that says that I’m a planner who is practical but enjoys little luxuries like fancy cheese. I’m certainly not as boujee as Amanda, though!

I look forward to reading your thoughts on this passage in the comments.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailRead With Us: Leave the World Behind Default ThumbnailRead With Us: Just Mercy Book Discussion Week 3 Default ThumbnailRead With Us: Wild Game Discussion Time Default ThumbnailRead With Us: The Women of Brewster Place Discussion Time
« For the Love of Reading: February 2021
My Peloton Story »

Filed Under: Books, Read With Us

Comments

  1. Kat says

    March 2, 2021 at 7:54 am

    I remember hearing that list and thinking wtaf?!? When we go away, we generally bring some food from home and our big “buy” is local beer.

    But in light of the nameless disaster that begins to unfold in the story, it seems that there might have been better choices in the food department. I can’t wait for tonight’s discussion!

  2. Carolyn says

    March 2, 2021 at 11:35 am

    Not sure if I can trust my memory here–but Amanda was always wanting to fit in, to unapologetically be ‘a type.’ I read this as *her trying to be that* on this vacation. While they’re price-conscious about where to eat out when they’re home, this ‘dream state’ in the grocery store (down to the sexual fantasy about the bag boy) is a chance to live vicariously for the week.
    Looking forward to this evening!

  3. Sarah says

    March 2, 2021 at 12:45 pm

    I distinctly remember paying attention to her shopping list when reading the book. We also used to go on family trips to Cape Cod, and we’d rent a house for the two weeks we usually spent there, which meant a big stock-up trip to the Stop and Shop. We would always get some treats, but mostly we bought the things we’d eat at home — stuff to make sandwiches for lunch, cold cereals for breakfast, fresh fruit, some cookies and soda. I think what this list reveals about Amanda is that she’s very much striving to appear that she’s more well off than she is, that she aspires to be one of those women who gets her kids to eat kale and buys the fancy small-batch artisanal pickles and olives and what have you without thinking about the price. But she also buys the comfort food like boxed cake mix (because she’s probably not “domestic” enough to be able or to want to make a cake from scratch).

  4. Vicki says

    March 2, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    I’m sure that Amanda was just “too busy” to bother with shopping (or even making a list) beforehand. Heh. I definitely do not wait until I reach my destination for a week-long vacation to shop! I like to plan, because I don’t want to be thinking too hard about what’s for dinner while I’m relaxing… on vacation. Of course, we always end up going to the store, and I splurge on stuff, too, but not the whole shebang… and this isn’t even a shopping list, it’s a list of what she spontaneously purchased.

    Also, I’m no expert, but I do not think $9 for wine is a splurge.

  5. Suzanne says

    March 2, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    I did wonder about the extent of the list. We always went camping in the summer from the time I was 6 months and I just remember a regular shopping trip when we got there but then we were camping and didn’t have storage for all that. When I go on vacation we usually eat out as it’s just a weekend. I did wonder if they would be able to eat it all during the week as they had a lot of fruits/vegetables that would go bad.

  6. Margene says

    March 3, 2021 at 8:48 am

    I think Amanda had NO PLAN when she went to the store and just bought what she thought of as she saw it. She bought what she knew would work (hamburger and cheap wine) but then just splurged on anything that “looked” good. I agree with Sarah and her points on Amanda. The list certainly brought her character into view. What a mess she was! Sorry I missed the evening!

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

Friday Night Snacks while camping. This is shaping Friday Night Snacks while camping. This is shaping up to be a really (really) great decision. #fridaynightsnacks #itsaboutdamntime #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #huckthecamper #adventuresofdaleandcarole #campinglife #sandypondcampground #thosenapkinsthough
Now blooming in the dahlia patch, Hamilton Lillian Now blooming in the dahlia patch, Hamilton Lillian! #dahliaseason #dahlialove #hamiltonlilliandahlia #igrewitmyself #flowerfarmer #crookedbarnflowerfarm #flowersaremagical
So. We did a thing. After two years of hemming and So. We did a thing. After two years of hemming and hawing, looking at new and used campers and being very intentional with what we knew wanted, we bought ourselves a brand new 25’ camper. Let the camping adventures begin again! #campinglife #weboughtacamper #adventuresofdaleandcarole #newadventures #camperlife
Now blooming in my garden, dahlia variety number t Now blooming in my garden, dahlia variety number two, Hamilton Lillian. I’m equally obsessed! #dahliaseason #dahliaobsession #igrewitmyself #flowersaremagical #hamiltonlilliandahlia
Officially obsessed with my first dahlia! #dahlias Officially obsessed with my first dahlia! #dahlias #dahliaseason #igrewitmyself #flowerfarmer #flowersaremagical
My first ever dahlia grown from a tuber is almost My first ever dahlia grown from a tuber is almost in bloom! #dahlias #dahliabud #dahliaseason #growingdahlias #flowerfarmer #igrewitmyself #flowersaremagical
It’s the last night of vacation, I go back to wo It’s the last night of vacation, I go back to work tomorrow. It’s been fab, I must say. One week in Maine and one week at home is perfect. I read 7 books and had, well, more cocktails than that. 🤣 We’re having our usual snacks on the deck, that sterling silver canoe that I bought in Camden, ME is the star of the tray. Okay, maybe the cheese from @thelostkitchen, too, because it’s perfectly stinky and utterly delicious. Cheers to a vacation well spent! #vacationisover #cocktailhourathome #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #silvercanoe #cheesetray
Pizza Fridays have returned now that we’re home. Pizza Fridays have returned now that we’re home. My fav is margherita. I make the sauce and dough myself, the mozzarella is local and I grew the basil.  @ooni.it #margheritapizza #homemadepizza #pizzafriday #happyfriyay #imadeitmyself #localfood
It’s wonderful to be home, reunited with the cat It’s wonderful to be home, reunited with the cats and all of our own stuff, but I miss this morning wake up call from the sun. #baysidemaine #sunrise #coastofmaine #mainesunrise #sunriseovertheocean #thewaylifeshouldbe #morningview
It’s been another exceptional week on the coast It’s been another exceptional week on the coast of Maine. I feel more myself here than anywhere, listening to the sound of the ocean, inhaling the salt air, and feeling the gentle sea breezes. This week means everything to me and I’m so grateful for the privilege of spending time here. #baysidemaine #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #rechargebytheocean #coastofmaine #thewaylifeshouldbe
Watching Gaslit with a view. It’s another beauti Watching Gaslit with a view. It’s another beautiful night in Bayside. #baysidemaine #gaslitstarz #alaptopwithaview #porchsitting #coastofmaine
A donut the size of my hand! This one is called Th A donut the size of my hand! This one is called The Homer 🤣 @theonlydoughnut.belfast #theonlydoughnut #belfastmaine #thewaylifeshouldbe #donutsforbreakfast
I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine # I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine #thewaylifeshouldbe #maine #theviewfromhere
Friday night snacks look better from here. And als Friday night snacks look better from here. And also, I’m not oblivious to today’s news, I’m devastated. I’m also extra grateful to (a) live in Massachusetts and (b) be privileged enough to ignore it for right now while on vacation. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #baysidemaine #cheeseandcrackers #myhappyplace
Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Friday. #oonipizzaoven @ooni.it #pizzanight #outdoorliving #margaritapizza #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyayn Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyaynight #helloweekend #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #charcuterie #outdoorliving
Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningv Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningvibes #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #fredandgeorge
Friday night is pizza night these days. And those Friday night is pizza night these days. And those napkins? They sum up the secret to our 25 (next Tuesday!) year marriage! #oonipizzaoven #fridaynightsnacks #peaceloveandcocktails
It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch un It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch under the pergola. #sundaybrunch #brunchalfresco #pergolaliving #outdoorliving #inmybackyard #juneismyfavoritemonth
My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Sti My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Still, I’m grateful to head into Memorial Day weekend focusing on the good, remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, seeking common ground and (always) looking for hope. If all that fails, at least I’ve got a martini. And snacks. #fridaynightsnacks #memorialdayweekend2022 #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in