If you are looking for a light-hearted book, I highly recommend Meet the Benedettos. It’s a refreshing change if you are used to reading other genres, as I am. Thrillers, historical fiction, biographies, and mysteries are all great, but once in a while, it’s invigorating to change it up.
The Benedettos are a family of five daughters, all grown or nearly grown to adulthood. There are parents as well, and they all live in an upscale neighborhood outside of Los Angeles. If I am not mistaken it’s in the city of Calabasas. Sound familiar? Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you have heard of The Kardashians. While their reality show continues to thrive, the Benedettos were not so lucky; theirs lasted only three seasons. The girls, and the mom, miss the entitled lifestyle and all the glamour and perks that come with fame. However, they are not as shallow as the public might expect.
The older two girls, June and Lilly, try to shepherd the younger ones, as both parents seem to have tuned out. The younger girls feel they were left out of the party; when the show aired, they were adolescents who couldn’t go clubbing or partying with an exclusive group of friends. Fame is fleeting as well as fickle, and they missed out. Mari, in the middle of the pack, is a bit of a loner, spending lots of time on her computer, somewhat aloof from the others.
Yet, they are sisters, family, and they face the problems they encounter as one. An eating disorder, a leaked sex video, and looming foreclosure are just a few of their difficulties. Mrs. Benedetto ignores the impending financial ruin and continues to spend as if they are still earning millions. Mr. Benedetto, who is the once-renowned “Meatball King” and who earned millions on a now-failed franchise business, hides in his home gym for most of each day, a somewhat-broken man who has tuned out his wife and daughters.
Lilly, the second-oldest, perks up a bit when two up-and-coming actors move into the neighborhood. Soon she and her older sister, June, are spending a lot of time next door. But relationships are fraught with problems, and theirs are no different.
Don’t worry, this is a light-hearted read, and it has a happy, if somewhat predictable ending. I think the only surprise is how their finances are saved, and who comes to the rescue. Hey, no spoiler here!
Do yourself a favor and read Meet the Benedettos. It will make your heart happy, and the lessons may just stay with you for quite a while.
I give it four stars out of five. It’s a really good book.
Recipe for Veggies Benedetto
Tony, my Sicilian neighbor, taught me how to make this delightful side dish. He makes up simple recipes, and he’s a great cook. I could have named this after him, but there’s another dish I’ll feature in another review that has his name on it.
I’m a little embarrassed as to how easy this is; don’t let that fool you. Serve this to company, bring it as a hot dish to a potluck, or give your family a treat. I like to make it a day ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator, but sometimes I eat it the same day because I can’t wait!
Ingredients
- One eggplant, peeled and chopped
- Olive oil
- Half an onion, chopped
- Medium zucchini, chopped
- One can Rotel with chilis
- Prepared garlic (or fresh, it’s up to you)
- 1 tablespoon each of Italian herbs and sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Peel and chop an eggplant. Put some oil (olive oil is best, but vegetable oil will also work) into a pot and add the eggplant. Cook on high for 5 minutes, then turn to medium and stir every 5 minutes. After about 15 minutes, add chopped zucchini, half a chopped onion, and a can of Rotel, the one with the chilis. Cook for 15 minutes. Add in a healthy tablespoon of prepared garlic (from a jar). Sprinkle in some Italian herbs (I used the dried ones). Also, sprinkle in a tablespoon of sugar and some salt and pepper. Stir, then shut off the heat. Let it sit on the stove till it cools, then put it into the refrigerator.
Add-in: Stir in a half cup of shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese when you turn off the heat. This stuff is like crack, it’s so good. Find it in the specialty cooler, probably not with the “regular” cheeses. You will have to shred it yourself as it is usually sold in a wedge.
Did you like the book? The recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
Thank you.
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