THIS IS NOT ABOUT US

I absolutely adored This Is Not About Us, Allegra Goodman’s latest book that weaves together the interconnected stories of an extended Jewish family. Our introduction to three generations of Rubinsteins begins with a rift between two elder sisters about an apple cake, baked to win the affection of the rest of the family. What ensues is a hilarious, heartfelt, and moving exploration of complicated family dynamics that had me laugh-sobbing throughout the entire book.
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To me, the magic of This Is Not About Us is in its nuanced observations of human nature and family relationships. This book subtly shows how we are all a composite of our childhood experiences, and even if families might exasperate, hurt, or disappoint each other, they share a bond of understanding, history, loyalty and love. I felt every range of emotions reading this book, but especially nostalgia thinking of my own childhood, family holidays and milestones. I’m going on record to say my family is nothing like the Rubinsteins but the Jewish family realness made me laugh out loud with relatability, and there are some universal Jewish grandma-isms that were absolute perfection. Loved and highly recommend!
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So obviously a book centered on an apple cake - and a painting of one on the cover - is going to find its way onto my shelf and into my kitchen. When I baked this I could 100% see how the intoxicating aroma could cause a family civil war! So delicious and pretty (thank you Nordic Ware!), this definitely will be a repeat bake for me. Recipe below!