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Ina Garten Revealed Which Book Is Currently on Her Nightstand, & It’s a Fascinating Thriller

Solid book rec coming your way

Ina Garten
Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Ina Garten is a treasure trove of wisdom when it comes to all things food and homemaking. Just a few weeks ago, she offered solid tips on the best host gifts—which, surprisingly, doesn't include wine. The famous cook also revealed a unique holiday staple that completely changed how I make mashed potatoes. But guys, Garten has plenty more to offer than just food tips.

On Instagram, the cookbook author posted a short video to reveal a book that's currently sitting on her shelf: Ann Patchett's Bel Canto Annotated. The caption reads, "I’m always asked what books are on my nightstand and this is one of them! Bel Canto Annotated is so fun to read and it’s a masterclass in how to write a great novel. Love you Ann Patchett!"

The captivating thriller novel revolves around a special dinner party in the capital city of an unknown South American country. The get-together takes a devastating turn when a group of terrorists break into the mansion and take all the guests hostage. The book explores what happens to the group as they're all kept in close quarters for several months, tackling themes like morality, fate and human nature.

In the short video, Garten holds her copy of the book and says, "If you're an Ann Patchett fan—and I am a huge Ann Patchett fan—you will love her new book. It's called Bel Canto, but it's annotated. It's the original book, but what she did was write in the margins what she was thinking when she wrote the character, why she chose their names, what the backstory is—it's like a masterclass in how to write a brilliant book. If anybody on your list loves Ann Patchett, they will love it."

Ina Garten
Getty Images

Garten's recent book recommendation comes just two months after she released her first memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, which currently has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon. In it, she opens up about her troublesome childhood, her 56-year marriage and her unconventional path to success.

In her review of the book, PureWow's VP of editorial content Candace Davison wrote, "It was shocking—and yet, somehow refreshing. Her fairytale wasn’t a fairytale; Garten was living in the real world, full of ups and downs. And, despite her signature catchphrase, not everything can be summed up with a simple, 'how easy is that?'"

Looks like I'll be adding two books to my library this week.

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