Stack of Butter, Stack of Books

Between the ages of ten and twelve, I would sometimes go with my Dad to his shop on Capitol Hill in Seattle. I'd hang out there until my ballet lesson at Cornish. Dad would give me a dollar, and I'd walk around the corner to a cafe. As soon as the waitress saw me, she'd yell back to the cook, "Stack of Butter!" Those three beautiful words meant toast.

To this day toast is comfort food. Or at least a splendid chariot for butter.

I would sit at the counter under the waitress’s watchful eye and pull out my book. Toast and a good book--what more could you want? I've always loved to eat while I read. Kids today are glued to their phones during meals. I was glued to my book. (Some would say this is not "mindful" eating. I would say there is more to the experience of eating than the food that goes into your mouth.)

So, I ask you this: What book would you read at dinner (if your parents or spouse or family would let you!) and why? Or perhaps break your meal and books into courses—like pairing wine with food. What book would you read with the ham? With the wild rice pilaf? Are certain books suited to certain foods?

What book would you read with your last meal? For me, The Duino Elegies by Rilke.