Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

Lisa

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Every Bob’s Burgers Holiday Episode Ranked

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For some, it’s not Christmastime without watching It’s a Wonderful Life or Home Alone. Maybe it doesn’t quite feel like the holidays until you queue up your go-to playlist. For me, the best way to make it feel like Christmas is with Bob’s Burgers.

It sounds silly, but watching Bob’s Burgers every week with Michael is my version of bliss. And when it’s a Christmas episode (with an original song!), all the better.

In fact, a few years ago, we got into the habit of rewatching the holiday episodes every year (we do this for Halloween and Thanksgiving, too). Since I’ve seen these all several times, I have some thoughts on which are truly holiday classics.

So, without further, adieu, here’s my ranking of every Christmas episode of Bob’s Burgers (and you know I’ll be updating once the new one comes out!).

9. Have Yourself a Maily Linda Christmas (Season 10, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

I have no reason to dislike this episode as much as I do, but here we are. Linda taking gift delivery into her own hands on Christmas Eve is too much stress for me in a Christmas special. Just stay home and enjoy your own family, Linda!

Song: A terrific cover of “Christmas Wrapping” that I cannot find. Sorry, friends!

8. Christmas in the Car (Season 4, Episode 8)

I think this episode is just too stressful for me. The Belchers have to run out to get a new tree on Christmas Eve and many issues ensue.

Let me tell you: Christmas tree shopping in the Kaminski house was stressful growing up, so the idea of doing it all the day before is maybe too much for me.

Despite the premise (and a very annoying villain), this ep has two major things going for it. First is Linda’s insistence on ordering a Dutch baby pancake at a diner. This detail is so delightful to me. Also, “Jingle in the Jungle” is a bop.

Song: “Jingle in the Jungle”

7. Better off Sled (Season 9, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

This isn’t a bad episode by any stretch, just more wintry than anything. And honestly, that’s what makes this sledding-specific ep great for watching over the holiday break.

Song: “Snowballs and Sledding”

6. Father of the Bob (Season 5, Episode 6)

screenshot via hulu.com

Bob and his dad Big Bob reconnect over boot-scootin’ and that’s so sweet to me. This episode also summarizes some of what makes the holidays so stressful.

Song: “Christmas Magic”

5. Yachty or Nice (Season 11, Episode 10)

screenshot via hulu.com

I’m not sure in what universe a country club would hire a burger joint to cater or Teddy to be Santa, but I’m glad it happens in this episode.

Song: “Insecure Santa Claus”

4. The Bleakening (Season 8, Episodes 6 + 7)

screenshot via hulu.com

A two-part holiday special! That’s what I’m talking about!

In these episodes, Linda’s tree goes missing (along with all her treasured ornaments) and the kids become obsessed with the legend of the Bleaken. There’s a lot packed in here including a holiday rave and a great appearance by Adam Driver as Art the Artist.

And honestly, every time I watch this one, I’m a little scared! The Bleaken is real!

Song: “Christmas of My Dreams,” “Art Song” and “O Christmas Tree” (and others)

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins (Season 3, Episode 9)

screenshot via hulu.com

This was the very first Christmas episode of Bob’s Burgers and it remains one of the greatest in my mind.

It’s absurd, it’s heartwarming and it’s seasonal. How could you not love this story of a supposed mannequin come to life looking to reconnect with his former mannequin partner—all while showing off stunning window displays in the restaurant.

Song: No song in this one! It was their first run, so I’ll forgive it.

2. The Last Gingerbread House on the Left (Season 7, Episode 7)

I love a good Mr. Fishoeder storyline. Truly, who can resist this eccentric, intolerably wealthy old man in a cape? I cannot.

So when he dupes Bob to participate in his yearly gingerbread house-building contest with all his other eccentric and intolerably wealthy friends, it’s obviously an unhinged delight.

Song: “You Can’t Spell Christmas Without Us”

1. Nice-Capades (Season 6, Episode 5)

Without a doubt, this episode has one of the best (if not the best) Bob’s Burgers songs of all time. Mr. Fishoeder singing about the joys of sipping your favorite tipple after all the hard work of the holidays is done hits home in a big way.

So switch on this episode when you’re done shopping or wrapping or baking and enjoy Mr. Fishoeder and his brother Felix performing during the kids’ ice skating extravaganza.

Song: “The Spirits of Christmas”

That’s all for me! Enjoy these episodes where you can! I strem ’em all on Hulu.

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What I Read // November 2021

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November wasn’t a big reading month for me. I had a few false starts on some books that later didn’t hold my attention. But I did get through three books.

Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand • ★★★★☆

I started this book Halloween morning and finished it the next day. This book was the perfect way to cap off spooky season.

The story here is that an English folk band recorded their most acclaimed and final album at an old estate over the course of a summer. During this time, though, the band’s frontman disappears without a trace.

The book takes place decades on and each band member, along with the manager and a few folks that visited Wylding Hall that summer, share how the album was made and what they think happened.

When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen • ★★★☆☆

The description of this one grabbed me from the get-go: A haunting novel about a Black woman who returns to her hometown for a plantation wedding and the horror that ensues as she reconnects with the blood-soaked history of the land and the best friends she left behind.

That struggle right away of having to visit a plantation for a wedding weekend when in reality it houses a whole host of suffering and tragedy? It’s really riveting.

And this was a good read. A bit gruesome at times, but a great blend of reality and ghosts story.

The Therapist by B.A. Paris • ★★★☆☆

B.A. Paris is a lot like Wendy Webb to me. I’ll read anything she puts out because every release is a page-turner, but I might not always love the book. That’s the case with The Therapist.

This one was fine. A couple moves into a gated community in London, only to find out that a mysterious murder occurred there prior to their arrival. Of course, everyone is wrapped up with it.

It was fine. The reveals were fine. But some things were just a bit implausible. But it’s fiction, so 🤷🏻‍♀️.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads!

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30 Days of Thanks 2021 // Week 5

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Thanksgiving is over, but I’m not quite finished with this series. Here are a few more thankful-fors before we roll into the Christmas season.

Day 27: Beauty

There’s a quote by William Morris I think of often (but do not always abide by): “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Above is my living room on a good day. It’s full of soft blankets, a wonderfully kitsch owl lamp, my prized Green Lady print and one of our cats. While it’s not beautiful to everyone, it’s perfect for me and I’m thankful to call it home.

Day 28: Technology

Tech has allowed me to work from home for the past 18 months and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that. Working at home has helped relieve some stress and has given me the flexibility I really needed this past year.

Day 29: Truth

When you’re going throught the shit, it’s pretty hard to be transparent about it. It’s no fun being the friend that only has bad news, that’s always in a bad way. But I am thankful to the friends and loved ones that I can be truthful to when they ask “how are things?” It lightens the load. Thank you.

Day 30: Memories

A lot of what has sustained me this year has been good memories, and I am incredibly fortunate to have so many.

Above is my mom and me in Maine two years ago. We had an absolute blast exploring Portland, Kennebunkport and later Salem, Massachusetts. I’m thankful that I got to do this trip with my mom and that we both enjoyed every second.

This is the last of this series for 2021. I hope it’s encouraged you to reflect on some joys in your life.

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30 Days of Thanks 2021 // Week 4

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I’m back back back again with another installment of 30 Days of Thanks. I’m going a bit brief on these entries this week since it’s go-time for Thanksgiving prep. I hope your holiday planning and cooking go smoothly!

Day 20: Creativity

Getting to flex my creative muscles at work and during my downtime is a pleasure. I get to write and think about food all day for work and then log off to think about embroidery, sewing and food again. I’m incredibly fortunate.

Day 21: Home

When things are tough, I often have to remind myself of the good things I do have. At the top of the list (OK after my husband and cats) is always my home.

This 1960s ranch is imperfect and in need of some functional updates, but it truly is home. This space is odd, old-fashioned and absolutely comfortable. I like to think it puts others at ease as well. How could you not feel like putting your feet up with a comfy chair in the living room, plenty of natural light and cats sleeping by the window?

The above print is from Michelle Brusegaard and it is very emblematic of our home.

Day 22: Animals

My love for my cats knows no bounds. My two tabbies are such rays of light, especially in tough times. Mukki (not pictured—sorry, Mukki!) is outgoing, babyish, sassy and cuddly. Zara, my spooky little bat, has been in my life since I’ve been 17. She’s funny, intuitive, sweet and curmudgeonly.

Having the two of them jingling around the house and curling up next to me while I read is something I’m so so grateful for. Zara and Mukki, I love you both!

Day 23: Knowledge

Working at Taste of Home has really helped expand my knowledge of and interest in food. Sure, I’ve always loved baking but I feel so much more well versed in bread and pies now than even a year ago.

And my work this year has led me in some really interesting directions. I’ve learned about cocktail bitters, relish trays and why a mini rolling pin is a pierogi-making essential. I love collecting these tidbits of info.

Day 24: Art

While I’d love to get into the art vs. craft debate (I actually love discussing this), I’ll skip it for now. This year, I’m thankful that I got to share my artsy crafts with people at two different events.

It was fun getting back into the swing of in-person selling and I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2022.

Day 25: Family

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my family. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend so much time with them this year, even if the circumstances haven’t been ideal.

Above is my husband, sister and me at my in-law’s anniversary celebration. This party was truly one of the highlights of the year.

Day 26: Weather

Above is the Port Washington Marina, not far from where I grew up. My family and I like to grab sandwiches and eat while looking at the boats and the lighthouse. Because it’s right on the lake, Port is always cold. But this day in August, I remember it was gorgeous—no jackets needed.

It’s nice to go home once in a while. And it’s even nicer when you don’t need a sweater in summer.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CITCLogo-1024x1024.jpg

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please take inventory for yourself! 2021 is rough, but there are some bright spots!

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30 Days of Thanks 2021 // Week 3

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Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. I hope you’re settling into a comfy November. I’m back with this week’s installment of 30 Days of Thanks. Let’s jump in!

Day 13: Kindness

If you’ve been here before, you’ve probably heard about my love for Studio Ric Rak, a vintage shop in my town. This place just has all of the best goodies from Pyrex dishes to handmade Christmas decor to awesome retro artwork (seen above!).

Earlier this year when I stopped in, I told the owner I was picking something up for my mom who just had surgery. I found a sweet little Easter decoration my mom could put up in her hospital room and the owner just said, “This one’s on me! Tell your mom to feel better!”

And that act of kindness is something I’ll not soon forget. Thanks, Chris!

Day 14: Routine

I’ve said it a lot: I am not a routine person. I like the idea of routines, but I think I’m just too chaotic for that. This being said, when Michael and I head up north, we do have a bit of a routine. In the mornings, we have breakfast. Then Michael goes out and takes care of the trees and I hang out on the deck with a good book.

We were up there a few weeks ago and it was a lovely chilly morning. I had a scary book, a hot cup of tea and a blanket. It was so relaxing, and I’m thankful to have this soothing routine when I’m away from home.

Day 15: Work

Let me say this: I love working from home. It is a huge blessing. It’s allowed me to have more flexibility and some extra time to spend with my family this year. I am tremendously thankful for this arrangement.

This all being said, I did return to the office once this year: to film this video! Above is a shot of some of the prop pretzels (real but just a day old) from the shoot.

Day 16: Growth

We all have heard the cliche: You grow through what you go through.

It’s true, though. This year has been so, so tough. And while I wish life wasn’t the way it is right now, the past nine months have really pushed me. I’ve become more patient, more giving and more resilient. Those aren’t bad things (even if you have to go through the proverbial dirt to get to them).

Shoutout to my friend Ellie for the irises above. She dug them up for me last year and they made an appearance in the back garden this summer.

Day 17: Food

Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” This is so obviously true to me, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by these types of people all the time. My family is packed with amazing bakers and I work with people who think about food all day long.

And I love to chat about recipes, restaurants and snackies. It’s just a great feeling. And recently I got to shoot the breeze with the folks that run Buckatabon and it was a real joy. I was having a low day but sitting and talking supper clubs and northwoods nostalgia is one of the cures for whatever ails ya (also ice cream).

Day 18: Self-Love

Here’s a selfie I took that I don’t hate. I was dressed up as a bat for Halloween.

Day 19: Fun

Fun looks different than it used to, but I have to say I’ve gotten a lot of joy out of sewing recently. After stopping at a fabric shop in Sturgeon Bay, I was absolutely giddy to pull out my sewing machine again (it’d had been in the closet once I finished sewing more than 200 masks in 2020).

Getting back into sewing has been a lot of fun. I’m thankful that my mom taught me this skill and that I’ve got the time to sink into some fun projects lately.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of November. Be sure to count your own blessings, too!

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30 Days of Thanks 2021 // Week 2

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Back again with my 30 Days of Thanks series. As the month goes on, I encourage you to practice a little extra gratitude—and tell your kith and kin how much you love them.

Day 6: Courage

We may rib my dad a lot, but my family and I are grateful for this old man. This year has been hard for him. He’s gone from carefree retiree to full-time caretaker. He’s also had to make a lot of hard decisions that I know took some serious guts and courage.

Thanks, Dad, for being strong for the family (and for taking me out for pizza).

Day 7: Love

I truly couldn’t have made it through this year as well as I have without the love and support of this man. He makes me tea, happily watches 90 Day Fiance and knows when we need a cozy day at home.

Day 8: Nature

Michael’s family has a little northwoods getaway that we retreat to on occasion. Sitting on the deck there with a book is one of my favorite things. I get a great view of the forest, and—if I’m lucky—some animals.

Taking the time to be outdoors is refreshing and I know it’s good for the both of us.

Day 9: Friendship

This year I haven’t been able to see friends as frequently. Between the pandemic, working from home and helping the family, hangouts and catchups have been hard.

But I can’t express how thankful I am for the friends who keep checking in on me, asking after my mom, recommending books and even sending me lovely care packages. I may forget our scheduled FaceTime, but I can’t forget you, you perfect sunflowers.

Day 10: Change

Looking at this year compared to last, there are definitely some bright spots. Like this year we were able to celebrate our anniversary in style at the Iron Horse Hotel. Last year, that wasn’t really a possibility.

While the pandemic is still very much here, I do appreciate how we’re able to move a little more comfortably and safely.

(I’m also thankful for great room service, sunny mornings and crossword puzzles.)

Day 11: Seasons

Bless Michael for keeping me grounded in the seasons. He is the kind of person that insists that we save the Christmas episode of Ted Lasso for December knowing that we’ll enjoy it more then.

He’s also lovely for taking me to a new orchard during the height of apple picking season when our old favorite closed. We came home with 25 pounds of apples, donuts, cider and three giant mums.

Day 12: Music

This hi-fi has been through it! Earlier this year my father-in-law repaired this family treasure. Spinning records on it is always a treat and makes our home feel even more like itself.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please take inventory for yourself. ‘Tis the season!

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30 Days of Thanks 2021 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the past year and focus on some good.

2021 has been the most difficult year of my life by a mile, but even in hard times, it’s important to be grateful for what is going right. So let’s kick this off and be thankful.

Day 1: Words

As I said, this year has been challenging. I’m not sure I want to go into it here on the internet yet, but it’s been hard. While chatting with my friend Nicole earlier this year, I said that I went to get coffee because I just couldn’t fathom making a pot myself. Instead of saying, “you lazy bum,” she said, “sometimes someone else needs to make the coffee.”

As silly as it sounds, I think about these words a lot. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to not do all the things you’d normally tackle with ease. Sometimes, you let someone else make the coffee so you have the capacity to make it through more important tasks.

Day 2: Optimism

Sometimes focusing on the good is the best way to make it through tough times. That’s the point of this exercise this year. Is it optimism? Not quite. But I’m not quite ready.

Day 3: Color

As a kid, I always looked forward to the wild phlox popping up around my parents’ home. It’s been a while since I caught it, but I felt lucky to appreciate it this year. The bright purple is one of my favorites.

Day 4: Laughter

It might seem silly, but the second the waitress put this cocktail down at Buckatabon, I couldn’t stop giggling. It’s nice to be surprised and absolutely delighted.

I hope you have enjoyed a few sweet, simple moments like this in 2021.

Day 5: Health

Getting my COVID vaccine earlier this year was truly a high point. A big thanks to the co-worker who tipped me off to extra doses so I managed to get in a week or two before my eligibility bracket opened up. You helped me keep my family safe!

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please take inventory for yourself! 2021 is rough, but there are some bright spots!

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What I Read // October 2021

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October is one of my favorite months for reading. Just like with the shows and movies I watch, October is all about everything spooky.

Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Peterson • ★★★★☆

I kicked off this month with the perfect spooky season read. In Yours Cruelly, Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark shares the twisted path she took from a tiny Kansas town to the stages of Las Vegas to turning into everyone’s favorite goth bimbo (I say this with extreme affection).

This was, in my opinion, the perfect celebrity memoir. Peterson told her story with a great sense of humor and let readers in on all the celeb details, like the time Elvis gave her career advice, how she met Robert DeNiro and when Brad Pitt came knocking at her door. And while she didn’t skimp on exciting stories or jaw-dropping anecdotes, it was also really sweet to hear about how she fell for her current partner and came out later in life.

If you’re a Halloween fiend like myself, please pick this up. It was an exceptionally fun listen.

Truly Like Lightning by David Duchovny • ★★★★☆

At 445 pages, Truly Like Lightning took me a bit to finish, but it was one hell of a ride.

I started describing this book to my husband after 50 pages and it sounded wild then: A Hollywood stuntman inherits hundreds of acres of land outside Joshua Tree. The condition of him accepting the land is that he has to convert to Mormonism. Well, he does and he does it with some extreme and unusual conviction—even starting a small commune there with his wives and children.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. As you can imagine, if that’s the prologue, the rest has to be pretty wild.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling • ★★★☆☆

Spooky season is my favorite season, but this year I knew I needed a few lighter reads to keep my mind right. And The Ex Hex was the perfect book. A cute little rom-com about witches? Yes, please.

This was the literary equivalent of a caramel apple: perfectly seasonal and sweet.

The Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas • ★★★★☆

I am, unsurprisingly, a huge fan of Jezebel’s annual scary story contest. Several years ago, there was a story about an asylum in the South hosting a dance for its patients. It’s obviously stuck with me, so when I saw The Mad Women’s Ball come up as a recommended read, I was in. I know it’s not the same story, but a similar, ultra-specific theme.

This book wasn’t quite what I was expecting but it was a satisfying read that packed a lot in just 224 pages.

The Keepers of Metsan Valo by Wendy Webb • ★★☆☆☆

I’ve read every book by Wendy Webb. She’s been dubbed “the queen of Northern gothic” which is maybe the ideal genre for me.

And I’ll give Wendy this: Her story ideas are always intriguing, the settings picturesque and the setups interesting. However, I do feel like in her books, including The Keepers of Metsan Valo, she stumbles when it comes to realistic dialogue. It’s as if she’d rather try to be funny or quirky than realistic. After a half dozen of her books, that’s sort of getting to me. Those bits of silly chatter take you out of the ghoulish feel. I’d like to get into the spooky feeling and stay there.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads!

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An Ode to Cherry Lanes: The Best Bar in Door County

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Last month, I visited Door County with my family. Before heading up there, each of us picked an activity that we wanted to do while on vacation. One aunt wanted to visit the casino (I lost $12), my other aunt suggested we visit one of our favorite restaurants, and right away I knew what my choice was going to be: Cherry Lanes in Sturgeon Bay.

I discovered Cherry Lanes a few years back after a friendly bartender suggested Michael and I check it out. It did not disappoint. We bowled, drank and shot the shit with locals to our hearts’ content.

While a bar might not be the first place you’d think of taking your mom and aunts on a Saturday afternoon, I knew this was the perfect spot for one reason: pinball.

Pinball Wizardry

Yep, Cherry Lanes is more than just the lanes. This bar has a dynamite selection of pinball machines, and my mom loves pinball.

We rolled up with $10 in quarters each and had a hell of a time playing all sorts of pinball like Hook, Cleopatra and Super Mario Brothers (some only cost 25¢!). I also tried my hand at Frogger, Ms. Pac Man and that weird quarter-pushing game that you see at dive bars.

It was a blast bopping from game to game, and not a bad way to spend $10 or so. And, most importantly, my mom loved it.

The Drinks

While Cherry Lanes is the name of the game here, it is first and foremost a bar. In the past, Michael and I enjoyed hot toddies and super cheap taps. But when I visited with the fam, we treated ourselves to some of the specialty cocktails—and what a treat!

Being in Door County at the tail end of summer, we all were craving cherry (like real cherries—not phony maraschino cherries). Cherry Lanes’ cherry margarita was divine, but I have to say their Gutterball (a mix of tart cherry juice, lemonade and vodka) was a nice treat as well.

Best-Ever Bar Food

There’s nothing wrong with basic bar food. After all, who doesn’t crave a frozen pizza or some cheap mozzarella sticks while sipping Miller Lite?

But Cherry Lanes goes completely over the top with their menu. We ordered a cheese tray and expected something very Wisconsin. You know a few yellow cheeses, salami and a few pickles. That would have been fine.

But when the bartender came out with the tray, it truly rivaled any fancy charcuterie board I’ve had at more elegant venues. This cheese board was incredible. The blueberry cheese was something I dream about.

Anyways, this is my love letter to Cherry Lanes (and also Door County—it’s my favorite).

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What I Read // September 2021

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OK, the photo above is a book I haven’t read yet, but I started Truly Like Lightning while I was on vacation this month and it’s a real trip. More on it later! Now onto September’s reads!

The Temple House Vanishing by Rachel Donohue • ★★★☆☆

If there’s one trope I fall for all the time, it’s mysterious events at an elite boarding school or college. I read these books all the time.

And I fell for it again with The Temple House Vanishing. In this book, reporter seeks to uncover the truth about what happened at Temple House, a top-notch Catholic girls’ school, when a teacher and student went missing 25 years prior. As she digs deeper and interviews one the missing girl’s closest friends, more is uncovered.

This book was a touch spooky and perfectly moody. It was a good read for a rainy September day.

Beach Read by Emily Henry • ★★★★☆

I never fancied myself to be much of a rom-com reader. In fact, until last year, I never had picked one up. But now they are becoming a regular part of my reading rotation. And I think I found a new favorite in Beach Read.

This book follows January, a romance author who has hit a snag personally and professionally. She heads to her late father’s secret lake house to clean it out and get some writing done. While there, she discovers her college rival and best-selling author Gus lives right next door.

Over the summer, they challenge one another to write in a whole new style. She’d try to write the next great American novel and Gus would try his hand at romance.

This book is really sweet, comforting and was just the right thing to bring with me on vacation.

Fierce Little Thing by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore • ★★☆☆☆

Years ago, I read Bittersweet by this author and was totally engrossed. Ever since I’ve been waiting for another one of her books to speak to me. And when Fierce Little Thing came out, I made sure to add it to my list. A book about a woman who grew up in a remote commune in New England who is beckoned to return after receiving some threatening letters? Sounds thrilling!

But I had a hard time following this book. It might have been listening to it versus reading that lead to a lot of my confusion; either way, this just didn’t pull me in. I felt like I didn’t know any of the characters at the end.

The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna • ★★★☆☆

Every time I visit Door County, I fall in love with it all over again. For a month or so after I return, I become obsessed with cherries and develop an appetite for all things Peninsula, which is why I picked up The Cherry Harvest.

Set in Door County during WWII, the Christiansen family struggles to keep up with their cherry orchard. With all the working men overseas, they become desperate for help. Charlotte, who owns the farm with her husband, encourages the county’s farmers to host German POWs to harvest the crop. This shakes up the whole county and the Christiansens especially.

This book was a really easy and interesting read. I had heard about POWs working in Door County from my beloved great-uncle who lived in Baileys Harbor but never much else. The Cherry Harvest does well examining how the Americans had a love (OK more like tolerate)-hate relationship with the POWs that were helping them make a living.

As always, you can follow along with my progress and see what I’ve read over on Goodreads!