— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
“The Sicilian Inheritance” by Jo Piazza
theSkimm
A failing marriage, a restaurant on the brink of bankruptcy — it’s not going well for Sara, the main character of bestselling author Jo Piazza’s new quest-thriller-mystery novel. Then her beloved aunt dies and leaves behind a request: that Sara travel to Sicily and claim land that belonged to her great-grandmother, Serafina. As Sara makes the trip and starts to investigate her great-grandmother’s life (and mysterious death), her story becomes intertwined with that of Serafina — a young mother with few choices and plenty of rage. We asked Piazza a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Piazza: The novel is loosely based on the century-old murder of my great-great-grandmother Lorenza, who lived in Sicily. It’s a story my family has been telling for as long as I can remember, but like a 100-year-long game of telephone, the details are always changing. I knew that she stayed behind while her husband came to America to make a better life for the family and that she was killed before she could join him. I didn’t want to know more than that as I was writing. I wanted to let my imagination run wild to create a real adventure.
Q: The book is a love letter to Sicily, which might inspire some readers to visit. Have you ever visited a place after reading a book set there?
Piazza: I wanted Sicily to feel like a main character in the book with real main character energy, [because] I love it when a book transports you so fully that you simply have to visit a place. I am that person who went to Bali, specifically Ubud, after reading “Eat, Pray, Love.” I am very easily swayed by books — and Ubud totally delivered.
Q: What are three things everyone should see or do if they visit Sicily?
Piazza:Tonnara di Scopello, [which inspired] a pivotal scene in “The Sicilian Inheritance.” It’s a tiny inlet of perfect turquoise ocean surrounded by jagged white cliffs [on Sicily’s west coast], which is often overlooked in favor of the east coast, where much of “The White Lotus” was filmed. But it’s so much more authentic, less crowded with tourists, and equally stunning. Zingaro Nature Reserve, [where you can take a] boat tour and dart in and out of the rocky coastline, visiting hidden beaches and grottos. And the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento [is also] a must. The oldest of the ruins date back to the 6th century BC, and they are remarkable.
Q: If you had to live in a fictional literary world for one month, what would you choose?
Piazza: I’m about to get weird, but “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Because if you only get a month, and you can only do it once, you better make it count. Who wouldn’t want to go to outer space?
PS: Love a good thriller? Us too. Once you finish “The Sicilian Inheritance,” check out our recs for other page-turners that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat.
This Easy, Spring Salad Is Made Mostly from Bread — You’re Welcome
theSkimm
One thing we can (hopefully) agree on: Any salad that’s largely made of bread is a salad we should make and eat ASAP. Particularly one that’s as simple, stunning, and satisfying as this Spring Panzanella Salad with Crispy Shallots from Gaby Dalkin, food blogger and author of the upcoming cookbook “What’s Gaby Cooking: Grilling All the Things.” Dalkin’s seasonal riff on the Italian classic stars all of our favorite spring produce, as well as a zingy vinaigrette, salty feta chunks, and a whole lot of herbs — so you don’t have to wait until peak tomato season to enjoy the greatest salad of all time.
The Time Commitment: 40 minutes. But if you use store-bought fried shallots, you’ll cut it down to 30.
Key Tip: Can’t find (or don’t like) some of the veggies included in the recipe? Double up on what’s available or swap in other ingredients, like green beans or green heirloom tomatoes. Just aim to have about five cups of green things in total.
This Laid-Back Costa Rican Beach Town Has Something For Everyone
theSkimm
Nature lovers, thrill seekers, and yogis will find plenty to explore in Santa Teresa. Located on the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, this relaxed, bohemian beach town is known for its great surf, gorgeous beaches, tropical forests, and eco-adventures. Psst…this club will send you emails when they find out-of-this-world deals leaving from your home airport, like flights to Costa Rica for just $179. And it only costs $1 to join — if you sign up by midnight tonight.
🛏 Hotel Nantipa is escapism at its finest. This boutique hotel has both suites and bungalows, yoga and meditation classes, and a renowned beachfront restaurant. More of a glamper? Then consider Isla Chiquita on the island of Isla Jesusita. Their premium tents have plush bedding and gorgeous ocean and jungle views.
🌊 Less forceful waves make Santa Teresa a prime surfing destination for newbies. You’ll also want to check out the Malpais Tidepools, which are home to a variety of animals like fish, crabs, and sea urchins. And don’t skip Playa Carmen right in the center of town. The street behind it is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops.
🏞️ Anyone who enjoys an adrenaline rush should make the 10-minute trek to Mal Pais for a ziplining tour. If hiking’s on your itinerary, you’ll want to check out the forest trails at Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. But the outdoor adventures don’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Go nighttime kayaking to see the ocean light up with bioluminescence.
🍴 You can’t leave Costa Rica without trying their world-famous coffee. The Roastery offers a large selection, including specialty drinks like chai lattes and frappes. While you may not expect to find Japanese food here, many – including, we hear, Tom Brady — consider Koji’s Restaurant one of the best spots in town. For veggie-forward dishes, try the funky Somos Cafe.
Get there for 90% less by…joining this club for just $1 before midnight tonight. They’ll email you when they find too-good-to-be-true-but-somehow-real travel deals, like, say, an under-$200 RT ticket to Costa Rica. Or $500 off a summer Eurotrip. But don’t take our word for it, just ask their 1 million happy members.*
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: My friend stays with me every time she comes to town — which is basically all the time. It’s starting to wear on my partner and me, so how can we tell her she needs to find somewhere else to stay?
“Open communication is key in situations like these. It’s completely okay to kindly [tell] your friend that while you love having her around, having her stay over so frequently is becoming a bit overwhelming or [that your place] is [feeling] too tight for you and your partner and that you need more physical space … [If you’re worried it’ll impact your friendship], emphasize that you still want to see each other and make sure to plan ways to hang out or meet up … [You could also] suggest other accommodations nearby or even help her find alternative places to stay to help soften the conversation. True friends will understand and respect your boundaries.”
Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week?
I was really looking forward to our annual family vacation…until I found out my sister wants to invite her boyfriend after just a few weeks of dating. Can I say no, or is there a way to discourage her without causing a fight?
During my morning commute, I often run into the same coworker, who I don’t really like. Do I have to make conversation, or is there a way to do my own thing without being rude?
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
An extra 30% off at Macy's.
Use code VIP to get an extra 30% off some of Macy's most popular products, including Dior's cult-favorite lip oil and the perfect summer dress.
A really good reason to go for a walk this weekend.
Sign up for the AllTrails app if you're not a member already. (It's free.) Then open the app, hit "Join In," head out for a walk or hike, and record your activity. The longer you spend outdoors, the more trees AllTrails will plant in honor of Earth Month. Fresh air 🤝 good deeds.
*PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.
Game Time
Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
theSkimm helps you tackle your to-do lists, whether you're refinancing your loans or choosing a daycare for the first time. We talk to experts and real women to empower you to make decisions faster and with more confidence. Check out our guides to get started.
PS: Your feedback makes a big impact. Let us know what you like, what could be improved, and most importantly, if we helped you get sh*t done. Share your thoughts.
Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.
Skimm’d by: Melissa Goldberg, Alex Carr, Margaret Wheeler Johnson, and Niven McCall-Mazza
Photos by Dutton, Matt Armendariz, Kolostock via Getty Images, courtesy of Myka Meier, Brand Partners
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