'Twentysomethings' and tailgaters

Reviews by Richard Sumrall         

[SEPT. 28, 2005] 

"Mom, Can I Move Back in With You?" Linda Perlman Gordon and Susan Morris Shaffer, Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2004, 276 pages.

One of the most traumatic moments for a parent occurs when their child "leaves the nest" to make it on their own as a young adult in the real world. A growing sociological trend in America indicates that these same young adults are returning home to the security and comfort of their parents. This unexpected turn of events has serious consequences for these young adults and the parents who must put their plans on hold while they "re-support" their child. In their new book, "Mom, Can I Move Back in With You?" authors Linda Gordon and Susan Shaffer explore the challenges parents face during their children's "adultescence" years and the unique situations created by today's "twentysomethings."

In explaining this new demographic and social phenomenon the authors write: "Unlike previous generations, our children are not moving directly into adulthood after high school or college graduation … instead, they are following contemporary social norms by resisting or delaying the traditional markers of adulthood: choosing a career, leaving home, getting married and starting a family."

The book is divided into two sections: "How Do You Parent an Adult?" and "How Do We Renegotiate Our Relationship With Our Adult Child While Remaining Connected?" The authors discuss this difficult time of life for 20-somethings, how to apply previous parenting experiences to this situation, the emerging changes in adulthood, and how to live with and stay connected to your adult child.

Any parent who has ever heard, "Guess what? I quit my job. Can I live with you guys until I figure out what to do next," or "My rent check is going to bounce. Can I have a loan to cover it? Just this once?" will want to read this book.

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"The Tailgater's Cookbook: More Than 90 Winning Recipes -- and a Truckload of Tips -- for Your Parking Lot Party." David Joachim, Broadway Books, 2005, 199 pages.

The fall season is fast approaching, and that means football, fun and that special American tradition, the tailgate party. One of the more interesting cookbooks on this subject is David Joachim's "The Tailgater's Cookbook." In it Joachim explains the history and appeal of the tailgating party, why it has become integrated into the American sports consciousness, and how to have a successful tailgating affair.

People engage in tailgating parties for many different reasons. For some fans it's all about team spirit and supporting the team. For others it's the party and having a good time. For the teetotalers and the less rabid fans, it's the food and socializing that makes tailgate parties so entertaining. Whatever your pleasure, Joachim's book is the perfect planner for any successful tailgating experience.

The book is divided into seven sections:

• "The Tailgater's Toolkit" -- There can be a significant amount of planning that goes into a tailgating party. Aside from the food, drinks, grills, kitchen service and utensils, you'll also need to bring chairs, tables and tarps. Don't forget the fun stuff -- footballs, frisbees, and other games. Remember -- in any tailgating party you want to think disposable!

• "In the Cooler" -- Joachim offers many delicious recipes for tasty appetizers, side dishes and desserts. One favorite of Florida Gators fans -- the black-eyed pea salsa.

• "On the Grill" -- The grill is one of the indispensable elements associated with the tailgate party. Joachim has suggestions for pizzas, sandwiches, pork, beef, chicken, seafood and buffalo. Try the recipes for the Carolina pulled pork or the beer-butt chicken.

• "Out of the Pot" -- Pot cooking is a favorite because it's easy way to cook large quantities of food. Pot cooking can be used for sauces, sides, sandwiches, soups, stews and chili. Cleanup is a snap and everyone comes away with a full stomach. One sure-fire crowd-pleaser is a Louisiana specialty, chicken jambalaya.

• "From the Thermos" -- Don't forget to bring something to wash down all of this delicious food. There are recipes for hot drinks such as applejack cider, mocha madness and spiked wine as well as cold drink favorites sangria and one-two punch, a tropical delight.

• "In the Bag" -- If you love the idea of tailgating but hate the idea of cooking on-site, then it's all "in the bag" in this chapter. These prearranged meals are simple to make and ready to serve. The french toast casserole will stay warm for three to four hours and is served in slices with maple syrup. Don't forget the sweet tooth -- the heavy-duty chocolate bread pudding is a perfect after-meal treat and is served with spoons and bowls.

• "Tailgating Menus" -- There are complete menus for some of the best rivalries in the NFL and the NCAA as well as their respective championship contests. The hands-down favorite is Joachim's Chicago Bears versus Green Bay Packers tailgate party menu. Start with some brats in beer or "gridiron grinder," which is the classic hero sandwich, plus some venison stew or championship chili, add the barbecued beans, and presto -- you've got the ingredients for a classic Bears-Packers tailgate extravaganza.

This book is recommended to sports fans, partygoers and anyone who enjoys a good tailgate party.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]