Shelby Van Pelt's novel Remarkably Bright Creatures tells the story of Tova, a widow, and her unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus.

From Shelby Van Pelt: "I suggest honoring Marcellus and his sneaky, snacky ways by serving small seafood 'treasures.' Crab Rangoon, smoked salmon on crackers, bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail. Anything but herring, really. We all know how tiresome Marcellus finds herring!

Non-seafood and/or veggie-friendly options might include Caprese kabobs —spear a cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella, and a basil leaf on a toothpick— stuffed dates—bacon-wrapped optional— and flavorful nuts or marinated olives. Basically, rich and decadent morsels are the sort of treat that would make escaping your tank worthwhile.

Of course, if all of that sounds like too much work, you can’t go wrong with a pot of tea and a pack of store-bought cookies warmed in the oven, as Tova’s friend Mary Ann always does when she hosts the Knit-Wits. I have never in my life turned down a Chips Ahoy!"

In her memoir Fly Girl Ann Hood chronicles her adventurous years as a TWA flight attendant. 

From Ann Hood: "The menu would have to be similar to the ones from when I was a TWA flight attendant back in the late 70s-mid 80s. I actually wrote about recreating the first class dinner for Food52: “Recreating a TWA First-Class Meal, 20 Years Later”

Claire Keegan's novella Foster is narrated by a young girl in rural Ireland sent to live with foster parents, the Kinsellas, on a farm during her mother’s pregnancy.

From Claire Keegan: "The narrator in Foster helps Mrs. Kinsella with the cooking and housework — and no Irish farmhouse would be without its own soda bread recipe. Here’s one from Richard Corrigan whose recipes are wonderfully hearty. If you don’t want any sweetness in your bread, you can make it without the honey and treacle. I don’t have a sweet tooth, but it’s delicious either way. Try it with smoked salmon, capers, lemon, and a pot of tea. When I’m on the road, the edible thing I most miss is wheaten soda bread and how its baking and coming out of the oven makes life feel that little bit sweeter  — even without its being sweetened — and even on a bad day. Do hope your book club members enjoy!"