Mbakbaka, and Family Dysfunction [August 24]
Recommendations from Me
Five years ago I started collecting recommendations in a simple notebook. I started by asking close friends, then strangers, and my family. Over this time around 1000 people have contributed to the books, and left ‘000s of recommendations. It has been one of the most wonderful projects I’ve undertaken. I often find myself grateful to have such a tactile record of my life.
Occasionally, people tell me that they’d like to start collecting recommendations in this same way, so this month I just write a little about how I approach the project, and provide a few tips on how to start out.
The notebook you use should be small enough that you are comfortable taking it with you wherever you go, in a pocket or a crossbody/shoulder bag. I prefer notebooks with unlined blank pages, because it allows people to frame and communicate their written recommendations more freely. I like to bring a pen which clips neatly onto the notebook. I prefer to keep the books solely for taking recommendations, and keep my shopping lists, journals etc separate.
Maybe the best part of the project is that it has forced me to talk to lots of strangers, and to ask my friends and family questions that would have never emerged otherwise. It gives people an opportunity to distil a small part of their life experience, and it gives me an opportunity to learn about how they see the world. Aside from a guide to films, music, food, and places the books contain a small record of their contributors, including several Colombian farmers, Taiwanese dancers, and Kosovar chefs. I hope to keep learning in this way for the rest of my life.
Recommendations from Others
George 2024
‘Taking time to appreciate what you’ve already experienced/achieved is an important practice.’
Yasmine 2024
‘My family Mbakbaka (Libyan pasta) recipe: i) heat olive oil, add grated onions, let them brown, and in chopped green chillies; ii) add garlic, tomato puree, and caraway seeds; iii) add chilli powder, black and white pepper, turmeric, and salt; iv)peel, chop, and add potatoes, cook them ¾ of the way, then add in another chopped green chilli; v) add pasta of your choice to the pot; vi) when pasta is cooked, add lemon and serve. ’
Toby 2023
‘Reading difficult philosophy with the goal of understanding it is severely underrated. It’s way too easy to slip into a critical lens. Try to hold off on critique until the last 10% of your time with the book. Spinoza’s Ethics is a great book for this. Also, read Borges’ poems on Spinoza.’
Kateryna 2023
‘Read Vladimir Nabokov’s lecture on The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.’
Kirsty 2023
‘Learn to identify a few plants, trees, and birds by eye. It will make you feel more connected to the natural world.'
Jonatan 2024
‘Richard Billingham’s photobook ‘Ray’s a Laugh,’ focused on family dysfunction.’
