It’s April! Let’s read and discuss “Baking Bread in Lyon,” by Bill Buford

Plus: Mr. Buford will join our discussion! I hope you’re in.

Welcome to April! I’m excited to announce that this month’s article is “Baking Bread in Lyon,” by Bill Buford. It was one of my favorite articles of 2020. Even if you don’t like bread (or France), you’ll love this piece.

In the article, published in The New Yorker last April, Mr. Buford tells the story of following through on his dream: living in France and becoming a French-trained chef. But after moving with his family to Lyon, and having no experience in French cuisine, Mr. Buford can’t find a restaurant willing to hire him. So in a panic, he asks the neighborhood boulanger for an apprenticeship at his shop. Baker Bob says yes.

Here’s my original blurb:

I have this joke that I’m going to quit my job to open up a scone store, but otherwise, I’m no baker, nor do I have dreams of moving to France to apprentice at a boulangerie. Good thing Bill Buford did, because in this beautiful story, we get to meet Bob the baker from Lyon, learn his secrets to making delicious baguettes (answer: the flour), and realize that the meaning of life may come down to food, family, le goût et les valeurs. (33 min)

Mr. Buford is the author of Dirt and Heat and the recipient of a James Beard Award. The founding editor of the literary magazine Granta and a contributor to The New Yorker, he lives in New York City with his wife, the wine educator and writer Jessica Green, and their twin sons.

I hope you’ll join me and fellow Article Clubbers in discussing this article! Our discussion will be on Sunday, April 25, 2:00 - 3:00 pm PT, via Zoom. Mr. Buford will be joining us!

Are you IN? I hope so. If so, here’s what to do:

1. Sign up by leaving a comment. Say hi, announce that you’re IN, and share what drew you to join this month’s discussion.

2. Read and annotate the article. (Here’s the original if you prefer it.)

Coming up this month at Article Club

• Monday 4/12: We’ll listen to the article, thanks to Article Clubber Jennifer.

• Monday 4/19: We’ll share our first impressions after annotating the article.

• Sunday 4/25: We’ll discuss the article with fellow Article Clubbers.

Are you new to Article Club? If so, welcome! We look forward to meeting you and having your voice in the conversation. Feel free to reach out with questions: mark@highlighter.cc.

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Article Club is a community of thoughtful people who read, annotate, and discuss one great article every month on race, education, or culture. Everyone is welcome. The author participates, too! Article Club is part of The Highlighter, a weekly newsletter featuring the best articles on race, education, and culture.