Category: BEOpicks

a coffee table book

“There are a thousand ways we can learn about a culture, but we don’t often consider stories behind those ‘things’ we take for granted. Highlighting 50 iconic objects from the Basque Country, this book uses stunning photography and fascinating stories to describe a world of innovation and creativity. Not only that but it’s compiled in a way that allows me to learn something new every time I open the book. I didn’t know I needed this.”

HEMENDIK (“from here” in Basque) is available in Basque/English, Basque/French, and Basque/Spanish.

*Here’s something else you need to know: The BEO is working with the organization that created this book to host a discussion about some of the stories behind the highlighted objects. It will be virtual, which means anyone from anywhere can join. Stay tuned as we iron out the details. In the meantime…

sample images:

by Elizabette Guéçamburu

“The author is quite a talented storyteller, and writing the story through the eyes of a teenager gives the reader a sense of hope. Specific details and historical references provides enough depth that the reader questions if it’s real or not… and the plot twist at the end is superb. An easy and enjoyable read. Definitely recommend.”

Set in a 1940’s boardinghouse, this novel chronicles a teenager, Anna Elissetche, as she investigates a murder that happens right under her very nose. A witty tale with relatable characters, Murder at the Boardinghouse will delight readers and leave them asking, “WHODUNIT?”

by Marti Buckley

Marti Buckley has done it again with a visually appealing and mouth-watering look at one of the best foods to come out of the Basque Country, the pintxo. Buckley’s “The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country” includes step-by-step recipes on how to make some of the most well-known pintxos, whose recipes and histories have never been written down before in such detail. Not only will you learn how to make these famous pintxos at home, but Buckley also explains their origin stories and the history of the bars where they were first served.

I especially love how Buckley describes a pintxo: “The truth is, pintxos are a way of life, specific to a very small corner of the world…A pintxo without a bar is not a pintxo. A pintxo without a drink and a friend or barman to talk to is like the proverbial tree falling in the forest with no one to hear it – is it real? Pintxos are not only a ‘what’, they are where you eat them and what you are doing while you eat them – they are inextricable from their cultural context.”

a cookbook

“Growing up, Gateau Basque was a staple at any family birthday or dinner. After uncovering La Vina Cheesecake in Marti Buckley’s cookbook, it’s become a family favorite and is now part of the family-function dessert rotation! Even if you don’t enjoy cooking/baking, this book is filled with stunning photos of the Basque Country and is worth the read (would even be a great coffee table book for friends and family to peek at!).” – the reviewer, BEO Board Member

If you are looking for a great Basque cookbook, look no further than award-winning author Marti Buckley’s Basque Country: A Culinary Journey Through a Food Lover’s Paradise. Not only is it filled with recipes of iconic Basque dishes, but Buckley also intertwines stories and photos of the Basque Country, culture and customs throughout the book. If you can make it through a handful of pages without running to your fridge to whip up something delicious, you’ll find yourself reminiscing over your last visit to the Basque Country or thinking about planning a trip ASAP!

The best part: Buckley’s next book is all about pintxos and comes out April 9th. Entitled “The Book of Pintxos: Discover the Legendary Small Bites of Basque Country,” it has over 70 recipes, highlighting their story and the bars they were created in. You can pre-order wherever books are sold, including Amazon.

a trilogy of graphic novels

“Zubiaga does a wonderful job entertaining and educating his readers on Basque whaling throughout his historical fiction trilogy.  I enjoyed reading this trilogy, and have learned so much about the history of Basque Whaling. ” – the reviewer, BEO Board Member

Joanes or the Basque Whaler is a trilogy of graphic novels written by Guillermo Zubiaga. In sequential order, they are The Flying Whaleboat, Whale Island, and Priest of Pirates. Zubiaga introduces Garat, the narrator, and immediately begins giving the reader background on Joanes, the main character or Basque skipper. This character was inspired by the real-life whaler Joanes de Etxaniz from Orio, Gipuzkoa, who died in Canada in 1584.  

This historical fiction trilogy is loaded with exciting expeditions experienced by Joanes.  Not only does this trilogy focus on whaling, but it also includes Basque mythology, witchcraft, and piracy. Due to the content and language, I would recommend children be at least fourteen years old to read.

a children’s book

“The book resonated with me in two ways: As the child in me who is a daughter of immigrants, and as the Amatxi I am today who is working to build this bridge.” – the reviewer

“What Amatxi Whispered,” a children’s book written and illustrated by Zoe Bray, is a delightful story that captures the essence of an American-born child, Artemisia, who is made aware of her mother’s Basque heritage through her language and stories. And while she’s intrigued by it, Artemisia doesn’t fully comprehend, as an American, her mother’s heritage. However, a trip to the Basque Country to meet her Amatxi (her mother’s mother) for the first time, changes that. She experiences her Basque heritage through both nature and her Amatxi’s way of life and learns that being Basque is a part of who she is, her roots are with her wherever always, anywhere.  

*The book is written in English and Basque and suggested for 3 years and above.