Our Community Member Series: Meet Natalie
Genuine human connection has never felt more valuable than it does right now. And while we can’t currently meet with each other in person, we’re doing everything we can to stay connected.
To help foster the sense of community that makes BooknBrunch so special, we thought we’d introduce you to a few of our members. You may see them in our Weekly Pulse Check-Ins or at one of our virtual book club meet-ups, and hopefully, you’ll be reading, meeting, and eating with them again soon enough!
To Kick off Our Community Series, We’d Like to Introduce you to Natalie!
Shayone ‘Natalie’ Madramootoo is a Critical Care Registered Nurse working in the Greater Toronto Area and currently resides in North York, Ontario. She is a mom of two humans, a cat named Lou, and a newborn puppy named Fergus.
- What drew you to BooknBrunch?
It was at first the book reviewed, Becoming by Michelle Obama, the close proximity of the brunch spot to where I resided, and the absolute love of brunch. It was the perfect combination! I just had to attend.
- If you could pick one author to share a meal with, who would it be and where would you go?
It would have to be my favourite childhood author, Enid Blyton. I was immersed in her literary contributions by way of The Famous Five, The Wishing Chair, The Magic Faraway Tree, and The Secret Seven. I went on endless adventures through the stories she so masterfully told with magical creatures. Her work was an escape from the mundane island life where everyday happenings were increasingly predictable.
Though her work was fraught with controversy as I came to learn later in life, I was immune to such themes such as xenophobia and racism in my earlier days and thoroughly enjoyed pixies, fairies, and golliwogs alike.
I believe that she would enjoy the charm of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen and we would have a hearty helping of their blueberry pancakes. I would have her bring along some treacle to top off the pancake tower with some freshly churned butter, both of which I almost tasted in her descriptions in my younger days.
- If you had to choose one book to read for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I have returned several times to To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I have always felt that I missed a theme hidden in the intricate weavings of this iconic tale. I tend to reread stories that haunt me with an unfinished tell, like the works of Edgar Allan Poe and, interestingly, the biography of Sir Thomas More. I cannot seem to choose one!
- What does your self-care routine look like?
Time alone to reflect. I have always felt that the best way to grow is to reflect on the past, to learn from it and plot an informed path forward. I read in my spare time. I have developed a love for vignettes because free time is such a luxury.
- What is your favourite BooknBrunch event that you’ve attended? What made it special?
I have attended three thus far. There was a catered dinner for the hosts last Christmas and I absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere and the people who were present. I appreciated the sense of community that it conjured in a room of strangers. I follow them on social media and happily attend their events. It was a great networking opportunity, as people are so amazingly multifaceted.
Keep an eye out for our next community member profile, where we’ll be introducing you to Tracey!
Looking to meet people in a local book club? Whether it’s online or in-person, we’d love for you to join our community! Get started here
Shannon Hodgen is a lifelong writer, DIY enthusiast, and homebody. She satisfies her need to put pen to paper–or, more accurately, fingertips to keyboard–as an agency copywriter, blog contributor, and freelance editor in Toronto.
Favourite Book: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Favourite Brunch Spot: Dirty Food Eatery in The Junction
