What do you like to read?
I am an avid reader, devouring at least a book a week and sometimes—when I spend lots of time in airplanes and airports—it’s several a week. My tastes are eclectic, but many of the books on my Kindle involve food. In fact, I love a “foodie who-dun-it” or “culinary mystery” as they’re called and especially like those that contain recipes, although that’s not a prerequisite (since they’re never gluten-free anyway!) Just a good story—involving food as the focus or background— intrigues me.
Right now, I’m reading The Telling Room: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, Revenge, and the World’s Greatest Piece of Cheese by Michael Paterniti. Set in Spain, it’s about a Spanish family’s homestyle cheese that gains world-wide acclaim—but not without difficulties—and the Michigan-based journalist who brings the story to life. No recipes, but plenty of drama.
Recently, I read The Whole Enchilada, by fellow Coloradoan Diane Mott Davidson. One of several (I’ve read them all) in her series about caterer Goldy Schulz, this story involves the murder of her friend. So, Goldy sets out to solve the crime, with many endearing mishaps along the way. And, as usual, a few recipes for her readers. None are gluten-free, but could be adapted.
Once I find a book I like, I look for others by the same author. About a year ago, I discovered a series of 10 novels called The Coffeehouse Mysteries set in The Village, a coffeeshop in Greenwich Village. It involves Clare Cosi, who co-owns the coffeeshop with her ex-husband because his wealthy mother started the coffeeshop decades ago and wants it to survive (and perhaps see the two exes reunite?). Clare solves murders, and there is always coffee brewing in the background (I can almost smell it, coffee-lover that I am) and finally, there are recipes that Clare serves her policeman-boyfriend (and yes, that further complicates the plot). Coming in December is Billionaire Blend; can’t wait.
Sometimes, I find authors I like and then try to read all of their books. Such was the case with Mark Kurlansky, who has written books on Salt: A World History; Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World; The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell. These are not novels, but non-fiction books that expand my knowledge about the food world. The one I enjoyed the most was Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man, about the man (Clarence Birdseye) behind Birdseye frozen foods. Believe it or not, the invention of frozen food wasn’t all that long ago.
Of course, I love anything written by Michael Pollan, because I learn so much from him. His Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation was fascinating and I love his style of writing. But also try The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and Food Rules to learn more about our food supply. You will be shocked at some of the things you will learn. And, Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss was an eye-opener.
Then there’s the White House Chef Mystery series by July Hyzy whose novels feature White House Chef Ollie Paras, so the plots involve political fun and always a few recipes. The latest one I read was Buffalo West Wing (and yes, the plot involves Buffalo wings).
I also like food memoirs; the latest one to find its way to my Kindle was One Souffle at a Time: A Memoir of Food and France by the legendary Anne Willan who started LaVarenne Cooking School in France. Anne is very well-known in the culinary world and she’s led an interesting life; of course, French-inspired recipes are in the book.
Other food memoirs that I’ve read in the past year include the following;
Licking the Spoon: A Memoir of Food, Family, and Identity by Candace Walsh
Blue Plate Special: An Autobiography of My Appetites by Kate Christensen
The Cassoulet Saved Our Marriage: True Tales of Food, Family, and How We Learn to Eat by Caroline M Grant, and Lisa Catherine Harper
Poor Man’s Feast by Elissa Altman
CookFight: 2 Cooks, 12 Challenges, 125 Recipes, an Epic Battle for Kitchen Dominance, by Julia Moskin and Kim Severson
Yes, Chef, by Marcus Samuelsson and Veronica Chambers
I could go on and on, but this gives you an idea of the vast array of books that can entertain and delight us, with food as either the focus or background. You don’t have to read them on Kindle like I do; holding a real book in your hands has its merits. Whatever format you choose, maybe these books would make a good gift for yourself or someone who likes food. Enjoy!
