Sincerely Reading is a reoccurring feature on the blog. When it’s not one of my book recommendations, it will be a friend’s. This week it’s from JJ Berman of Urbane Nomad with a Delicious book review.
Title: Delicious! A Novel by Ruth Reichl
Summary: Billie Breslin has traveled far from her home in California to take a job at Delicious!, New York’s most iconic food magazine. Away from her family, particularly her older sister, Genie, Billie feels like a fish out of water—until she is welcomed by the magazine’s colorful staff. She is also seduced by the vibrant downtown food scene, especially by Fontanari’s, the famous Italian food shop where she works on weekends. Then Delicious! is abruptly shut down, but Billie agrees to stay on in the empty office, maintaining the hotline for reader complaints in order to pay her bills.
To Billie’s surprise, the lonely job becomes the portal to a miraculous discovery. In a hidden room in the magazine’s library, Billie finds a cache of letters written during World War II by Lulu Swan, a plucky twelve-year-old, to the legendary chef James Beard. Lulu’s letters provide Billie with a richer understanding of history, and a feeling of deep connection to the young writer whose courage in the face of hardship inspires Billie to comes to terms with her fears, her big sister and her ability to open her heart to love. (via Amazon)
On a Scale of “Don’t Bother” to “Couldn’t Put Down”: After the first chapter, I scarfed down the book like a great meal. I had the same remorse as when I ate a meal so fast. Once I finished the book, I wished I’d taken the time to savor it .
Why? At first glance, the novel appears to be a tale of the comfort of food, which is nice but ubiquitous. The added layer of complexity comes from the mystery of the letters and learning how food culture changes throughout history.
My favorite parts of the book hands down are Lulu’s letters. As someone who likes to cook, her banter is refreshingly honest. I even have the same thoughts while cooking.
If someone likes ________, they’d like this book: Julie & Julia as well as food blogs. Anyone who enjoys the connection of food, healing and learning will be interested.
When would be the best time to read this book? On a rainy day with your kitchen close by or on a plane to New York City. Delicious! It can easily be read in one sitting and is guaranteed to spark your appetite, so access to tasty snacks is vital to fully appreciating the novel.
Drop me a note if you’d like to review a book in an upcoming post. You can find more of my book recommendations on my Goodreads page. Follow along!