Quick Take

Organized like a cookbook, Books that Cook: The Making of a Literary Meal is a collection of American literature written on the theme of food: from an invocation to a final toast, from starters to desserts. All food literatures are indebted to the form and purpose of cookbooks, and each section begins with an excerpt from an influential American cookbook, progressing chronologically from the late 1700s through the present day, including such favorites as American Cookery, the Joy of Cooking, and Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The literary works within each section are an extension of these cookbooks, while the cookbook excerpts in turn become pieces of literature--forms of storytelling and memory-making all their own. Each section offers a delectable assortment of poetry, prose, and essays, and the selections all include at least one tempting recipe to entice readers to cook this book. Including writing from such notables as Maya Angelou, James Beard, Alice B. Toklas, Sherman Alexie, Nora Ephron, M.F.K. Fisher, and Alice Waters, among many others, Books that Cook reveals the range of ways authors incorporate recipes--whether the recipe flavors the story or the story serves to add spice to the recipe. Books that Cook is a collection to serve students and teachers of food studies as well as any epicure who enjoys a good meal alongside a good book.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Books That Cook: The Making of a Literary Meal

Introduction

Books That Cook: The Making of a Literary Meal is a unique and engaging collection of American literature centered around the theme of food. Organized like a cookbook, this book explores the intersections between literature and cuisine, showcasing how recipes can serve as storytelling tools and forms of memory-making. With selections ranging from poetry to prose and essays, this collection offers a diverse array of voices and perspectives on the culinary arts. In this article, we will delve into the author's background, analyze readers' opinions, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Jennifer Cognard-Black

Jennifer Cognard-Black, the author of Books That Cook: The Making of a Literary Meal, is a scholar and educator with a passion for food studies. Her expertise in American literature and culinary arts brings a unique perspective to this collection, which combines literary works with cookbook excerpts to create a cohesive narrative. Cognard-Black's background in food studies and her ability to bridge the gap between literature and cuisine make her an ideal author for this project.

Analysis of Views

A Fun Way to Think About Food Across Different Media: Readers appreciate the book's ability to challenge conventional boundaries between literature and cooking. By incorporating recipes into poetry, prose, and essays, Books That Cook offers a fresh perspective on how food can be presented in various forms of media.
A Cookbook Like No Other: Many readers find the book's approach to be unique and captivating. The blending of literary genres and the inclusion of recipes make it stand out from other literary-based cookbooks. Readers are drawn to the diverse range of authors and their individual approaches to incorporating food into their works.
Informative and Succinct: Some readers appreciate the informative nature of the book, particularly the academic insights provided in each chapter or section. They find the book to be a valuable resource for those interested in food studies, as it offers insights into various books and movies related to food.
A Love Story to Food and Cooking: Many readers find the book to be a celebration of food and cooking. The essays and recipes presented throughout the book evoke feelings of nostalgia and inspire readers to explore new culinary adventures. The love for food shines through in each piece, making it a delightful read for food enthusiasts.
Savor and Enjoy: Readers recommend savoring this book as if it were a fine dining experience. They appreciate the opportunity to reflect on each essay, allowing themselves to be transported on culinary adventures through the words of the contributors. The book's ability to inspire thoughts and evoke nostalgia makes it a perfect gift for those who love both reading and eating.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique Blend of Literary Genres: Books That Cook stands out for its unique blend of literary genres, which allows readers to explore different forms of storytelling through the lens of food. The inclusion of recipes adds an extra layer of engagement, making it a delightful read for both foodies and literature enthusiasts.
Diverse Range of Authors: The book features a wide range of authors from various backgrounds, offering readers a glimpse into different perspectives on food and cooking. Each section presents a unique assortment of voices, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that enriches the overall reading experience.
Inspirational Culinary Literature: Books That Cook serves as an inspiration for those interested in exploring the intersection between literature and cuisine further. It encourages readers to seek out cookbooks for their poetry and literature for their recipes, opening up new possibilities for literary exploration.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Some Readers Prefer Fiction Over Nonfiction: While most readers enjoy the variety of genres presented in Books That Cook, some prefer fiction over nonfiction. They find that the essays and cookbook selections may not align with their personal preferences, leading them to skip certain sections or skim through certain pieces.
Research-Heavy Content: Some readers find that certain sections become overly research-heavy, detracting from the overall reading experience. While they appreciate the academic insights provided, they may prefer more narrative-driven content that focuses on storytelling rather than extensive research.

Conclusion

Books That Cook: The Making of a Literary Meal is a unique and engaging collection that explores the intersections between literature and cuisine. Jennifer Cognard-Black's expertise in food studies brings together a diverse array of authors to create a cohesive narrative that celebrates food as a literary genre. Readers appreciate the book's ability to challenge conventional boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on how food can be presented in various forms of media. While some prefer fiction over nonfiction or find certain sections research-heavy, overall, Books That Cook is recommended for those interested in exploring the culinary arts through literature. Its blend of literary genres, diverse range of authors, and inspirational culinary literature make it a delightful read for both foodies and literature enthusiasts alike.