When Christensen does go heavy on the details, that is where we really responded. Her writing could be really fun, such as on page 40 where she talks about being an omnivore and a glutton. The explanation of the blue plate special was really well received, as was how she used food for comfort. Many members related to her descriptions of hippie and/or space food from their own childhoods. And the shoplifting scene was a guilty pleasure read for many.
But despite some solid writing, the majority of us seemed uncomfortable with this book. The author seemed conflicted about everything, and often this read more as therapy notes than an engaging sharing. Her relationship with food was so out of balance. She claimed to get pleasure from it, but would put herself on horrible diets at the drop of a hat. Most troubling of all, was a perceived lack of empathy for others seen in so many parts of the book.
The food descriptions in the book were occasionally drool-worthy (the soft-boiled eggs of the opening, and when she travels to Mexico, France and Italy), but not consistently appetizing, reflecting her uncomfortable relationship with it at various points.
However, the book did inspire a very good meal for us:
Deanna - meatloaf and biscuits and ketchup
Heather McN – enchilada casserole, a Jello salad and real whipped cream with orange segments
Katie S. – southern green beans with bacon
Katie W. – tapioca pudding
Laura – strawberry rhubarb cake
Sonja – Spinach Pie #1
Dawn – Spinach Pie #2 (not pictured)
Sunny S. – Asian salad
And someone brought these strawberries with whipped cream and nuts. Who was it?
Next month we are discussing An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage. There should be a few copies behind the desk at the Mountlake Terrace Library, plus a few more available in the catalog (including 3 large print). If you want ebook or eaudio, you will need to go to Seattle Public. SPL and KCLS both have cds, too.
Looking forward to seeing you next month!
