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Chosen by: Duckie
WHY:
I was always a picky eater growing up. I was nothing like Billie Breslin, the main character of the book. But now, being in a food-adjacent industry, I would kill for her palate and sense memory. I can’t say we’ve always been a family who loves food, but I think we’ve grown into one. So I knew my sisters would love this book. Truthfully, it’s a re-read for me. I read it about five years ago and I’ve been itching for a re-read. This seemed like the perfect excuse.
Duckie:
Perhaps it’s the name (I mean, it has an exclamation point in it!) or maybe it’s the simple yet seductive way Ruth Reichl writes about food, but I forgot some of the more emotional plot points of this book. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an easy read. But I remembered it as a much more uplifting and uncomplicated read. I guess it’s both: uplifting and emotional. I cried and I drooled. And I suppose it’s a good thing that I remembered the drooling and not the crying.
Billie is a good character, but she is nowhere near the best in the book. Ruth’s best character is food, second is New York City, third is Lulu and fourth is the Timbers Mansion. I think that’s why I love this book so much. I want to walk alongside Billie and see what she sees, taste what she tastes. And through Ruth’s writing, I almost can.
Kellie:
I found this book true to its name. The way Ruth Reichl describes food is so tantalizing. Billie Breslin is 21 when she gets a job at Delicious Magazine. Years 21-24 have many ups and downs where Billie finds out who she is outside of her family and where she fits in the world.
The characters at Delicious and Fontanari’s are so full and descriptive you feel like you know them. The love interest on the other hand is rushed and cringe-worthy at points. It did not ruin the story for me. There is also an aspect of history and mystery when she finds some old letters at the magazine. This was a quick read for me; it only took three days. Then I listened to it on audible and that took me two days. There were a ton of emotions in the book, dealing with grief and allowing yourself to be happy, but it did not weigh the book down.
I would highly recommend this book!
Katie:
This was a new read for me and I enjoyed it. My favorite part was the letters from Lulu to James Beard. What an amazing plot line and I marveled at Ruth Reichl’s creativity. How do you think of a story like this? The letters were an interesting introduction to life at home in World War II.
I also loved the descriptions of Billie’s life in New York City. The first time I went to NYC, I was not a fan at all. I thought it was dirty and the city was so crowded. I think that was because we went to most of the big tourist spots and didn’t spend as much time experiencing the culture of the city. My subsequent trips were focused mainly on the culture of the city and I have grown to truly love it. My first experience in a cheese shop was in NYC, on a later trip, and although it was no Fontanari’s, it was an amazing experience. That experience is what I would go back to NYC for, again and again, and this book describes it so well.
There were some heavy plot lines in this book, and I enjoyed the whole book, including the heavy parts, but they are not what I will remember or enjoy most about the book. The book is rich in detail and the descriptions will transport you.
Jessie:
Honestly, this was a tough one for me. It took me a while to engage. With my busy schedule, I have to get hooked right away or I don’t make the time for it.
I really wanted to like the characters, but they felt a little “Vanilla.” The character development was bland and boring. Especially, compared with the descriptive way she captures food, New York City, Fontanari’s and Timbers Mansion.
Fontanari’s Deli was probably my favorite “character” in the entire book. It sounds absolutely charming! I would love to spend my Sunday mornings enjoying Sal’s conversation and trying the freshly made mozzarella!
I did enjoy reading Lulu’s letters and learning about her life during WWII. It was fascinating to hear about the food shortages and the inventive recipes they had to create in order to feed their families!
Unlike my mother, I was NOT satisfied by the ending of the book. Certain character relationships were abruptly changed or completely forgotten. It was upsetting to me.
Overall, the book is a good read, not a great one. I’d give it three out of five stars.
Kath:
I love this book!! This was actually a re-read for me; truthfully my third time! This book pretty much hits all my buttons. A little romance, a little mystery, a little WWII, how could this book go wrong? Throw in the amazing descriptive food narrative and I was hooked! Ruth Reichl has such a gift in describing food. I can actually visualize and taste it! And one can only dream of having such a palate as the character Billie did.
Some of my favorite things:
-The “Wordly Wise” vocabulary of Sammy. (Sanguine, perspicacious, cogitate, perambulation – to name a few!)
-The history lessons about food shortages, rationing, Italian discrimination and other things going on during WWII.
-The descriptions of such interesting, wonderful food and dining experiences.
-Getting the gingerbread recipe. And yes, I made it and it WAS delicious!
-And may I just say, a very satisfying ending!