“Harvest Month,” kicks off that season known for its sanction of overindulgence—embraced with abandon by some, guiltily by others. More than a fundamental need, food can embody tradition and culture, act as a conduit for connection, supply a nonverbal method of communication, and provide fodder for creative inspiration. While food preferences and associations can be highly personal (and revealing), hunger is both a universal reality and a profound symbol. I'd be willing to bet that some ancient scrolls are yet to be discovered containing a recipe or two!

In honor of this month’s celebration of all types of “stuffing,” I am serving up a menu of recent fiction catering to readers self-identifying with the “foodie” label. If you check out one of these titles, be sure to prepare an accompanying snack for maximum fulfillment.

Land of Milk and HoneyLand of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang

"A Chinese American chef lured to a decadent, enigmatic colony of the superrich in a near future in which food is disappearing, who discovers the meaning of pleasure and the ethics of who gets to enjoy it, altering her life and, indirectly, the world"

Best Served HotBest Served Hot by Amanda Elliott

"Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in this foodie romantic comedy."

Lessons in ChemistryLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

"The hilarious, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America's most beloved TV cooking show."

Eat, Drink, and Be WaryEat, Drink, and Be Wary ed. Lisa Magnum

"A collection of short stories featuring the intersection of the culinary arts and the supernatural."

Arsenic and AdoboArsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manasala

"The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer..."

The Golden SpoonThe Golden Spoon by Jessica Maxwell

"Six contestants are eager to prove their culinary talents over the course of five days...but as the baking competition gets underway, things begin to go awry."

Chef's KissChef's Kiss by T.J. Alexander

"A high-strung pastry chef's professional goals are interrupted by an unexpected career transition and the introduction of her wildly attractive nonbinary kitchen manager."

Black CakeBlack Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

"Two estranged siblings must set aside their differences to deal with their mother's death and her hidden past—a journey of discovery that takes them from the Caribbean to London to California and ends with her famous black cake."

The Kitchen FrontThe Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

"An unforgettable novel of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition and the four women who enter for a chance to better their lives."

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper ClubSaturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal

"The story of Mariel and Ned, a couple from two very different restaurant families in rustic Minnesota, and the legacy of love and tragedy, of hardship and hope, that unites and divides them."

Summaries sourced from publishers' marketing materials

November's Featured Reviews

The DinnerThe Dinner by Herman Koch
The Butterfly LampshadeThe Butterfly Lampshade by Aimee Bender

Hop on the Holds List

1. Starling House - Alix E. Harrow

2. Wellness - Nathan Hill

3. Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll

4. The Mystery Guest - Nita Prose

5. (NF) Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger and Higher Education – Stephanie Land

Recent Readings

I have recently finished reading How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair and Monica a graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. I also just finished listening to Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney on Libby.

I am currently reading Starling House by Alix E. Harrow and Misfit by Gary Gulman. I am listening to the audiobook of Monarch by Candice Wuehle.

Have you ever made a recipe from a work of fiction? Did it enhance your reading experience? Let me know at: jnmegan@gpl.org.

Until next time: Be safe, be well, and be well-read!

Joelle

So, who am I, anyway? I am a resident of West Groton, with a husband, 3 children in college (and one at GDRHS) and a Samoyed that keeps my vacuum well-employed. I am currently working part time at the Groton Public Library and in a former life I was a Director or PR/Marketing at a high-tech consulting firm. My BA is in Psychology, but most of my time was spent in college earning a Concentration on the Novel. That is all to say that I make no claims at being an expert of any kind and my thoughts, opinions and mistakes are solely my own. I am just a person whose passion for books has continued to grow from the moment I was first able to grip and gnaw on them. I have been devouring them ever since.

Nov 01, 2023 / Joelle M Egan

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