Table of Contents: From Breakfast with Anita Diamant to Dessert with James Patterson – a Generous Helping of Recipes, Writings, and Insights from Today’s Bestselling Authors by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Adams Media (November 30, 2010)
- ISBN-13: 978-1440504037
Back-of-the-book blurb: Have you ever wished you could enjoy an Italian dinner with Frances Mayes? Or swap recipes with Jacquelyn Mitchard? It’s all possible in this unique cookbook that features recipes drawn from the works of today’s bestselling authors, along with intimate insights that help bring their most beloved books to life. Includes more than 100 dishes and drinks created by fifty writers.
She Is Too Fond of Books’ review: Table of Contents is a full of collection of recipes and personal reflections from over four dozen contemporary authors. These aren’t simply recipes that appeared in novels and were extracted for the cookbook, they were submitted specifically for this project, with the idea that readers like to sample the food they’re reading about.
Are you reading Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun? Her Summer Shrimp Salad will be perfect at a lunchtime discussion of the book. Adriana’s Limoncello fits the bill for an evening reading of Very Valentine or Brava Valentine. Is fantasy more your style? You’ll enjoy the imagined “Lunch at Shiz University” from Gregory Maguire’s Wicked. He presents Oh Sweet Ozcrust Glinda Tart, a yummy peach/plum tart; and easy too, he encourages “thawed commercial dough (unwrap it, and thump into lumpiness so Munchkins think you made it by hand the day before)”.
Authors are presented in alphabetical order, with a headshot, list of selected works, and brief interview/survey questions. These usually follow the format “inspiration,” “readers should know,” “readers frequently ask,” and “influences on my writing,” but some diverge (and sometimes are very surprising, as in Barbara Delinsky’s “the lone influence on my writing,” in which she admits to being kicked out of high school Honors English due to a lack of interest in reading and writing).
The recipes are placed in context of the book, whether it’s a general connection to the setting/history, or if the dish is mentioned in the plot of the novel. These introductions to each recipe are really the heart of the cookbook, making a personal connection between the author, the reader, and the food. It’s really a smart and winning format.
A grid cross-references recipes by book and author; a complete index also uses these three reference points. Since this isn’t a general cookbook, you won’t find a list of conversions, handy substitutions, or instruction on basic cooking techniques. Only a very few recipes struck me as beyond my comfortable reach in the kitchen (for a discussion of Ape House, I might choose to serve a simple banana bread, rather than the very involved suggested recipe for Salmon en Croûte).
Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp are the creators of the website Book Club Cookbook, a wonderful resource for book groups. Previous books include The Book Club Cookbook and The Kids’ Book Club Book.
I love this book! I keep meaning to review it, but everyone else keeps beating me to it. I love the literary connections and the personal stories. This is a book to read as much as to cook from.
I love this book too! I wish I could get my book club more enthused about creating themed events like that.
I purchased this book on one of my sad trips to my closing Borders. I haven’t read it yet, but thought it would be one I could read a bit at a time. My book group doesn’t eat (it’s a library book group) but once a year and then just snackies. However, I think these recipes sound so creative and I always love reading about authors.
This sounds right up my alley! Hopefully the recipes aren’t too difficult for my beginning-level skills. Thanks for the review.
I really want this book! Sounds perfect
Beth F – yes! Those intros are very telling. Much more than a listing of recipes in here.
Kathy – you’ll have to hook them by serving a themed snack the next time you host
Kay – I agree w/you and Beth Fish – the personal stories are what really makes the book. Much more than a collection of author recipes.
Kate – no, there were only 2 or 3 that I thought might be too ambitious for me. Although, with a small group of friends (not TOO many in the kitchen), it might be fun to try something a little more involved.
Rebecca – well, they’ll be knocking on your door for “the Bird Sisters” contribution to the next edition!
gosh, I read a review of this book before, somewhere, and meant to check it out and forgot all about it. Sounds fun..
I love this book too. It was fun to see the discussion and recipes of authors I know. It has also led me to discover some new and wonderful authors.
What a great, great idea for a book – not just for book clubs, but also for your family, or just yourself. I would enjoy knowing the recipe came from an author I read. Thanks.
A book that combines a love of reading with a love of books…what could be better?
I’m with Caite, have seen someone review this very book before, but then again, I don’t mind being reminded how good it is
Have to add it to my to-read pile.
Looks like fun. A great resource for book clubs that also serve food.
Oh, my goodness, I did not realize why I put this on my TBR list until you reminded me! This is a must read indeed. When I get the chance, I will request it. Thank you for the review.