Who Would Like This Book:
Ruth Reichl's 'Tender at the Bone' is a deliciously witty and rich memoir about growing up in a quirky family and discovering a lifelong passion for food. Even if you’re not a foodie, you’ll be drawn in by her storytelling, colorful characters, and the mouthwatering (and sometimes hilarious) recipes woven throughout. This book is perfect for fans of memoirs, lovers of food writing, or anyone who enjoys a good coming-of-age story with lots of heart and a dash of humor.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the book’s structure a bit scattered or felt that it lagged toward the end. If you’re looking for a tightly plotted, deeply introspective memoir or expect every recipe to be gourmet-level challenging, you might be left wanting. Others were put off by Reichl’s family drama or felt disconnected from her experiences, especially if food memoirs aren’t your thing.
About:
"Tender at the Bone" by Ruth Reichl is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's life, from her childhood to her young adult years, all centered around food. Reichl shares stories of her family life, her experiences growing up, and her adventures in the world of food and cooking. The book is a mix of humor and poignant moments, with insightful reflections on the role of food in shaping our lives. Through engaging anecdotes and personal memories, Reichl paints a vivid picture of her life intertwined with her love for food.
Reichl's writing style in "Tender at the Bone" is described as delightful, funny, and engaging. Readers find themselves drawn into the narrative as Reichl shares her experiences with a mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling. The book not only provides a glimpse into Reichl's life but also offers a deeper exploration of the connections between food, memories, and personal growth.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of mental illness and family dysfunction.
From The Publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"An absolute delight to read . . . How lucky we are that [Ruth Reichl] had the courage to follow her appetite."-Newsday
At an early age, Ruth Reichl discovered that "food could be a way of making sense of the world. If you watched people as they ate, you could find out who they were." Her deliciously crafted memoir Tender at the Bone is the story of a life defined, determined, and enhanced in equal measure by a passion for food, by unforgettable people, and by the love of tales well told. Beginning with her mother, the notorious food-poisoner known as the Queen of Mold, Reichl introduces us to the fascinating characters who shaped her world and tastes, from the gourmand Monsieur du Croix, who served Reichl her first foie gras, to those at her politically correct table in Berkeley who championed the organic food revolution in the 1970s. Spiced with Reichl's infectious humor and sprinkled with her favorite recipes, Tender at the Bone is a witty and compelling chronicle of a culinary sensualist's coming-of-age.
Featuring a special Afterword by the author and more than a dozen personal family photos
Praise for Tender at the Bone
"A poignant, yet hilarious, collection of stories about people [Reichl] has known and loved, and who, knowingly or unknowingly, steered her on the path to fulfill her destiny as one of the world's leading food writers."-Chicago Sun-Times
"While all good food writers are humorous . . . few are so riotously, effortlessly entertaining as Ruth Reichl."-The New York Times Book Review
"Reading Ruth Reichl on food is almost as good as eating it. . . . Reichl makes the reader feel present with her, sharing the experience."-Washington Post Book World
"[In] this lovely memoir . . . we find young Ruth desperately trying to steer her manic mother's unwary guests toward something edible. It's a job she does now . . . in her columns, and whose intimate imperatives she illuminates in this graceful book."-The New Yorker
"A savory memoir of [Reichl's] apprentice years . . . Reichl describes [her] experiences with infectious humor. . . . The descriptions of each sublime taste are mouthwateringly precise. . . . A perfectly balanced stew of memories."-Kirkus Reviews
Ratings (6)
Loved It (5) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (19):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (10) | |
Not Interested (3) |
What can you read after
Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table?
About the Author:
Ruth Reichl is the bestselling author of the memoirs Garlic and Sapphires, Tender at the Bone, and Comfort Me with Apples and the novel Delicious! She was editor in chief of Gourmet magazine for ten years. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two cats.
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