EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU, Celeste Ng
When I read Celeste Ng’s debut novel, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It's a story about women who miss out on living the lives they dreamt of. It is an exploration of how a woman’s absence can shape a family as dramatically as her presence can. Set in 1977, the book begins with the stunning revelation that “Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” Lydia is a bright and complicated teen, and when she goes missing, the family is reminded of a painful memory: Lydia’s mother, Marilyn, once disappeared as well. Her absence left a painful emptiness and fear behind that never abated even after she returned. In the dual-timeline story, we see a tiny Lydia hiding under a table clutching her mother’s Betty Crocker cookbook, which becomes her comfort. To Marilyn, it is a reminder of her own mother who rejected and abandoned her; recipes shared between mothers and daughters, the secrets to forging a life you were told to want.
FATTY FATTY BOOM BOOM, A Memoir of Food, Fat & Family, Rabia Chaudry
Food is front and center in this memoir by Rabia Chaudry, daughter of Pakistani immigrants who bring flavors and recipes to life as she recounts the joys of her culture. Food is a defining aspect of the author’s life, like her mother letting her gnaw on butter as a baby. The author also honestly digs deep into body image and beauty perceptions, and it is eye-opening to read about how weight is discussed in other cultures. It also includes several Pakistani recipes.
THE GOLDEN SPOON, Jessa Maxwell
Described “The Great British Bake Off” meets “Only Murders in the Building,” this terrifically clever debut novel shares the story of a baking competition from seven points of view: six contestants plus the iconic beloved baker Betsy Martin, host of the show. The TV worthy desserts may be sweet, but with a murderer in their midst, no one can be trusted. The book is heading to Hulu as a series.
Saved room for another course? Here are more flavorful faves:
THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND, Elin Hilderbrand
LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, Laura Esquivel
ARSENIC AND ADOBO, Mia P. Manansala
Olivia Fierro is an Emmy-award winning journalist and podcast host. She has been sharing her passion for reading with Arizona since the 2019 launch of Olivia's Book Club. instagram.com/olivias.bookclub