Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner

56%

22.08.25

I was 15% of the way through and wondering when the plot was going to kick in before I realised this was non-fiction. Even having experienced my own version of what the author describes, it did nothing to change my mind about the point of memoirs beyond therapy for the writer. It was well written but, oh, the endless descriptions of bonding over food - yes, I get it.

Sweetness in the Skin - Ishi Robinson

59%

27.02.25

This was sweet in all sorts of ways, including the 'sour' and 'bitter' variety. Set in a a vivid 1990s Jamaica, this was strongly imagined and characterised, although the story was a little oddly paced, which made you less invested in what happened.

Recipe for a Perfect Wife - Karma Brown

55%
28.04.20

I don't really know what to make of this. On the one hand, it was an appealing two-day read with an interesting premise. On the other, the story depended on the protagonists' unrealistically irrational behaviour. Why do contemporary novels feature such unlikable women with whom we are expected to empathise? The ending of both narratives was decidedly iffy and heavy-handed. And, of course, it needed a decent edit, but what book doesn't these days?

The Case Against Sugar - Gary Taubes

62%
02.05.19

Well, sure, Taubes is biased and selective in his facts, but that's how to make a case against something that is inexplicably not generally accepted as being as dangerous as it is. And the case is pretty conclusive - I didn't want to consume sugar for at least a week after reading this. (Full disclosure: I don't eat much sugar these days anyway, so he's preaching to the converted.) But, still, it's an important and persuasive book.

Wicked Appetite - Janet Evanovich

67%
22.01.19

Many writers try to emulate Janet Evanovich but few succeed (and I guess they become her ghostwriters). If you're looking for deep and thoughtful, look elsewhere, but for warm, funny, engaging and unpredictable, her books are hard to beat. As much of a gulp-down treat as the cupcakes so lovingly described in the story.

The Obesity Code - Dr Jason Fung

55%
24.09.17

This influential book can be summed up as 'Eating increases insulin, which makes you gain weight, so try fasting'. While I'm interested in the theory, some of the science quoted seems contradictory, and there's, surprisingly, no mention of the triggering/psychological aspects of not eating. At least it makes me want to do some more research.

Strange Weather in Tokyo - Hiromi Kawakami

63%
14.05.17

Popular on Netflix at the moment are gentle Japanese dramas focusing on bar and restaurant culture. This fits in very well with that genre - two lonely people gradually become closer as they drink sake and enjoy various dishes together. A little spice is added by protaganist making no excuse for being rather contrary and difficult, and the plot unfolding through a series of slightly disjointed vignettes - the story rings a little truer as a result.

John Saturnall's Feast - Laurence Norfolk

50%
07.04.14

More historical servants, this time carrying out their well-researched duties during the English Civil War. I was lured by promises of luscious food descriptions but actually they're not particularly memorable, and neither are the characters. Or the plot. What was it about again?