The Book Club Cookbook by Judy Gelman, Vicki Levy Krupp
Review by Carole (craftnut)
This wonderful book contains chapters on 100 bestselling books, mostly novels, some I have actually read. The introduction is quite interesting, giving the rationale behind the choice of books to include. Popularity for discussion with book clubs, and ability to provoke discussion were the main criteria.
Each chapter is devoted to a book and gives a synopsis of the story, a recipe and features on book clubs that read the book. The recipes were mostly chosen by the novel’s authors, and have notes from the authors telling why a particular recipe was chosen. Many times the recipe is something mentioned in the book, while others are inspired by the time or the culture. Novel Thoughts and More Food For Thought follows each recipe, which has notes from book clubs around the country containing the club’s thoughts and what they served when discussing the book. It was fascinating just to read the book club notes!!
The Help is listed with recipes for Demetrie’s Chocolate Pie, and Caramel Cake with Never Fail Caramel Icing. Novel Thoughts focuses on a book club in Illinois, which did a program on history of aprons as an adjunct to the discussion of The Help, having the members wear the aprons while they discussed the book. More Food For Thought visited book clubs in Alaska, Connecticut and New York highlighting their thoughts on the book itself and their menus for the meetings.
Life of Pi has a recipe for Tandoori Shrimp. Room’s recipe is Jack’s Sixth Birthday Cake. Water For Elephants has the recipe for Oyster Brie Soup. The Secret Life of Bees has a recipe for Honey Cake. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is listed with recipes for Swedish Meatballs and Glogg. Classic novels are included as well with entries for The Great Gatsby, Anna Karenina, Jane Eyre, and To Kill a Mockingbird. I’d love to tell you about all of the wonderful entries, but there are too many to list all of them.
Even if you don’t cook, this is a book worth having just for reading. The book club notes and author notes give wonderful insights into the novels. I recommend this book for everyone, and if you like to cook it is even better!!
Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Reviews
Sounds like a fun book which I Just added it to my list! I wonder how the WL for this book will grow with this review!
Just added it. I collect cookbooks anyway so a cookbook with book tie-ins even better.
Carole, your review is great. I wouldn’t have even known about this book had not it been for your.
I’ll check it out at my local library.
Irina
Count me as #21 on the WL list…..