Book List

21 Books for Serious Foodies

NONFICTION

WHAT I ATE IN ONE YEAR

by Stanley Tucci

A charming and sometimes touching glimpse into the life of an actor and gourmand. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE EDITOR

by Sarah B. Franklin

Sometimes heavy with dry details, but a thorough and humanizing portrait. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE FRENCH INGREDIENT

by Jane Bertch

An inspiring story that will appeal to foodies and budding entrepreneurs alike. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

SLOW NOODLES

by Chantha Nguon with Kim Green

A moving book that mixes horror and hope, disaster and good food, creating a poignant, fascinating read. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

PRAISESONG FOR THE KITCHEN GHOSTS

by Crystal Wilkinson ; photographed by Kelly Marshall

A pleasing, succulent mix of storytelling and mouthwatering recipes. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

EVERYTHING I LEARNED, I LEARNED IN A CHINESE RESTAURANT

by Curtis Chin

Chin is a born storyteller with an easy manner, and this memoir should earn him many readers. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

THE METH LUNCHES

by Kim Foster

A disheartening yet engaging, urgent report from the front lines of social decline. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

MORE, PLEASE

by Emma Specter

An inspiring personal account of living with an eating disorder and finding joy in a fat body. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE UPSTAIRS DELICATESSEN

by Dwight Garner

A wonderful mix of culinary memoir, literary reference, how-to in indulgence. Grab some snacks and dig in. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ENDANGERED EATING

by Sarah Lohman

A tasty sojourn through the landscape of America’s endangered foods, served with a scoop of energy and a dash of hope. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

NATIONAL DISH

by Anya von Bremzen

In this piquant platter of a book, von Bremzen tackles questions of culture, history, and the meaning of a good meal. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE CORE OF AN ONION

by Mark Kurlansky

A delightful journey that unravels the story of a key piece of nearly every national cuisine. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 273 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this special Food Issue: interviews with Adib Khorram, Stanley Tucci, Crystal Wilkinson, Marc Aronson, and Alexis Castellanos; and much more

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  • The Kirkus Star

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  • The Kirkus Prize

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