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Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees
From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, a lyrical book of short essays about food offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and little-known facts about nature
In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evokes our associations and remembrances – a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.
Here, Nezhukumatathil restores some of our astonishment and wonder about food through her encounter with a range of foods and food traditions. From shave ice to lumpia, mangoes to pecans, rambutan to vanilla, she investigates how food marks our experiences and identities; the boundaries between heritage and memory; and the ethics and environmental pressures around gathering and consuming food.
Bite by Bite offers a rich and textured kaleidoscope of vignettes and visions into the world of food and nature, drawn together by intimate and funny personal reflections and Fumi Nakamura’s gorgeous imagery and illustration.
In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evokes our associations and remembrances – a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.
Here, Nezhukumatathil restores some of our astonishment and wonder about food through her encounter with a range of foods and food traditions. From shave ice to lumpia, mangoes to pecans, rambutan to vanilla, she investigates how food marks our experiences and identities; the boundaries between heritage and memory; and the ethics and environmental pressures around gathering and consuming food.
Bite by Bite offers a rich and textured kaleidoscope of vignettes and visions into the world of food and nature, drawn together by intimate and funny personal reflections and Fumi Nakamura’s gorgeous imagery and illustration.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Aimee Nezhukumatathil
24 books887 followersauthor of WORLD OF WONDERS: IN PRAISE OF FIREFLIES, WHALE SHARKS, AND OTHER ASTONISHMENTS (Milkweed 2020), and four collections of poetry, most recently, OCEANIC (Copper Canyon, 2018). Professor of English and Glitter, University of Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
July 18, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Ecco, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 4.30!!**
Exquisite, sumptuous, full of life, and BURSTING with flavor!
Aimee Nezhukumatathil's latest treasure trove of essays will give you a taste of some of the best and most unique foods our planet has to offer...AND will also give you insight, heart, and a peek into not only her whirlwind (and sometimes global!) adventures, but also the intrinsic joy that can be found in the minutiae of everyday life. Each essay in the collection focuses on a different food, from some that I already knew and loved prior to reading (Mint, Strawberry, Concord Grape, and a personal favorite, Gyro) to those that may be as unfamiliar to you as they were to me (Mangosteen, Jackfruit, Miracle Fruit and Kaong). Each journey is emboldened by carefully chosen research and the 'history' of the food being explored, but ALSO cleverly takes you on a tour of a time period in Aimee's life, past or present, connecting the dots effortlessly throughout. You will lose yourself not only in the imagining of the taste, smell, and texture of each food being discussed (if you choose to go at this on an empty stomach, you do so at your own peril!😱) but also in the magnificent storytelling of a beautiful and humble life well-lived, the bonds of a loving family, and the nostalgia of a fascinating past.
Though Nezhukumatathil has published several books, she is perhaps best known for World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, which catapulted her firmly into the national spotlight when Barnes and Noble chose it as their Book of the Year in 2020 (no small feat!) Though this is an incredible accomplishment in and of itself, I actually must admit that I JUMPED at the opportunity to read and review a copy of this book for an entirely DIFFERENT reason: I had the privilege and honor of actually being Aimee's STUDENT (as well as a student in her intelligent, kind, fellow creative writing professor husband, Dustin Parsons) back when I was studying English at SUNY Fredonia...and let's just say I never considered an MFA in Creative Writing MORE intently than when I was a member of her Creative Writing Class (and Professor Parsons, too...I realize now I was INCREDIBLY lucky!)
So to get a chance to dive more deeply into her mind, life, and of course, to enjoy the gorgeous, effortless writing of this beloved figure from my college years was MORE than a pleasure: I was EXUBERANT. From hearing about Aimee's teen years and insecurities, to her family life, to the origins of her beautiful love story with ANOTHER beloved professor, this book felt like having a very honest, authentic, and ENTHRALLING conversation with the sort of fascinating, intelligent soul you never want to stop talking, and I feel so much better for it. Though she and Dustin have settled in (quite happily) at another university since my graduation in 2009, it was both shocking and saddening to hear some of the hardships she faced among fellow faculty in the small (somewhat rural) town and the judgment that made this such a difficult time in her life. Reading these words, I almost felt like I was reading Aimee's diaries, and at times I wanted nothing more than to reach through the pages and give her a hug!
Despite any and all personal hardships, Aimee Nezhukumatathil (or Aimee Nez, as she always told her students to call her) embodies a certain joie de vivre: her exploration, fascination, and passion for the earth and all of its magnificent inhabitants, from plants to animals to bugs - you name it! - always imbues her writing with the sort of excitement you'd see from a scientist making an earth shattering discovery - each essay, each page, each WORD feels like a revelation. And if you feel inspired and ambitious enough, there are even some FANTASTIC writing prompts at the end of the book just to get your creative juices flowing! 📝
When you have a meal that is just SO good it takes your breath away, you might stop, breathe deeply, close your eyes, and try to savor the moment, so it can live on in your memory forever.
Such is Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees; but be warned that with food THIS good...by the time these 200 pages of food, flavor, and fun are over...you'll ALREADY be ravenous for more! 🍴
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Exquisite, sumptuous, full of life, and BURSTING with flavor!
Aimee Nezhukumatathil's latest treasure trove of essays will give you a taste of some of the best and most unique foods our planet has to offer...AND will also give you insight, heart, and a peek into not only her whirlwind (and sometimes global!) adventures, but also the intrinsic joy that can be found in the minutiae of everyday life. Each essay in the collection focuses on a different food, from some that I already knew and loved prior to reading (Mint, Strawberry, Concord Grape, and a personal favorite, Gyro) to those that may be as unfamiliar to you as they were to me (Mangosteen, Jackfruit, Miracle Fruit and Kaong). Each journey is emboldened by carefully chosen research and the 'history' of the food being explored, but ALSO cleverly takes you on a tour of a time period in Aimee's life, past or present, connecting the dots effortlessly throughout. You will lose yourself not only in the imagining of the taste, smell, and texture of each food being discussed (if you choose to go at this on an empty stomach, you do so at your own peril!😱) but also in the magnificent storytelling of a beautiful and humble life well-lived, the bonds of a loving family, and the nostalgia of a fascinating past.
Though Nezhukumatathil has published several books, she is perhaps best known for World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, which catapulted her firmly into the national spotlight when Barnes and Noble chose it as their Book of the Year in 2020 (no small feat!) Though this is an incredible accomplishment in and of itself, I actually must admit that I JUMPED at the opportunity to read and review a copy of this book for an entirely DIFFERENT reason: I had the privilege and honor of actually being Aimee's STUDENT (as well as a student in her intelligent, kind, fellow creative writing professor husband, Dustin Parsons) back when I was studying English at SUNY Fredonia...and let's just say I never considered an MFA in Creative Writing MORE intently than when I was a member of her Creative Writing Class (and Professor Parsons, too...I realize now I was INCREDIBLY lucky!)
So to get a chance to dive more deeply into her mind, life, and of course, to enjoy the gorgeous, effortless writing of this beloved figure from my college years was MORE than a pleasure: I was EXUBERANT. From hearing about Aimee's teen years and insecurities, to her family life, to the origins of her beautiful love story with ANOTHER beloved professor, this book felt like having a very honest, authentic, and ENTHRALLING conversation with the sort of fascinating, intelligent soul you never want to stop talking, and I feel so much better for it. Though she and Dustin have settled in (quite happily) at another university since my graduation in 2009, it was both shocking and saddening to hear some of the hardships she faced among fellow faculty in the small (somewhat rural) town and the judgment that made this such a difficult time in her life. Reading these words, I almost felt like I was reading Aimee's diaries, and at times I wanted nothing more than to reach through the pages and give her a hug!
Despite any and all personal hardships, Aimee Nezhukumatathil (or Aimee Nez, as she always told her students to call her) embodies a certain joie de vivre: her exploration, fascination, and passion for the earth and all of its magnificent inhabitants, from plants to animals to bugs - you name it! - always imbues her writing with the sort of excitement you'd see from a scientist making an earth shattering discovery - each essay, each page, each WORD feels like a revelation. And if you feel inspired and ambitious enough, there are even some FANTASTIC writing prompts at the end of the book just to get your creative juices flowing! 📝
When you have a meal that is just SO good it takes your breath away, you might stop, breathe deeply, close your eyes, and try to savor the moment, so it can live on in your memory forever.
Such is Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees; but be warned that with food THIS good...by the time these 200 pages of food, flavor, and fun are over...you'll ALREADY be ravenous for more! 🍴
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
April 30, 2024
Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s World of Wonders is a stunning book, both in writing and illustrations. It’s just gorgeous, and I often admire it on my shelves. I was super thrilled to win a giveaway of an ARC of her latest group of essays, Bite by Bite; Nourishments and Jamborees. What a treat to have the full color illustrations by Fumi Nakamura included in the ARC. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed the reading experience. Outstanding.
About the book: “From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and marvelous curiosities from nature
In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances—a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.”
When I was in college, I double majored in anthropology, and a friend recommended I take an Anth class called Food and Culture. “It’s amazing,” she said. “You get to eat the best food, learn about new cultures, and write about it all.” She was right. Our assignments included visiting local restaurants and also local families, all of cultures different than my own, expanding my palate, and most importantly, learning how family, food, and culture are intertwined. Bite by Bite reminded me a little of that experience but is so much more.
So far, I’ve learned about paw paw (and wished my dad were here to talk with me about it; surely he had paw paw, even if I have not), mangos, rambutan, lumpia, and how Aimee’s life and family traditions have been shaped by these foods. It’s fascinating to learn about the history of the food, intermixed with Aimee’s observations and anecdotes. The essays are relatively brief, and I’ve decided to read one each week alongside my other yearlong reading book, The Comfort of Crows. I’m hoping I’ll plan some tastings with these yummy foods along the way, as well. Highly recommended for fans of gorgeous prose, and anyone interested in discussions of food and culture.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and marvelous curiosities from nature
In Bite by Bite, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances—a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia.”
When I was in college, I double majored in anthropology, and a friend recommended I take an Anth class called Food and Culture. “It’s amazing,” she said. “You get to eat the best food, learn about new cultures, and write about it all.” She was right. Our assignments included visiting local restaurants and also local families, all of cultures different than my own, expanding my palate, and most importantly, learning how family, food, and culture are intertwined. Bite by Bite reminded me a little of that experience but is so much more.
So far, I’ve learned about paw paw (and wished my dad were here to talk with me about it; surely he had paw paw, even if I have not), mangos, rambutan, lumpia, and how Aimee’s life and family traditions have been shaped by these foods. It’s fascinating to learn about the history of the food, intermixed with Aimee’s observations and anecdotes. The essays are relatively brief, and I’ve decided to read one each week alongside my other yearlong reading book, The Comfort of Crows. I’m hoping I’ll plan some tastings with these yummy foods along the way, as well. Highly recommended for fans of gorgeous prose, and anyone interested in discussions of food and culture.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 29, 2024
This is the second book of essays and poems I've read by Aimee Nezhukumatathil: this time it is centered around various foods, their origins, usage and qualities. It is also a memoir with many personal stories about her and her family's experiences with different foods, their family meal traditions, etc. All in all, it is a charming read with lovely illustrations and would make a very special gift for a dear mother or friend.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this book via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2024
Nezhukumatahil explores 40 different foods as they relate to her life in small vignettes. These “bites” of writing are easily digestible and will transport you from New York to India to the Philippines. The writing is simple, easy to follow, and a joy to read.
May 1, 2024
Bite by Bite is like a buffet of beautiful appetizers. Each short essay combines memoir and a delightful history surrounding food. The author's warmth, her love of family and the natural world comes through in each piece.In the essay about coconut the author tells us that male monkeys can pick 1600 coconuts in a day, female monkeys can pick 600 and a human can pick around 70. There is a training school for monkeys to perfect this task (humanely run of course). I loved having this tiny piece of information.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found myself hungry for longer pieces, more depth and variety of experience. This is a perfect for a gift for special occasions, for food lovers or those who just like to like to drift off with a short, sweet essay at the end of the day.
Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found myself hungry for longer pieces, more depth and variety of experience. This is a perfect for a gift for special occasions, for food lovers or those who just like to like to drift off with a short, sweet essay at the end of the day.
Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book
June 2, 2024
I am lucky enough to have been one of Aimee Nezhukumatahil's students when I was in college. I can attest that she is just as warm and bright in real life as she is in her writing. It has been such a pleasure reading all of her works, but I would have to say Bite by Bite is my favorite of hers so far.
I loved that each essay focused on a different food in her life that brought to mind a special memory or a connection to a place and the people there with her. Each essay is bite-sized and enjoyable to read in any spare moment you have, or at any part of the day where you might be open to a bit more reflection.
I have personally come to love writing about food because it always brings a sense of comfort and home. If you are looking for something quiet and relatable, you should read not only this book but Nezhukumatahil's other works as well.
I loved that each essay focused on a different food in her life that brought to mind a special memory or a connection to a place and the people there with her. Each essay is bite-sized and enjoyable to read in any spare moment you have, or at any part of the day where you might be open to a bit more reflection.
I have personally come to love writing about food because it always brings a sense of comfort and home. If you are looking for something quiet and relatable, you should read not only this book but Nezhukumatahil's other works as well.
May 3, 2024
bite by bite is a collection of lyrical and mouthwatering essays on food and Nezhukumatathil’s memories, to which every fruit, vegetable, scent and flavor is associated.
It's an explosion of colors and scents to discover. we travel from one memory to another, from vignettes to vignettes from the past that we share with her. I warn you, you'll be salivating with envy at such stimulation of the senses.
i loved this social and historical exploration and reflection on food, which occupies such a large place in our daily lives, and whose interest is, in my humble opinion, to be shared! what could be better than sharing dinner with friends, a romantic picnic or a sunday meal with the family? i honestly discovered fruits i'd never heard of, all of which look tastier, juicier and more satisfying.
I highly recommend this delicious, gourmet book!
It's an explosion of colors and scents to discover. we travel from one memory to another, from vignettes to vignettes from the past that we share with her. I warn you, you'll be salivating with envy at such stimulation of the senses.
i loved this social and historical exploration and reflection on food, which occupies such a large place in our daily lives, and whose interest is, in my humble opinion, to be shared! what could be better than sharing dinner with friends, a romantic picnic or a sunday meal with the family? i honestly discovered fruits i'd never heard of, all of which look tastier, juicier and more satisfying.
I highly recommend this delicious, gourmet book!
August 18, 2024
I've been a huge fan of Aimee since hearing her (virtually) speak to my english class in 2020. I loved World of Wonders last year, but I have to say, I loved this one even more. Bite by Bite is full of delight after delight: a book you can savor in bite-size essays, or read over the course of a long summer afternoon. I originally planned to take my time with this collection, but I found myself not wanting to put this book down. Aimee, like so many poets, has such a way with language that her prose feel light and refreshing. These essays, speaking on both Aimee's life and delightful fruits, vegetables, desserts, and more tell the story of how important food is to not just our bodies, but to our lives and spirits. I found so much joy in this collection--but beware, you'll definitely be craving some delicious fruit by the end!
October 7, 2024
Mmmm this was bad. I do not recommend. This is basically a coffee table book.
July 30, 2024
Delicious!
August 9, 2024
i devoured this book
April 7, 2024
delight after delight after delight <3 savored this one and drew little hearts on like. all of the pages.
“you make something new with what you have. you take the extra bit of time. it doesn’t always turn out how you think it should. you make it anyway” (198).
“you make something new with what you have. you take the extra bit of time. it doesn’t always turn out how you think it should. you make it anyway” (198).
September 1, 2024
A wonderful love letter to food 🥹 a great mix of memoir, fun facts, history, community, and culture of food!!
Read
June 7, 2024Through a verbal jamboree of flavors and aromas, “Bite by Bite” invites readers into Nezhukumatathil memories, and inspires reflection on one’s own memory archives. A one-of-a-kind blend of memoir, poetry, cookbook, and gardening guide, “Bite by Bite” is a reminder that the things that feel mundane day-to-day can be magic in hindsight, if we allow ourselves the time to reflect.
Nezhukumatathil unravels the complex histories of food and its supply chain by taking readers on a global journey. From exploring sugarcane and mangosteen to uncovering the hidden history of vanilla and shedding new light on the humble potato, she offers insights that forever change how we view these ingredients. Through jackfruit in Kerala, saba banana in the Philippines, figs in Greece, and blackberries in Mississippi, Nezhukumatathil unveils how you can at once stand geographically in one place but have your heart in so many others.
The book is thoughtfully researched, but equally personally reflective. The author’s craft is exceptional in both, involving nostalgia in the reader as well.I found myself transported back to the foods and flavors that have shaped my life, from turmeric and mango to Sour Patch candies. I was brought back to the watery Maggi noodles I proudly served to my parents as a child, the clementines my boyfriend and I subsisted on while car camping in a snowstorm in Iceland, and longed for my mom’s numbing fish curry, the recipe I know so can never perfect quite as she has, mastering the proportions without ever using a measuring cup.
Whether I’m in need of a sentimental read, or just enjoying a particularly juicy strawberry, “Bite by Bite” is a read I can come back to, a testament to its wide and enduring appeal.
Nezhukumatathil unravels the complex histories of food and its supply chain by taking readers on a global journey. From exploring sugarcane and mangosteen to uncovering the hidden history of vanilla and shedding new light on the humble potato, she offers insights that forever change how we view these ingredients. Through jackfruit in Kerala, saba banana in the Philippines, figs in Greece, and blackberries in Mississippi, Nezhukumatathil unveils how you can at once stand geographically in one place but have your heart in so many others.
The book is thoughtfully researched, but equally personally reflective. The author’s craft is exceptional in both, involving nostalgia in the reader as well.I found myself transported back to the foods and flavors that have shaped my life, from turmeric and mango to Sour Patch candies. I was brought back to the watery Maggi noodles I proudly served to my parents as a child, the clementines my boyfriend and I subsisted on while car camping in a snowstorm in Iceland, and longed for my mom’s numbing fish curry, the recipe I know so can never perfect quite as she has, mastering the proportions without ever using a measuring cup.
Whether I’m in need of a sentimental read, or just enjoying a particularly juicy strawberry, “Bite by Bite” is a read I can come back to, a testament to its wide and enduring appeal.
July 23, 2024
I really love Aimee’s writing. Her essays are informative and heartfelt without being heavy handed. I hope she continues writing in this style , I’ll read whatever she releases
April 9, 2024
"Bite by Bite" is such a celebration of the simple pleasures in life. In this short and uniquely structured book, author and poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil shares her pure love for all things edible and her personal connection to different foods and ingredients over the course of her life.
Each chapter centers on a singular food item or dish, from the humble potato to the more exotic mangosteen and jackfruit, and also includes creations like halo halo and lumpia - foods that were prominent in Nezhukumatathil's life growing up with a Filipino mother and an Indian father. I was fascinated by the sheer amount of historical background included, details on the entomology, and even a healthy sprinkle of mythology and folklore as well. The focus, however, is placed on the personal connection to each ingredient or creation, and I loved how the author brought us to the dinner tables of her childhood, the trips to India to visit her extended family, the bittersweet moments of watching her children grow older, and her own journey as a writer in New York. While some of the memories are specific, I could easily to connect to those moments; who hasn't been embarrassed as a child of bringing a "strange" food to school in fear of being teased? Or missed a specific dish that a parent made for us growing up that we still fail to recreate on our own, despite numerous attempts? Or connected with friends and loved ones over shared meals and foods?
This book was such a joy to read, and should be savored passage by passage. So excited for others to read when "Bite by Bite" is published April 30th!
Thank you Ecco Publishing for the advance copy of this novel!
Each chapter centers on a singular food item or dish, from the humble potato to the more exotic mangosteen and jackfruit, and also includes creations like halo halo and lumpia - foods that were prominent in Nezhukumatathil's life growing up with a Filipino mother and an Indian father. I was fascinated by the sheer amount of historical background included, details on the entomology, and even a healthy sprinkle of mythology and folklore as well. The focus, however, is placed on the personal connection to each ingredient or creation, and I loved how the author brought us to the dinner tables of her childhood, the trips to India to visit her extended family, the bittersweet moments of watching her children grow older, and her own journey as a writer in New York. While some of the memories are specific, I could easily to connect to those moments; who hasn't been embarrassed as a child of bringing a "strange" food to school in fear of being teased? Or missed a specific dish that a parent made for us growing up that we still fail to recreate on our own, despite numerous attempts? Or connected with friends and loved ones over shared meals and foods?
This book was such a joy to read, and should be savored passage by passage. So excited for others to read when "Bite by Bite" is published April 30th!
Thank you Ecco Publishing for the advance copy of this novel!
May 30, 2024
I thought I would love this book more than I did and I can’t put my finger on why. It felt part-memoir, part-poetry, part-history lesson on food, but never fully any of those things. I wanted more and less at the same time. Giving it a 3.5 nonetheless, because I’d rather read about food than most anything else.
June 11, 2024
This was an entertaining book about food history told from a Filipino American perspective. While I was hoping for a bit more personal insights/stories, the book was still full of interesting facts about different types of food and where they came from. Recommended for fans of authors like Ruth Reichl and good on audio.
May 6, 2024
I love the concept of the book- each chapter is about a produce or dish and the writer’s story around it. She taps into her Filipino and Indian culture in her stories which I really liked.
May 2, 2024
[4.5/5 stars]
BITE BY BITE by Aimee Nezhukumatathil is a collection of essays about food. Being the daughter of an Indian father and Filipino mother, Nezhukumatathil draws inspiration from Philippine and Indian cuisines - from food's origin to source of inspiration to its own culture, food is a portal to connection and familiarity; food is the heart of ceremonies and festivals; food is the foundation of relationships and brings people together; food is simply a feast of care.
Opening each chapter with a different food with its signature taste and stunning illustration, it evokes sensorial memories, leading one to intimate moments that only a comfort food can offer. This book is a self-portrait of nostalgia while one witnesses the author's life experiences; of appreciation of small joys. Often lighthearted, the talks about heritage, identity, family, culture and race imprint the pages with a dash of seriousness. This book was a personal reminder to be more intentional with the loved ones, as well as to slow down and get rest.
The author's careful observations, blending culinary art, sparked my deepest curiosity. It was utterly interesting to discover new food (pawpaw, kaong,...) and the way food impacts different civilizations and centuries (who would expect to find a whole galaxy of information about the pollinization of vanilla orchids?). These brief essays contain textured vignettes, the association between food and personal reflections flavors the words with comforting and relatable tone.
My fault for reading this book with empty stomach and I was constantly craving the food (lol). While it is common for one essay to be stronger than the other, I enjoyed all the essays in unique ways.
With compassionate writing, BITE BY BITE is a highly engaging, informative and delightful read. For those who enjoy a good food writing or any food lover, I highly recommend this book.
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Ecco books . All opinions are my own ]
BITE BY BITE by Aimee Nezhukumatathil is a collection of essays about food. Being the daughter of an Indian father and Filipino mother, Nezhukumatathil draws inspiration from Philippine and Indian cuisines - from food's origin to source of inspiration to its own culture, food is a portal to connection and familiarity; food is the heart of ceremonies and festivals; food is the foundation of relationships and brings people together; food is simply a feast of care.
Opening each chapter with a different food with its signature taste and stunning illustration, it evokes sensorial memories, leading one to intimate moments that only a comfort food can offer. This book is a self-portrait of nostalgia while one witnesses the author's life experiences; of appreciation of small joys. Often lighthearted, the talks about heritage, identity, family, culture and race imprint the pages with a dash of seriousness. This book was a personal reminder to be more intentional with the loved ones, as well as to slow down and get rest.
The author's careful observations, blending culinary art, sparked my deepest curiosity. It was utterly interesting to discover new food (pawpaw, kaong,...) and the way food impacts different civilizations and centuries (who would expect to find a whole galaxy of information about the pollinization of vanilla orchids?). These brief essays contain textured vignettes, the association between food and personal reflections flavors the words with comforting and relatable tone.
My fault for reading this book with empty stomach and I was constantly craving the food (lol). While it is common for one essay to be stronger than the other, I enjoyed all the essays in unique ways.
With compassionate writing, BITE BY BITE is a highly engaging, informative and delightful read. For those who enjoy a good food writing or any food lover, I highly recommend this book.
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Ecco books . All opinions are my own ]
March 20, 2024
What a delightful, heart-warming little book this is! I read Ms. Nezhukumatahil's book, World of Wonders, and enjoyed her writing style and her beautiful descriptions of different forms of wildlife so much. So, when I saw she had written this book, I was excited to read something else by this author. You might not think that a book of short essays, each about a different food, could keep your attention the whole way through, but you would be wrong. Ms. Nezukumatathil's writing is such a treat. You can almost taste each of the delicious foods that she describes, even if you have never tried them or even heard of them. I love how she weaves folklore, history, and her own personal experiences into each story. This book encourages you to enjoy life and your loved ones to the fullest each and every day. Seeing the world through Ms. Nehukumatathils' eyes is a beautiful thing. She tells the truth about the world, including some things in our history that are not so rosy, but she still makes you believe in the basic goodness of life and mankind. And yummy food.
I received this book as an advance edition from the publisher for review, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
I received this book as an advance edition from the publisher for review, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
May 13, 2024
If you're a fan of food and Ross Gay's writings, this book is an absolute must-read. Nezhukumatathil's heartfelt words in bite-sized essays often felt like an embrace. I absolutely love her poetry, and it was wonderful to see that poetic side shine in this collection as she reflected on the way we form connections through food. (Also, if that isn't the most Asian thing to do, I don't know what is, haha.)
May 31, 2024
A collection of quick essays about the way food influences memories. The writing is gorgeous and sometimes poetic.
These essays are about the way we associate different things and moments with foods and the way they invoke nostalgia. We get bits of history of each food mixed with the authors memories of it. It was interesting seeing the way the author relates foods to her memories and it made me reflect back to see how I attach different foods to moments in my life.
Highly recommend. This is a great collection!
These essays are about the way we associate different things and moments with foods and the way they invoke nostalgia. We get bits of history of each food mixed with the authors memories of it. It was interesting seeing the way the author relates foods to her memories and it made me reflect back to see how I attach different foods to moments in my life.
Highly recommend. This is a great collection!
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July 9, 2024Gorgeous illustrations and writing. Really enjoyed this collection of short essays that use different foods as a catalyst for snapshots into the author’s life. Even learned about a fruit I did not know existed - kaong!
June 2, 2024
5/5
Aimee Nezhukumatathil owns my heart <3
Aimee Nezhukumatathil owns my heart <3
July 6, 2024
In this collection of short essays, Nezhukumatathil writes about nourishing foods by braiding together different cultural, historical and personal connotations. They are joyful remembrances and realizations grounded in what we use to feed ourselves. Fans of Ross Gay will enjoy her personal, confessional writing style and her undeniable zest for life
October 24, 2024
lovely darling adorable book
November 9, 2024
fun, sweet, and bite-sized! finished reading this sitting on grass by a river what a lovely afternoon <3
September 19, 2024
An absolute delight for those who revere food and are always in pursuit of their next memorable meal.
October 14, 2024
Lovely, lovely writing that had me wanting to eat all the foods.
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