Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Our December/January Cook the Books Pick: Sustenance and Desire

We've read 36 books so far in the history of Cook the Books. Most have been memoirs or novels, though a few mysteries, essays and children's books have spiced up the mix. I thought it would be fun to try a food-themed anthology for our next book selection, with the twin aims of letting us all stop and start our reading during the busy holiday season and introducing us to some new authors.

Bascove's compilation "Sustenance and Desire: A Food Lover's Anthology of Sensuality and Humor" is our next Cook the Books selection, and it features poems, excerpts from novels and autobiographies, short stories and essays that are grouped according to the editor's themes of Nourishment, Desire, Hunger and Sustenance.


Perhaps you will be entranced by a poem by Billy Collins, Natasha Saje or Richard Wilbur. Perhaps Colette's lush prose will entice you. Maybe the siren song stylings of Nabokov and memories of mushroom picking with his mother will lead you to the kitchen. (I am a little worried about whether one of our participants will be inspired by Margaret Visser's essay "The Artificial Cannibal")

Whatever selection you choose from this book, I look forward to receiving your posts about the book and what dish(es) you were inspired to make by the deadline of February 2, 2015. As always, anyone is welcome to join our regular participants here at Cook the Books.

Rachel, The Crispy Cook

19 comments:

Claudia said...

Thanks Rachel, it looks to be an interesting read. Mine is supposed to be on the way via Amazon.

Simona Carini said...

Thank you, Rachel, for an interesting choice. I have already started reading.

Deb in Hawaii said...

I got mine last week and so far have been just gazing at the gorgeous cover. Can't wait to start delving into it. ;-)

A Day in the Life on the Farm said...

I picked it up from the library yesterday. Haven't had time to crack it open yet but I am looking forward to it.

Debra Eliotseats said...

I started it this morning and had to forcefully put it down. Love this pick, Rachel. I already have at least two ideas! Happy New Year, all!

Amy said...

What a neat pick! Here is my recipe inspiration: http://www.amyscookingadventures.com/2015/01/crunchy-onion-chicken-fingers-cook.html

Claudia said...

Enjoying going through this lovely anthology. Especially like her paintings.

A Day in the Life on the Farm said...

Thanks for hosting this month. I created a meal inspired by the book and posted it tonight. You can find it at http://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2015/01/cook-books.html

Rachel said...

Great posts for Cook the Books, Amy and Wendy! Love how we are all picking different literary selections to inspire us.

Camilla M. Mann said...

This was the perfect selection for December-January. Thanks, Rachel. I just emailed you my submission.

Debra Eliotseats said...

Loved, loved, loved it, Rachel. Mine will post on the 27th: http://eliotseats.com/?p=20701

Claudia said...

I have just posted my piece on our latest selection: http://honeyfromrock.blogspot.com/2015/01/pigeon-peas.html

Rachel said...

Claudia's post is great. An original literary work for CTB!

Keep those awesome posts coming...

Simona Carini said...

I had many ideas but in the end my passion for pasta won http://www.pulcetta.com/2015/01/panda-handmade-pasta.html

Thank you Rachel!

Alicia Foodycat said...

I love the paintings, but I'm finding this one a really hard read!

Rachel said...

Simona:Thanks for the post!

Alicia: Perhaps a post based on a painting rather than a literary work?

Delaware Girl Eats said...

I honestly couldn't decide which piece was more inspiring. But finally chose and posted about cookies. Hope you guys like it -- cathy

http://delawaregirleats.typepad.com/blog/2015/01/oatmeal-crispies-are-the-most-comforting-winter-treats.html

Ana said...

I loved this book, and I am so, so happy to be returning to Cook the Books Club after a too long absence.
My entry can be found here: http://sweetalmondtree.blogspot.com/2015/02/happy-birthday-langston-hughes.html

Deb in Hawaii said...

And ducking in right under the wire... ;-)

http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-simple-breakfast-of-herbed-poached.html

Thanks for such a great pick Rachel. Perfect for busy times and plenty of great inspiration!