I was enamored with Aimee Nezhukumatathil ‘s book of essays World of Wonders a few years ago when I was gifted a copy, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants style. I was encouraged to read the book, then write a little note in the front cover and pass it on to someone who I thought would enjoy its magic. I’m not sure where that book ended up in the world, but I trust that it has traveled on to bless other readers.

So, I was very excited to see that Aimee recently published a new book of essays—this one focusing exclusively on foods that have made distinct impressions on both her palate and her core memories. As someone who is interested in how food very essentially provides a common ground for people to connect, in addition to its inherent ability to nourish and satisfy, I had high expectations for my first taste of Aimee’s new book.

Bite by Bite: Nourishments & Jamborees is indeed another delightful book to savor. Through 40 little amuse-bouches essays, Aimee recounts how specific foods relate to particular experiences in her life. She draws connections between middle school dance hair styles and rambutan; the chore of establishing a community in a new city and lychee; and taking stock of one’s family dynamic and gyros. She poetically describes fruit time—keeping track of seasons by tracking the fruits harvested during those times—and smartly touches on some not so palatable histories of the ubiquitous foods found in almost every pantry.

This is not a comprehensive tome of food through the ages, nor is it meant to be. It is one person’s messy tale of the sweetness of life, as experienced through the senses. What I liked most about Bite by Bite is the telling of stories that sometimes aren’t that great, just as not every meal we eat is good. But, in processing her memories through food, Aimee always finds goodness, even within a tough skin or a sour bite. She has not written herself a revisionist history, but crafted another beautiful meal to share with readers.

Random side note: As a woman who sometimes travels by myself, I appreciated Aimee’s notes on the occasionally unsavory moments of being alone in the world. She eloquently expressed both the pleasures and the pains of being on your own as a proudly independent person who also craves the stability and relative safety of community.

This book may be for you if you also like: World of Wonders (or any other title by Aimee); mangosteen; Taste (book by Stanley Tucci); poetry; Mississippi; travel; halo-halo; Hawaii; experiencing the diversity of the world through food; shave ice; multi-cultural family experiences; lumpia; historical deep dives; India; cinnamon; essays; Philippines.

Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/109412/9780063282261
As a Bookshop.org affiliate, I receive a commission when you purchase this title. Thanks for supporting local bookstores & me!

SDG

LMB #19