Welcome to Litsy!

Fun and interesting account of how special flavors have influenced American cuisine over the years, mostly with a focus on certain spices like curry, garlic, and sriracha. I am not really a foodie yet but I enjoyed it.

Starting a book about food and basic flavors.

I visited Singapore with this title. I found this to be a pleasant read. It combined elements of our FMC dealing with being separated from her husband and returning home to Singapore to help with the family‘s soy sauce business. I loved all the little details such as information regarding how soy sauce is made and descriptions of her town. Truly brought this country to life. #travelthroughbooks #springread

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a cook but I do enjoy reading about food usually through a travel memoir. Was surprised in 2017 to find Eight Flavors a 5🌟 read. Who knew the history of food could be so interesting?

Other 5🌟 for the year: One of Us is Lying, Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore & All Our Wrong Tomorrows.
#DecadeofBooks

*I'm thinking of buying all my 5🌟reads for my home library. Anyone else do that?

I read 3 books for my 2 books clubs this month! Find out my thoughts here: https://amysbookreviews.com/2019/11/19/3-november-book-club-picks-and-reviews/

Listened to audio version. Gretchen is hard to relate to at first. She's basically whiny, and has the "why me", let's not get too invested in something temporary thing going on. But she slowly starts to accept the, and makes changes without realizing. Then she gets over herself. Wish she got over herself earlier, but glad it happened.

A pretty straightforward personal and family affair surrounding the main character whom I wish could have been more firm after everything she‘s been thru. A catchy title to capture readers‘ attention but I am not sure if the story really brings the title home. Overall, easy read, fun in some parts but could have been more meaty in its storytelling.

A young Singaporean Chinese woman who has been educated and lives in the USA, as her marriage has failed she goes back to Singapore where she becomes involved in the management of the family‘s Soy Sauce business. There is some interesting stuff in the book about how soy sauce is made, and about the different expectations of the older and younger generations, but she is so self absorbed and selfish I couldn‘t stand her. Nearly DNF.

When your snack is an accidentally perfect match for Chapter 8.

Also? The racism this book chronicles will make your jaw drop, which is inconvenient if you‘re drooling over the recipes, but not as inconvenient as RACISM ITSELF, so pay attention!

#TBRtemptation post 1! America may have a unique culinary landscape. And the young historical gastronomist has determined that is united by eight flavors: black pepper, vanilla, curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, garlic, MSG, and sriracha. She combs through economic, religious, and economic records, cookbooks, manuscripts, & bills of lading, from the early colonial days through today. An interesting history indeed! #blameLitsy #blameMrBook 😎