[Book Review] A Life of Spice by Monica Bhide

Title: A Life Of Spice: Stories of food, culture and life
Author: Monica Bhide
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent
Author’s Web: here
Date of Release: April 27, 2015
No. of Pages: 180
ASIN: B00VAGJNYM
Format: Kindle
Category: Non-Fiction
Genre: Food memoir, family, culture
Where to Buy: Amazon, $2.99 link
Opening Line:
Intricate patterns of fish and peacocks are etched deeply into the fine wooden dining table, providing perfect hiding places for tiny marble dice.

In A Life of Spice celebrated writer Monica Bhide explores her romance with food. As in any romance, there are moments of great heartache and unbelievable happiness; betrayals and breakups; and, of course, intimacy. This collection of powerful and thought-provoking vignettes makes us examine our relationship with food deeply–and what food really means to us.

I always appreciate comfort, feel-good book after a long holiday. A Life of Spice has fulfilled my need. I didn’t plan to buy this book. I received a notification from Bookbub, and as a sucker for bargain books, I bought this one. I read the reviews on Goodreads. Mostly gave 4 or 5 stars, so I gave it a go.

The prolog is very interesting. Monica told about how her father landed in the USA. She was an engineer but then she followed her passion in food-writing.

I like learning about cultures. I believe the first gate to experience a culture is through food.

Monica also explained why food eaten or cooked with hands tastes better than the ones using tools. The energy from the cook is transfered through the hands.

So many interesting tidbits about Indian vs Western food culture.

What bothered me the most is the repetition. I understand this book is a compilation of articles, but it would be better if it was edited.

Overall, this book is worth the hype, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.

What we eat and how we eat it gives us identity; it helps us to define who we are.