I am surrounded by stacks of books. Well… stacks of books, semi sweet chocolate chips, and bobbypins.
I really wanted to share my books with you… mostly because reading aloud is lost on my cat. New and old, these are the pages that currently surround me.
With the season getting more grey and brisk, I find myself sitting with these books even more. Working out is sooooo summer. It’s time for sweaters, slippers, and cozy book worming.
I was recently gifted Good Meat. Gorgeous Gorgeous book! I now know that I can make a French-style hamburger with salted herb butter. I’m reading this book like a novel and dreaming about steaks and stews.
The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook inspired this perfect chocolate cake. It’s a beautiful seasonal cookbook with umcomplicated recipes that inspire communal table dining.
Heidi wrote such a dreamy book. Super Natural Every Day. It’s full of health and quinoa. In my dream life I eat as well as Heidi. In my real life I just keep eating butter.
Do you have the Organic and Chic cookbook? I’ve been talking about this book for a while now. I love the cupcakes in this book. The decorating is simply pretty and organic as heck.
There’s totally more…
I have a relationship with Dorie Greenspan’s Baking book. My friend Michael bought me this book when I was such a poor student that the best I could do was daydream about this book while sitting with it at the bookstore. I’ve made every single recipe.. at least twice. Dorie’s a hero in my heart.
Food Styling is serious. It’s no joke. This book will tell you how to make pies and cookies and salads look right. On the real.
Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating makes me sound like I know a thing or two about food. From coffee to aged Parmesan cheese, to balsamics, and chocolate. This book will teach you why good vinegar is expensive, and why why why to splurge on an aged cheddar. It’s good brain food. Smartypants!
Steinbeck… I love you. You write for my heart. How kind of you.
Dave Eggers. You infuriate and inspire me. It’s strange and invigorating.
My Mom got me this Kitten Taming book. Um… I think this arrived too little too late. The Act Like a Woman, Think Like a Man book was much more topical and poignant when it arrived in my life last year.
Jilly’s book, Party Like a Culinista is filled with post-it note bookmarks.
JayZ wrote an uh-mazingly major book. Decoded was the most inspiring book I’ve read this year. It’s gorgeous. It’s beautifully written and visually… everything. Find your way to this book.
Eugene O’Neill. You take my heart and break it.
OhMyGod Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff. Oh you.
Book of Dreams… for when I super stress dream about work stuff and such.
Be a girl who reads and cooks. Come on… totally dork out with me.
Heather
We were just in California for vacation this past week and stopped at the Big Sur Bakery on our drive down the PCH to San Francisco. I contemplated getting the cookbook when I saw the breakfast pizza which looked amazing. Instead, we just settled for a delish turkey sandwich and vanilla cream donut. :)
Lucia
Joy, this is a wonderful stack of books. I can’t wait to add your cookbook too.
laura k
You speak to my heart here. I am, after all, a librarian. I’m on a major cookbook bender right now. I have The Heart of the Artichoke and The Splendid Table sitting on my end table, and am going to pick Tender up at the library today. I’m also reading Best Food Writing of 2010 right now, and I love it. I sometimes read things that are not food related, too. I have Grapes of Wrath on my bookshelf, but haven’t read any Steinbeck yet. You’ve inspired me to pick it up.
Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa
A few weeks ago I have at least 15 books stacked on my nightstand. I finally had to dust and moved them all, accepting the fact that I wasn’t going to get to them. I do have to pick up Withering Heights and read it in the next week as I am totally visiting England soon!
Valerie
Omg, I love it! Cooking and reading are for sure my favorite hobbies!
Nathalie
I ordered the Zingerman guide when I saw it on your blog; it arrived today. Can’t wait to begin reading!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
OMG I was SO EXCITED when I saw East of Eden in your stack!!!! That is my ALL TIME FAVORITE book. There is just something so incredible about the way Steinbeck creates the most perfect, beautiful sentences that I have ever read. Every time I crack open that book, I discover something new that is totally poignant for that time of my life. John Steinbeck, you can have my heart.
Alicia
Joy, I LOVE YOU!!!!! (not in a sappy or creepy way, but in a way one nerd deeply appreciates the honesty of another nerd embracing her nerddom)
Mimi
Love for cooking and love for reading must be a popular combination. I’m totally ready to dork out with you! Getting to teach kids about reading everyday, then coming home to make great things in the kitchen makes me a very lucky girl.
Kristy
I really hope you’ve heard the song or seen the video for Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights”. OMG.
Stephanie
I love the printed page. I love that you love the printed page. And I love Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Every Day and Dorie Greenspan’s Baking… so very very much.
Julie @BananasForBourbon
I think you’ll find a strong following of cooking and reading here. ;)
– LOVE Steinbeck, especially East of Eden.
– Never understood the appeal of Wuthering Heights. Though I don’t understand the appeal of bad boys either. Maybe there’s a correlation there.
– JayZ wrote a book? That’s good? I may have to check it out.
– I’m re-reading the Game of Thrones series before I start the 5th one, since I only read it once years ago and forgot who all is what.
– Just think, pretty soon it’ll be YOUR cookbook on our book stacks. YAY!
Monique (@AmbitiousKitchen)
Joy! This cookbook is phenomenal. Lots of vegetarian recipes that I’m sure you would enjoy. I found my book at Anthropologie, then I hibernated for a good week staring at all of the beautiful, delicious pictures. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452101248/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0091922348&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0ZJHNVX85EFAMYKM5S8Y
Ashlyn
I love seeing what cook books fellow bakers use, I go through cook books like water. I think I could be content reading them all day long. Right now I am enjoying the “encyclopedia of pasta” by Oretta Zannini DeVita. Soooo good!
Richard
I have found myself wanting to add to the ever growing collection of cook books being sold in the bookstore by writing my own. I just wonder if there is much of a market for new books…then again every time I hit the local bookstore I am reminded…sure there is.
Amy
I am a total dork too. Nothing brings me more pleasure than reading a good book and cooking. I prefer reading a good book after I have cooked something delicious to snack on, like cookies. Thanks for sharing your reading list.
Seanna Lea
I’m not sure it is possible to tame a kitten, and they are so cute I’m not sure I’d even want to.
I love that I’m not the only one with a cook book full of postits and scraps of index cards marking recipes. My best cookbooks look well loved.
liz@carpeseason
I’m totally checking out the Big Sur Bakery cookbook right after I leave this comment….and Dave Eggers. Sometimes I wish I knew him in real life…and sometimes I’m glad I don’t.
DessertForTwo
Ohmygosh! I’m a huge Dave Eggers fan! And Steinbeck writes for my heart too! East of Eden is my alltime favorite book. It’s part of the reason why I worked in agriculture, and it’s ALL of the reason I moved to California to do so!
Julien
I really wish I were rich so that I could buy the cookbook Modernist Cuisine by Nathan Myhrvold. It’s a 2,000 plus page, five volume, mega-super-duper cookbook with super classy photos and cooking science built into it like some kinda NASA project. I feel like I should have gotten security clearance to even read the blurb. But it costs over 400 dollars! Joy! I propose that books should be made cheaper so that I may buy more of them! I will of course share with anyone who wants to borrow them. Thoughts?
Clara
Joy! I love that you shared what you’re reading both in and outside the kitchen. I’m always so curious as to what people are reading…especially books by Jay Z?? I would never in a million years think to read his book, but you’ve totally inspired me. I can only imagine it’s amazing if you say so!
Carly June
Well it’s grey and cold in Ireland, so I totally feel you on the whole sitting-inside-reading past time. I think I’m going to go get lost in a bookstore for awhile. Good plan. Thanks Joy!
Zoe
Some good books in there! I had a dream last night that I saw a picture of you in a magazine, and the next page was a picture of your husband… and he was hot!! Really strange, but thought I’d tell you anyway!! God has been known before to talk through dreams! ;)
Sarah Satt
Thanks for sharing all your favourite books! Some of them will make great gifts for christmas and I’ll definitely keep “Super Natural Every Day” for myself. My amazon cart is going to be filled to the brim.
Angie
Yea! I have read one of those! When I saw the title of this post, I thought uh oh. Here is a post that’s going to make me feel dumb. But heck yes. I have totally read ONE of those books :)
Deena@StayatHomeFOODIE
I read cookbooks like novels, too! My husband thinks I’m a total dork because I don’t make 1/2 of what I read (I have about 100 cookbooks in my home), but I love getting new ideas and looking at the pictures.
When I’m not reading cookbooks, I’m reading cooking or food magazines on my ipad!
I need to put food styling on my to-read list. I’d love to make my yummy, cookbook-inspired food look better.
Thank you for making me feel a little less dork-like.
cory
i love the big sur cookbook! i got it there in october of 2010, when my (then) boyfriend proposed to me at the post ranch inn. thanks for sharing! xo
Jennifer
I, too, love to post my favorite books. Thanks for sharing yours. Count me in on the dork-ing out.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
I’ve heard good raves about Hunger Games.. Need to get into my reading mojo, soonish :D
Mags
Joy you make being an intellectual baking girl look good. And I thank you.
Sarah
I first heard about Organic & Chic on your blog. I bought it about a year ago and it is my FAVORITE cookbook. You’re right….the cupcakes are gorgeous. The entire book is so dang pretty. I want to live in it. I’ve also made Clyde’s Sugar Cookies, and they are my favorite sugar cookie to date.
Kendra
Can I be a total dork and say that my current book obsession is the Hunger Games trilogy? I mean I rock the cookbooks and food books and classics (I have an English degree for gracious sakes), but I’m geeking out over Katniss and Gale and… Peeta. That man. And he’s a baker. Really. What more do you need in a guy? Hunky and bakes bread? Legit.
joythebaker
totally! i need to get into Hunger Games for real.
Ann P.
hahahah, i am BOOKMARKING this post for the BOOK recommendations! I would esp. love to read that JayZ book… and I think Dorie’s cookbook is the next one I’ll invest in! Thanks for passing on the bookworm teats. :)
Acacia
Great list, Joy! I requested Decoded from the library right after I read this, I’ve been meaning to check it out. Also, have you really tried every single recipe in Dorie’s book? That’s amazing!
Sarade
Good Meat sounds like an interesting book. And I love that you love butter!
Maia
Reading and cooking are by far my favorite hobbies. The best books I’ve read lately are “Moonwalking With Einstein” (AMAZING) and Jacques Pepin’s autobiography (really sweet).
Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen
Just reading back through the comments….looks like a Zingerman’s Group Road Trip is in order!
Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen
Dorie Greenspan is the bomb! I’m assuming that you also have her French cookbook….so inspiring. And Zingermans! Yes! If you even go there (and you should) be sure to have a Magic Brownie. Oh, and buy some rye bread to take home on the plane with you. It will make you very popular. How I miss Zingermans. Thanks for sharing. I love knowing what other people are reading. I’m currently reading two books I got for my birthday — The Sweet Life in Paris by Dave Lebovitz and also the giant yellow Gourmet cookbook.
nicola
Have you read ‘this book will save your life’ by a.m. homes…it’s good… and it has donuts on the cover, bonus.
Jill
Discovering and devouring a new (to me!) and wonderful blog is as cozy as discovering and devouring a new and wonderful book. Thank you, Joy–you’ve already improved my season and I haven’t even baked a thing yet. There’s much discovering and devouring and new and wonderful in my future because of you.
xoxo, Jill S.
Mellybrown
Oh how I love John Steinbeck. East of Eden is in my top 5 favorite books. In fact, I used a few lines from that book as the impetus to write an exegetical paper in university. I love the biblical parallels. And Dorie Greenspan. Isn’t she the cutest thing?
Denise
I hope that reading the Zingerman’s book makes you want to take a trip to Ann Arbor. They don’t particularly like when you drool on their glass, but I just can’t resist all of the free samples that are supposed to make me want to buy their delicatessens. Want, I do. But afford? that’s a whole ‘nother ball game Zingermans..
NicoleD
What a great list, Joy. Some of these might become Christmas gifts, for real. I remember your love for Organic and Chic, so this must be my nudge to get on that. Have you seen the recent Masterpiece Theatre Wuthering Heights with Tom Hardy? So good and almost as good as the book. Sara beat me to it, but I was going to offer to take you to Zingerman’s, too! It is an amaaazing place.
Gen
Thanks for sharing! I’m always looking for new books, ( especially cookbooks of course ^^ )
Cristi
Okay, I think all of these sound amazing. The cooking, the romance. But the Jay-Z. Now that’s where it’s at.
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
Dave Eggers with his overly written dialogue totally infuriates me sometimes. But there’s something about his storytelling that keeps me coming back. What Is The What is pretty amazing. And I recently re-read Heart Breaking Work and, like, cried two chapters in. UGH.
Umm…Can you start a virtual book club?! I’d join.
Rachel
Great stacks! You inspire me to pick up some fall/winter reads and I might just be buying some cookbooks from this list for upcoming birthday presents.
Dave Eggers is amazing. I love his books!
Kelley
Jay Z then? Huh. If you say so, I’ll give it a go.
I’m in the middle of “Loving Frank” and I’m intrigued. I’m not going to say I love the characters, but they’re certainly making me think. And a dear friend just sent me “The Family Dinner” by Laurie David, so I look forward to digging into that.
I’ve read Jamberry 14 times this week.
What next?? I’m not ashamed to admit that I may revisit Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” for the third time, at least until she finishes the next tome in the series.
Thanks for posting!
Sho
I love that Dave Eggers book so fucking much, but not many people seem to have heard of it/read it. So glad to see it on a list like yours! :) (Have you read his other work? His semi-autobiography “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” is so phenomenal.)
Holly H.
Oh, I read too much. Cookbooks, textbooks, novels, trashy novels, you name it. (I shy away from self help – I’m afraid it would scare me.) I would love to dork out with you – reading is good for the soul, but then again, so is bourbon! :)
Sarah K
I love love love Dave Eggers. He is so cool. You Shall Know Our Velocity and Zeitoun are two of my favorite books. East of Eden? Another favorite.
I love books. I’m geeking out that you love the same books. Its good.
Maria Trader
Cooking and reading are two of my favorites!! I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain last night and it totally lived up to my expectations. Read that next.
Brooke @ Waiting to Rise
Jay Z…totally didn’t know he wrote a book. I’m intrigued. And you’ve given me alot to look for in my “to read” list?
Who doesn’t want to read and cozy up in the kitchen this fall? I agree completely…summer is for working out!
Nats
Oh how I love books, I don’t think I will ever by an “e-reader” I love actual ink and paper books waaay too much! I can spend hours wandering around book stores :)
I have the same edition of Wuthering Heights, were you required to read it in school? I did not appreciate it at all back then, I came back and read it a year ago and loved it, heartbreaking and beautiful…
Sarah Egeland
Check out this kitty book!: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1594745250/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=7977903487&ref=pd_sl_9fu4vqqhop_e
Crafting with cat hair! Maybe too far??
Kandace
You should also read “What is the What” by Eggers. It will make you cry, it will inspire you, it will infuriate you. It is probably one of the greatest books ever.
Emily Elizabeth
whoops… I was trying to go all fancy with links and it didn’t even work. I’ll try that again…
Swamplandia!
Cooking with Italian Grandmothers
Maybe those will work?
Emily Elizabeth
Those sound like some wonderful books – I’m wishing I was at home today curled up with some right now! I love looking through our cookbooks, but I especially reading through Cooking with Italian Grandmothers and dreaming about getting to go meet all of those amazing women and making delicious food with them.
I’m reading a library book</ about an alligator wrestling theme park right now so… that's pretty awesome.
Erica
I love that you love Steinbeck :)
Elizabeth
I LOVE East of Eden. I once worked with a guy who had “Timshel” tattooed on his forearm in Old English text. It was sexy as hell. I tried reading Egger’s “You Shall Know Our Velocity” right after I read “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” (which I also LOVE) but it just didn’t rise to the challenge for me…
I love that you are sharing all these books though…before I had kids I devoured books. Now I’m lucky if I can read one chapter before I pass out in bed.
Kim M
Just when I think you can’t be any more awesome and inspiring as a human being, you totally pull something out. Kudos to you, Joy. Thanks for being YOU and sharing you with the world.
Sara
Joy, if you ever come to Michigan, I will take you to Zingermanns. It’s old school and wonderful.
They also have a bacon of the month club. I dream about it sometimes.
joythebaker
oh my goodness! yes please!!!
Sara
Anytime ladybird, you name it!
x
Britt
I was just thinking that I needed some good book rec’s. I mean who doesn’t like to sit outside on a fine Fall afternoon with a great book and some good coffee?! I’m excited! Thanks, Joy :)
Kayla
Dave Eggers is amazing.
ddstar
Joy, you are so precious! Thank you for always having a surprise in my in box. Congrats on the shout out in In Style magazines November issue. East of Eden…..one of my favorite stories of all time. xo
Elizabeth
I love love that you are a reader. Of course you are. Food and books are all we really need in life. Ok, there are a few more things. But just a few.
Steph.
Ooooh! Even more inspiration to cook and read! I’ll have to add these to my shelf on GoodReads!
KJ
Eggers’ books tug at my heart strings.
Madeline
I love that you have the Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating! I live in Ann Arbor, MI and am surrounded by the Zingerman’s mecca. They have amazing products, wish I didn’t have a college budget so I could enjoy more!
Fran P.
I’m right there with you – although the majority of the books on my coffee table are fiction. I told myself I’m not allowed to buy any more books until I’ve read all 18 of these… unless, of course, I see a book that I’ve wanted for like, ever! and it’s being sold at a bargain… I always give myself loopholes – it’s fan-friggin’-tastic :P
jenny
ohmygoodness. you love steinbeck? and dorie? and heidi? me TOO!
question: do you know the flour bakery cookbook? best bakery in the boston area and totally one of the best cookbooks I own. pain au chocolate: in your own kitchen! need I say more?
also: the tartine bread book. do you own it? you need to. I don’t bake from this book–I must admit that I don’t have the patience–but I totally love his single-minded bread mania. read it. love it.
finally, and while we’re on the subject of classics: to kill a mockingbird? oh yes. it’s time for a re-read. (after you’re done with east of eden, of course.)
Marelize
I loved that your enjoyed Jay-Z’s Encoded. My husband and I both LOVED it and found it so poetic and thoughtful. Did you hear his interview on NPR’s Fresh Air (Yes, I am that much of a nerd). If not, look it up, it was one of my favorite Fresh Air interviews EVER.
KateR
I’ve already put 3 of the cookbooks in my cart on Amazon. My credit card company thanks you! :)
Does anyone have a suggestion of a great bread baking book for beginners?
jenny
I really like “amy’s bread.” ( http://www.amazon.com/Amys-Bread-Revised-Updated-Artisan-style/dp/0470170751/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319645147&sr=8-1 ) I have the old version so I can’t speak to this revised and updated one, but if you’re a willing student, she really walks you through the different paths to a good loaf (including how to make a starter and all the stuff I used to find so intimidating).
KateR
Thank you!!
Kristen@Slender Kitchen
Love Super Natural Everyday and was just looking for a new book to start so going to try out one on your list
kyleigh
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” Love love love books. Love love love Wuthering Heights.
Redhead in the Kitchen
I can’t stop thinking about culinary school these days, and last night my sweetums pointed out that just the sheer number of cookbooks and books about food I own is justification in itself to go for it! Haha, perfect timing. I love to peer into people’s bookshelves- it’s so personal!
jen @ the baked life
I giggled, out loud, when I saw the kitten taming book.
Mostly because some people think they can actually tame cats. It will never happen.
Katie
So, maybe, if you get a little tipsy one night, you might think it’s hilarious to read the cake descriptions from Dorie’s book in sexy voices with a friend. I may or may not have done this, and I may or may not have died from laughter. :)
joythebaker
hahhahahaa…. i really really hope this happened.
Frankie
I am a girl who loves cooking and reading too. This was an awesome book list. Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors too- although The Grapes of Wrath was a bit tedious. However, I prefer the more cliche Pride and Prejudice to Wuthering Heights. I named my new kitty, Mr. Darcy.
Kelli
Wuthering Heights!?!?! YESSSSSS! I kinda really want to read that again soon. My favorite author is probably Anthony Bourdain. He is so funny! A little crude and inappropriate, yes, but oh so funny. I think that the Food Styling book looks pretty interesting. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for sharing your favorite books, Joy! :)
Erin
I feel the same way about Eggars. Exact same way.
Ashley Prince
You were already my favorite blogger. Then you had to go and write a post about books, which puts you in an entirely different playing field. I <3 this blog a little more every week.
P.S. Grilled ham and cheese with pickle and potato chips…amen.
Oh Sweet Escape
In the midst of reading a bunch of cookbooks, I have been out on the hunt for a good fiction book to read… I’m totally gonna check out East of Eden. Thanks for the recc!
Baking Holly
Joy! I will totally nerd out with you. I love reading AND cooking, and NOW I can buy the right cookbooks! I never knew where to go :/ but now I do! Gracias!
Meg H.
I love stacks of books but can only read one at a time. Am amazed at those who can have multiple books going. Love reading The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook – the pictures, paper, recipes send me to the stove. I turn again and again to Anne of Green Gables – that Anne Shirley is my kindred spirit. I just finished a Louise Penny mystery – I love the old style whodunits. I also love any Fannie Flagg book – she evokes “Southern” and “small town”. sigh. Makes me want to curl up with tea and a book – only 6 more hours until quitting time!
Beth
Oooh Wuthering Heights. I wanted to throw that puppy out the window. I think that was the most frustrating book I’ve ever read. Now, Jane Eyre on the other hand. That’s more my speed.
As for cookbooks, I really love love love Patricia Wells. Trattoria is a wonderful cookbook if you’re on the lookout for good Italian.
Anneliese
I love that some of your posts make me wish you were in the same town as me so I could buy you coffee and hear more.
Cookie and Kate
I’m sitting on my couch now, surrounded by a couple of piles of books. Heidi Swanson’s books are to my left, and A Homemade Life by Orangette is over to my right. One Hundred Years of Solitude is on my bedside table. I don’t know what I’d do without my books! Thanks for the suggestions—especially the one by Jay-Z. That one sounds really interesting.
P.s. I happen to be listening to your podcast now. You’re talking about donuts and blog ruts. Love it!
joythebaker
you’re surrounded by ME!
Emily
My sister gave me that Dorie Greenspan cookbook for my birthday this year, and I absolutely love it. I’ve only made a couple recipes out of it so far, but I’ve spent many hours just reading it and swooning over the photos. My sister and I got together one afternoon and baked bread pudding from this book, although we felt more bourbon was in order than the recipe suggested. :)
Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books as well. I’m curious how you feel about Jane Austen. It seems to me that most people who love Jane Austen don’t care for the Bronte sisters, and vice versa. I definitely fall in the Bronte camp!
Laura Adams
These sound like excellent reads. I’m definitely going to put them on a list to keep with me for the next time we’re at a bookstore. My hubby always asks if there’s anything I want, but I never do because I don’t know what’s good. Although I have been wanting to read more Steinbeck. He writes so beautifully. No one recommends good books anymore. Forget movies and games! I want books! Thanks for sharing.
Kate
I’m reading Grapes of Wrath right now and East of Eden was one of my favorites – what a fabulous cookbook collection!
joythebaker
oooh grapes of wrath. i love.
Robyn {Planet Byn}
agreed – decoded is amazing. i loved the annotated lyrics – changed the way i listened to those songs. got tickets to watch the throne in november – can’t wait!!
joythebaker
you are BALLER.
Natalie
May I recommend another book? The Book of Mormon. It will eternally change your life. I guarantee it.
Kristyd
Aaah Zingerman’s. I am fortunate enough to live in the Ann Arbor area and am able to go to Zingerman’s Deli and the Roadhouse on a regular basis. Yum. And they have a great book on bacon. Yum.
joythebaker
so JEALOUS!
Rachel
I live a block from the deli–my Saturday mornings aren’t complete without a cherry scone and latte from Zingerman’s Next Door. And the fresh mozzarella is to die for!
Molly
We must be neighbors – Zingerman’s is delicious!
sherri lynn @ life of a wife
I love seeing what others are reading! I like that you read lots of foodie books but also Wuthering Heights and Steinbeck. It’s all about being well-rounded, right?!?
Eliz. K
LOVE Wuthering Heights! So glad to see it on your list here :-) I read it for the first time this past spring, and I didn’t want it to end… when it did, I grabbed my copy of Jane Eyre, so I could continue in a similar vein at least!
And I love Dorie Greenspan. I have her new-ish book “Around My French Table”… read it like a novel all summer. I haven’t made much from it, but the things I have made have been lovely!
Hooray books!
Katie @ www.ohshineon.com
Jane Erye is always a good read… depressing most times, but entertaining nonetheless; however, my heart truly lies with Jane Austin. Pride and Prejudice will always be numero uno in my book (pun intended). Oh Darcy, how charming you are. Offer me a warm piece of blueberry pie and a comfy blanket and i’m ready to nestle on the couch and open up the pages.
thanks for sharing, all those other books look fantastic… potential christmas presents? most likely.
– Katie
Marilyn
I’m also definitely a crazy-stacks girl who reads and cooks. Right now, I’m reading the current issues of Cooking Light and Food Network magazines, starting an Advent devotional (nuts, I know, but I’ll never finish otherwise!) and re-reading Jane Eyre. Plus, I’m continuously flipping through Greenspan’s book. :-)
Carla
I just wanted you to know that ones of us that are older, old enough to be your Mother, enjoy reading your site. I’m so thrilled that younger women today are so involved with cooking and baking and so willing to share. You are truly a Joy.
Frostine@ThatReallyFrostsMe
I picked up Dorie Greenspan’s book at the library and I never want to take it back. How long will they let you re-check it?
Bakerkat
I Am A Woman Who Reads. I love Eggers,Steinbeck,andO’neill too. I would add Tennessee Williams and Jane Austen to the list.
I love to read cookbooks too. Right now I’m reading Baking Unplugged.and I’ve just started to try her recipes.
You have me interested in The Big Sur Cookbook and not just because I want to go to Big Sur. Did You say chocolate cake? Oh So Good
I haven’t gotten Organic and Chic yet but I know I will.
Okay I’m a DORK.
Krystina
Joy! This was a perfect post. I’ve always wondered what literature finds its way into your home. Dorie, Heidi, Jay-Z … the gang’s all there! Love it.
Kate W.
I’m going to have to get this Dorie book. Sounds amazing. Haven’t had much time in the last year to bake – had given birth to our now 13 month old daughter. Just getting back into baking though and I’m in heaven.
Frederike
That’s me, I’m a total dork too;) I study English literature, and when I don’t actually study, I cook. Or eat. I don’t work out. That’s just no me:) I think kneading dough is sort of working out too.. At least enough to keep me in shape!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
Have Dorie’s book and love it. And it was while looking through her book that I decided to do this. Yes, she is very inspirational.
cindy
I love books and being a girl who cooks…we have a spare room that just has a bed and stacks of books lining the walls. Also, I have, like, half of those books…book worm friends!
lauren
love this! john steinbeck is one of my favorite authors! and i recently purchased super healthy every day at the local bookstore, and i put it among My copy of east of eden.. and cannery row.. and kerouc and all the lovely books i need to read more (stupid school…)
thanks again for another great post for my mornings!
Kelsey
What is more perfect than diving into a novel whilst a cake is baking in the oven? I usually like to be reading at least 2 books at once and be listening to a book on CD during my commute. I heart reading. and my public library, which prevents me from going broke on books, which I definitely would.
Shushmi
I LOVE IT! baking and books. It can’t get any better. Especially now its getting seriously cold and rainy in London. Working out in this weather takes soo much more motivation. I’d rather bake. have you seen Jamie Olivers’ America book – it reads like a novel in parts which I love and has the most beautiful pictures. I’ve been re-reading Jhumpa Lahiri too. Such beautiful stories.
Sue/the view from great island
This is a fun post, you get to know so much about a person from peeking at what’s on their nightstand…we have a book on How to Raise a Puppy that arrived too late, too!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
You totally are a smartypants > I love it!
I read book….about kids, behavior, and how to teach. I should start reading books about cooking, that sounds like more fun!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Not only am I surrounded by books in real life but I work at a bookstore! Whether it’s baking, cooking, science or fiction, I’m surrounded. I need a new baking book. Dorie’s sounds splendid!
Simone
I love this – “stacks of books, semi sweet chocolate chips, and bobbypins” what more could a girl want??
It’s great how each book you like has a story behind it. Thanks for all the book tips :)
Three-Cookies
“Act Like a Woman, Think Like a Man” – a very thought provoking title. Is this hybrid human being supposed to be indicate the best of both worlds?:)
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
Great list!
I have that big orange food styling book by Delores Custer and it’s quite the bible…and I’m sure you have or have seen Helene’s Plate to Pixel. My fave book to date on all things camera and food styling.
And I have seen YOUR Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Toasted Marshmallow Cupcakes all over pinterest. Like every board I go to that’s a dessert board, they are there. Just begging me to make them. I think I better :)
Oh and Heidi’s book rocks, Supernatural, indeed. Love it.
Kathryn
You have some excellent taste in books especially Wuthering Heights. Love me a bit of Bronte.