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Day Of Honey: A Memoir Of Food, Love, And War (2011)

by Annia Ciezadlo(Favorite Author)
3.83 of 5 Votes: 1
ISBN
1416583939 (ISBN13: 9781416583936)
languge
English
publisher
Free Press
review 1: I really went back and forth trying to decide whether or not I should give this book three of four stars. I decided three was probably the most honest answer.I really enjoyed the book and I thoroughly loved aspects of the memoir. There are so many little quotables thrown throughout the memoir, though many of them are not so much Annia's words as they are words belonging to people she is quoting. I think Annia bit off a bit more than this book could chew. It's one part foodie narrative, one part war narrative, and one part relationship narrative. Though I am sure all these aspects could be melded successfully, I am not fully convinced that Annia was able to do so. The first part of the memoir is heavily centered on food and relationship. She sets up an interesting thesis ab... moreout food serving as memory and diplomat. But this thesis slowly loses its cohesiveness as the reader gets towards part two of the novel. Quickly, Annia starts to focus a lot more on war than she did in the early part of the novel. Food seems to take a back seat for the rest of the narrative. And even with all of this, I think the most unfortunate thing about this book is how corny and cheesy it gets at points (pun intended). It reads like a Huffington Post fluff piece. Like, HuffPo thought this was too long for their website so they just published a book instead. But I still enjoyed the book. There are just so many little moments that tug at my heart or make me laugh or smile. Even with all of its flaws, this is still a heartfelt book worth reading (which is why I was tempted to give it four stars instead of three).
review 2: A different sort of memoir of life in war-torn Iraq and Lebanon, focusing on the people and on the joys of Middle-Eastern foods shared with family and friends. Ciezadlo emphasizes how families are enriched by traditional meals and shared cooking, and how people are able to live joyously even surrounded by the horrors of war. She writes with humor and candor about her own family and about getting to know her Lebanese husband's family. She writes about the terrible costs of war, emphasizing the resilience and courage of individuals, and always focusing on the positive connections between individuals. An insightful book that will make you hungry, and eager to cook! less
Reviews (see all)
Jeydge
Was good when I started it, but not my usual type of book. Will pick it up again I'm sure.
rake13
Lovely voice. A fairly light read, for a "war memoir".
Kayspades
Yum.
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