shelleygrace's review
5.0
"It is hard to put into words how much I adored this book. Reading van Zweden’s experiences with disordered eating, as well as her parental relationships and her musings about how society treats fat bodies, was like holding up a mirror to my own experiences. It was validating yet deeply affecting, and I feel as though many women will be able to relate to the themes within this book."
Full review available here: http://underground-writers.org/review-eating-with-my-mouth-open-by-sam-van-zweden-by-shelley-timms/
Full review available here: http://underground-writers.org/review-eating-with-my-mouth-open-by-sam-van-zweden-by-shelley-timms/
hellosarahlou's review
5.0
Incredibly blown away by this book - so much so, I am lost for words. The complexities of food and body hit very close to home for me which felt incredibly comforting. Beautifully written and full of love
dylankakoulli's review
4.0
Yes, yes, yes and YES !!
Eating With My Mouth Open is a necessary and nourishing, mukbang of a memoir. Dissecting all things “good”, “bad” -and everything else in between, that makes (or breaks) our relationship, attitude and behaviour towards “food glorious food!”
Zweden weaves both the personal; memories, meaning, cultural significance, alongside the more scientific and analytical; social commentary, body politics (though I’d argue the later is also a personal matter too) in an easily accessible, and wholly relatable (especially for anyone who identifies as a woman) way.
The biggest takeaway (mmm takeaway) I got from reading this, was the various ways in which food and mental health are constantly intersecting. How “hunger” -both physical and metaphorical, is such a powerful tool in exploring our relationships towards those around us (family, friends, society) as well as the evolving relationships we have towards ourselves; our bodies and how these hold, mould and shape the memories and stories within us.
'To eat is to build upon our collective story. We use food to say, again and again, who we are.'
A glorious morsel of a book, that provides plenty of food for thought -pun well and truly intended.
4 (magic chocolate) stars (god I wish they were vegan!)
Eating With My Mouth Open is a necessary and nourishing, mukbang of a memoir. Dissecting all things “good”, “bad” -and everything else in between, that makes (or breaks) our relationship, attitude and behaviour towards “food glorious food!”
Zweden weaves both the personal; memories, meaning, cultural significance, alongside the more scientific and analytical; social commentary, body politics (though I’d argue the later is also a personal matter too) in an easily accessible, and wholly relatable (especially for anyone who identifies as a woman) way.
The biggest takeaway (mmm takeaway) I got from reading this, was the various ways in which food and mental health are constantly intersecting. How “hunger” -both physical and metaphorical, is such a powerful tool in exploring our relationships towards those around us (family, friends, society) as well as the evolving relationships we have towards ourselves; our bodies and how these hold, mould and shape the memories and stories within us.
'To eat is to build upon our collective story. We use food to say, again and again, who we are.'
A glorious morsel of a book, that provides plenty of food for thought -pun well and truly intended.
4 (magic chocolate) stars (god I wish they were vegan!)
thisgirl_writes's review
5.0
Such a well written collection, a thought-provoking exploration of the role that food has come to play in our lives. It made me hungry - not just for food, but for family and love and life. Thank you, Sam van Zweden, for this book.
paulineisreading's review
5.0
EATING WITH MY MOUTH OPEN BY SAM VAN ZWEDEN is easily one of the best non fiction reads that i’ve picked up this year. Part memoir and part essay collection, van Zweden has written a book that’s the perfect blend of personal experience and brilliant analysis on the topics of food, eating, wellbeing and body image.
She first takes us through her earliest memories of food and how her family of chefs, her Dutch background and a childhood that revolves around growing up in Phillip Island shaped her views and identity. There’s also conversations around mental illness and how food could be linked to the issue, as well as commentaries around the topics mentioned from a broader perspective. The way she talks to body image is never patronising - rather, it’s a candid reflection of what she’s learnt along the way up to the point of where she is in life.
I was thoroughly impressed by van Zweden’s ability to look both inwards and outwards - giving me a lot to ponder at the end of every chapter. The snippets of memory surrounding her family were always moving, and it was a privilege to have had this insight into her life.
If you have an interest in the areas of food and body image, or simply wanting to pick up a memoir that’s smart, analytical and well crafted, then i can’t recommend this one highly enough. I really feel like every reader would be able to take away something from it. I’m grateful i’ve had the chance to dip into van Zweden’s considerate and tender writing and can’t wait to read more from her!
She first takes us through her earliest memories of food and how her family of chefs, her Dutch background and a childhood that revolves around growing up in Phillip Island shaped her views and identity. There’s also conversations around mental illness and how food could be linked to the issue, as well as commentaries around the topics mentioned from a broader perspective. The way she talks to body image is never patronising - rather, it’s a candid reflection of what she’s learnt along the way up to the point of where she is in life.
I was thoroughly impressed by van Zweden’s ability to look both inwards and outwards - giving me a lot to ponder at the end of every chapter. The snippets of memory surrounding her family were always moving, and it was a privilege to have had this insight into her life.
If you have an interest in the areas of food and body image, or simply wanting to pick up a memoir that’s smart, analytical and well crafted, then i can’t recommend this one highly enough. I really feel like every reader would be able to take away something from it. I’m grateful i’ve had the chance to dip into van Zweden’s considerate and tender writing and can’t wait to read more from her!