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napkins's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
In terms of books about food and about tomatoes in particular, this is perfectly fine. It's definitely more just a history of the tomato and its place in cuisine and agriculture - the "that changed the world" is much more "tomatoes at turning points in human culture". There are some interesting facts, but in the end, they get caught up a lot in the author's own biases - it's much more focused on American views on cuisine and agriculture and consumption, with only some asides into other focuses. Even the chapter on traditional Italian tomato farming somehow focuses on how they're represented in the American market.
Overall, it's fine, but nothing as grabbing as I'd hoped, being an avid tomato fan.
Overall, it's fine, but nothing as grabbing as I'd hoped, being an avid tomato fan.
hedyd's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
History of and facts about tomatoes and so much more. Lots of humor made it a fun and fascinating read
radiatorpasta's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
1.5
not so much about tomatoes as about pizza and american culture, for some reason. I can see those things being touchpoints, but the book feels weirdly skewed towards them.
some interesting facts, especially in the san marzano chapter.
the audiobook narrator insisted on trying to imitate the accents of different nationalities which is deeply, deeply cringe
some interesting facts, especially in the san marzano chapter.
the audiobook narrator insisted on trying to imitate the accents of different nationalities which is deeply, deeply cringe
wylovat's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
bibliocamera's review against another edition
4.0
Some very interesting connections through history about this fruit or vegetable. A quick & easy read.
amylauren36's review against another edition
3.0
Im just not a fan of tomatoes I guess lol
I will say, Willian Alexander has a way with words. The little quips he pops in there were refreshing, and the way he needs out over tomatoes is somewhat contagious. I was very interested in it while I was reading it, but you’d have to find tomatoes interesting to truly enjoy this book lol
I definitely learned some things though!
I will say, Willian Alexander has a way with words. The little quips he pops in there were refreshing, and the way he needs out over tomatoes is somewhat contagious. I was very interested in it while I was reading it, but you’d have to find tomatoes interesting to truly enjoy this book lol
I definitely learned some things though!
edlib's review against another edition
4.0
Some very interesting connections through history about this fruit or vegetable. A quick & easy read.
faegirl's review against another edition
3.0
While the book gives a good overview of how the tomato went from something thought to be poisonous to being almost everywhere, it was not as engaging as I had hoped. The author definitely likes word play as they keep sprinkling homonyms throughout the chapters. Its fine at first, but gets a bit annoying after a while.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all views are my own.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all views are my own.