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jennc's review
5.0
What a great book. Such a wonderful perspective on faith and some recipes that I have to try. I need more books by her.
emilybriano's review against another edition
5.0
Inspirational. This will be the book that takes my cooking and love of eating to the next level.
lalatut's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It's written in a series of essays and each chapter ends with a recipe. Shauna sounds like an extrovert by anyone's definition and reading about the many, many dinner parties she has hosted made me both vicariously exhausted and envious at the same time. Nevertheless, Shauna's book calls us to simplify our ideals, lay aside our perfectionist tendencies, and make hospitality about loving others. I doubt I am exactly where she is theologically or ecclesiastically, but this book is exactly what it claims to be: "a love letter to life around the table" and it is a very good thing. It reminded me that practicing mindful and intentional hospitality is a worthwhile endeavor and that serving food to others is indeed an avenue to building connection and fostering deep friendship.
cozyupwith_books's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book blind. I didn’t read the synopsis. I thought, based on a quick review read, that it was about tricks and tips for hosting meals/gatherings. It was absolutely that and so much more. Shauna talks about her faith but not overly so if you are not religious. She relates it to what being a good human is. She talks about doing the dang thing now, how to acknowledge our shame, concerns, thoughts and open our hearts to the present. Highly recommend for all walks of life.
emilychristine's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
4.25
annie_g_scott's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.5
I appreciated the author’s honesty, perspective and humor. Extra half a star because I’m looking forward to trying some of the included recipes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
brookefradd's review against another edition
4.0
i'm not a foodie, but i really enjoyed this book. sure Niequist has recipes for fancy food placed at the end of almost every chapter, but the heart of the message isn't at all fancy. open up your home = sharing your heart. invite people over, love them well. that might mean carry out pizza or it might mean spending hours cooking their favorite dish.
cmhvd's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely fun food memoir. Always a poignant thought that travels with the story behind each recipe. Of course, then there are the recipes. So fun! Shauna even gives you permission to fail, ands softly suggests you "start with risotto". Wise words dear soul, wise words. :)
gracefullypunk's review against another edition
4.0
Comforting. Particularly enjoyed her reflections on inclusion around the table, of struggling to come around to the idea that it's not just a place for people with unrestricted diets. Shauna has a lovely voice and the essays are great at reminding the reader that food goes beyond just providing an energy source for hungry tummies.