14 September 2006

Review - Last Bite by Nancy Verde Barr

If you love food and the Italian American culture, you’ll like this book. It’s just plain fun. And it made me hungry.
Casey Costillo is the executive chef for a morning television show. In other words, she does all the behind scenes prep work for the 3 and ½ minute cooking slot. And the author loves to describe the foods Casey prepares. Hence, my hunger throughout the book. Casey is also Italian American, my favorite subculture.
Casey comes off of a messy break-up in the beginning of the book and is soon the recipient of some heavy whipping cream flirting from one of the guest talents of the morning show. He also happens to be the chef with whom everyone is in love. She faces whether or not to risk another relationship, especially with someone whom she suspects is a womanizer.
The book is down-to-earth and everyday. Down to earth, that is, except for the Russian mob subplot. But I won’t go into that. The author may have not given us a gourmet “the American novel,” but she has given us an engaging and entertaining book. In fact, I forgot the name of the main character. After all, I’m the main character. I loved going to Italy, by the way, Nancy, and living the life of a chef. Pick this up for a fast and fun vacation read.
With all of this food talk, I need some lunch.

3 comments:

Kelley said...

Sounds like a fun book! Any reason you enjoy the Italian-American subculture so much? My dad's family is the ultimate "familia"--great-granddad from Sicily, about 50 uncles, 100 cousins, and so forth (almost). I can honestly threaten someone with "I'm gonna send my uncle Luigi (ok, his name is Chuck or Mickey) and he'll take you out." And yes, my grandmother's spaghetti & meatballs was requested almost weekly at Sunday dinners. I miss those days.

Heather said...

I grew up in NJ, where mafia flourished and real Italian restaurants peppered downtowns.

Anonymous said...

I can honestly threaten someone with "I'm gonna send my uncle Luigi