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Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook by Eddie Huang, Albert Johnson, Kathy Iandoli
beisbol_eric's review against another edition
3.0
I'm intrigued by issues of criminal justice and incarceration, so I read this book as part of Book Riot's 2020 Read Harder Challenge. Albert "Prodigy" Johnson was a rapper who was one half of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep. After a couple of arrests, he was sent to prison from 2007 to 2011. The book is based on the idea that Prodigy, a sickle cell patient, was trying his best to maintain his health with limited food options in prison.
Early on, Prodigy cautions readers that the book "won’t make you a better cook, but it might make you a better person." I think that's where this quick read might find its place. People in the free world are unlikely to make a Prison Surprise concoction out of ramen, flavored tortilla chips, canned mackerel, and hot sauce. However, I think we're more likely to stop and question the adequacy of a system where healthy food seems to be in short supply.
Early on, Prodigy cautions readers that the book "won’t make you a better cook, but it might make you a better person." I think that's where this quick read might find its place. People in the free world are unlikely to make a Prison Surprise concoction out of ramen, flavored tortilla chips, canned mackerel, and hot sauce. However, I think we're more likely to stop and question the adequacy of a system where healthy food seems to be in short supply.
onceandfuturelaura's review against another edition
3.0
Johnson went to prison for three years for what was arguably regulatory offenses with racist roots -- unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of weapons. He had sickle cell anemia and needed to eat better than the prison seemed willing to feed him. This book is ostensibly a cookbook but is really a meditation on living in such a world. The recipes range from disturbing to . . . well, more disturbing.
Johnson seems so alive in this book. He has died since of complications from sickle cell. This little glimpse of prison is well worth the time.
May his memory be a blessing.
Johnson seems so alive in this book. He has died since of complications from sickle cell. This little glimpse of prison is well worth the time.
May his memory be a blessing.
ellieintherye's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
2.5
A short, interesting answer to the query, "How to eat semi-good, semi-healthy, ultra-creative food while incarcerated."
It's honestly an infuriating book. The fact that any incarcerated person has to go to these lengths just to get a meal that doesn't make them sick should be reason enough to flip the prison-industrial complex on its head.
It's honestly an infuriating book. The fact that any incarcerated person has to go to these lengths just to get a meal that doesn't make them sick should be reason enough to flip the prison-industrial complex on its head.
irisofthevalley's review against another edition
I am not quite sure what I think of this book. It was an insight into a prisoner's life, and I think I would like more of that. The recipes seemed fairly inedible, but it seems to be part of the point this book makes.
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