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80 reviews for:
Be My Guest: Reflections on Food, Community and the Meaning of Generosity
Priya Basil
3.54 AVERAGE
80 reviews for:
Be My Guest: Reflections on Food, Community and the Meaning of Generosity
Priya Basil
3.54 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
It was wonderfully delectable.
Basil in this slim book of food and hospitality speaks of what it is like to host people - to bond through food, the emotions that are deep-rooted in the act of cooking and feeding, and eating, and how do we connect through food. "Be My Guest" is a fascinating brief account of food beyond communities, of food within communities and its importance, of how Basil looks at food from every angle - that of domesticity, immigration, climate change, religion, food waste, and even Brexit.
Basil's writing may seem concentrated, but it is widespread and expansive in the sense of it looking at the self with the world at large through food. What I loved is how she weaves in the concept of how hospitality can change the world – through empathy, kindness, and how it all begins at one’s kitchen table, and how it all must be unconditional at the end of the day.
She also speaks of alienation through food, of not feeling wanted, of what it takes to be inclusive and in turn lets the reader gaze into her personal life – that of her grandparents and how their lives were so integral to food and feeding.
The larger meanings of food, the rituals around it (unique to each household and individual), the refugee crisis going on in the world at large, and how food unites is all as strangers is at the heart of Be My Guest. Basil invites you to open your heart through food, through serving, by understanding the meaning of hosting, of eating together, of letting people know that there will always be a seat for them at your table, and how it is in the devotion of serving, you take the idea of grace, hospitality, and warmth from paper to the table, right down to not only filling one’s stomach but heart and soul as well.
Basil's writing may seem concentrated, but it is widespread and expansive in the sense of it looking at the self with the world at large through food. What I loved is how she weaves in the concept of how hospitality can change the world – through empathy, kindness, and how it all begins at one’s kitchen table, and how it all must be unconditional at the end of the day.
She also speaks of alienation through food, of not feeling wanted, of what it takes to be inclusive and in turn lets the reader gaze into her personal life – that of her grandparents and how their lives were so integral to food and feeding.
The larger meanings of food, the rituals around it (unique to each household and individual), the refugee crisis going on in the world at large, and how food unites is all as strangers is at the heart of Be My Guest. Basil invites you to open your heart through food, through serving, by understanding the meaning of hosting, of eating together, of letting people know that there will always be a seat for them at your table, and how it is in the devotion of serving, you take the idea of grace, hospitality, and warmth from paper to the table, right down to not only filling one’s stomach but heart and soul as well.
Didn’t end up being my cuppa tea. More food history and (subpar) assessment of Western capitalism than I was looking for in a read than I was looking for right now.
reflective
medium-paced
Respectfully, what was this? Terribly mis-marketed. If the author wanted to write a memoir, they could have just done that, they seem to have a very interesting story to tell, but without the anecdotes of hosting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Racism, War
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Basil hace un elogio a la hospitalidad, una invitación a abrir las puertas de nuestras casas y dejar pasar a los invitados. Así reflexiona en la importancia de la comida como factor de cohesión social -desde su experiencia como sigh- y plantea la hospitalidad como una respuesta a la creciente intolerancia, sobre todo en Europa donde ella vive.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Be My Guest is an often philosophical meditation on hospitality, food, and relationships. This is a long-form essay, clocking in at a little over 100 pages, so easily read in a couple of hours. In this book, Priya Basil shares some personal anecdotes of growing up as part of an Indian family in Kenya. She speaks of her mother's cooking and how her favorite dishes bring up feelings of comfort and satisfaction. She covers what hospitality means at the family level and the community level. Basil also discusses her time living in Germany and what "hospitality" means in regards to the large influx of Syrian refugees. This is a deeply thought out wandering exploration of hospitality that runs the gamut from personal to global. This is an good read for anyone interested in food, community, and social issues.
What to Listen to While Reading (or during reading breaks)
Everybody Eats When they Come to My House by Cab Calloway
Be Our Guest by Jamie Cullum
Mango Tree by Zac Brown Band
Eat at Home by Paul McCartney
Kabhi Neem Neem by Madhushree & A.R. Rahman
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What to Listen to While Reading (or during reading breaks)
Everybody Eats When they Come to My House by Cab Calloway
Be Our Guest by Jamie Cullum
Mango Tree by Zac Brown Band
Eat at Home by Paul McCartney
Kabhi Neem Neem by Madhushree & A.R. Rahman
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
An inspiring reflection on global and personal hospitality, specifically in regards to immigration.
informative
reflective
slow-paced