Reviews

The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty

agnewjacob120's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative slow-paced

4.5

Excellent journey through the history of food and the key role of Africa and African Americans in developing Southern food. Sometimes a tad flowery in prose for my taste, but that is a personal taste

themodvictorian's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

mdigreg's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

sportsnguyz12's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

High on the list of my favorite food is creole and southern cuisine and adding historical ingredients to the mix is the cherry on top (see what I did there)? Michael Twitty is a voice of education, sarcasm, humor,  and passion to the culinary arts of the South and the history of where some of the most popular southern recipes come from. This is his truth and the truth of so many others who’s ancestry stems from a horrendous past.

This book was a gem to read! 

hannahpom's review against another edition

5.0

Such a meaningful and eye opening account of African American doorways. I think the way I eat is forever changed by Michael’s words.

meshuganush's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

This book was stunning. It was incredibly powerful and at times difficult to read. It took me a long time to work through it, not because I was bored or lost interest, but because of the intensity of the subject and the writing. It is beautifully done, and an important education. This is required reading. 

kpagan's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

It was very informative and sad. I had trouble at first reading this style of memoir writing that just kind of follows a train of thought format. But I eventually got used to it. Long book, slow sad read, but full of emotion and inspiration. I can't wait to drive along the coast to Savannah and eat some good low country food soon this summer.

ohemgee's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

turtleofbabel's review against another edition

5.0

He had me at "culinary shibboleth."

lizal33's review against another edition

5.0

Simply astonishing, an eye-opening must-read. Leave yourself generous time to read it, there are pages and passages that you’ll want to sit with.