Maman's Homesick Pie...Review

About the book:
For Donia Bijan’s family, food has been the language they use to tell their stories and to communicate their love. In 1978, when the Islamic revolution in Iran threatened their safety, they fled to California’s Bay Area, where the familiar flavors of Bijan’s mother’s cooking formed a bridge to the life they left behind. Now, through the prism of food, award-winning chef Donia Bijan unwinds her own story, finding that at the heart of it all is her mother, whose love and support enabled Bijan to realize her dreams.

From the Persian world of her youth to the American life she embraced as a teenager to her years at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (studying under the infamous Madame Brassart) to apprenticeships in France’s three-star kitchens and finally back to San Francisco, where she opened her own celebrated bistro, Bijan evokes a vibrant kaleidoscope of cultures and cuisines. And she shares thirty inspired recipes from her childhood (Saffron Yogurt Rice with Chicken and Eggplant and Orange Cardamom Cookies), her French training (Ratatouille with Black Olives and Fried Bread and Purple Plum Skillet Tart), and her cooking career (Roast Duck Legs with Dates and Warm Lentil Salad and Rose Petal Ice Cream).

An exhilarating, heartfelt memoir, Maman’s Homesick Pie is also a reminder of the women who encourage us to shine.

I had no idea who Donia Bijan was before I read her memoir, but I certainly loved her story.  After the death of her mother, Donia reflects on her life as she begins the task of sorting through her mother's things.  Those reflections take us to her childhood in Iran, her family's subsequent exile to America and their new life here and Donia's own experience opening her own restaurant.

Relationships and memories often involve food: the preparing, the eating and the sharing of it.  Maman's Homesick Pie is a heartwarming journey through one family's memories and recipes.  Donia's reflections and narrative are warm, eloquent and vibrant.  Donia's love for her family is tangible, as is her love of good food and cooking. Her mother's influence on her life and the lessons she learned at her mother's table are inspiring.

The book also includes family recipes; exotic Persian dishes that sound delicious.

Thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Dona Bijan here.  You can purchase your own copy here.  You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Monday, October 10th:  Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
Monday, October 17th:  girlichef
Wednesday, October 19th:  Melody & Words
Thursday, October 20th:  Unabridged Chick
Monday, October 24th:  Luxury Reading
Monday, October 24th:  Unabridged Chick – author interview
Wednesday, October 26th:  Chocolate and Croissants
Thursday, October 27th:  Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity
Friday, October 28th:  Peeking Between the Pages
Monday, October 31st:  2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews
Tuesday, November 1st:  A Bookish Libraria
Thursday, November 3rd:  Mockingbird Hill Cottage
TBD:  Chick Lit Reviews

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Read 10/11

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4/5 Stars

Comments

  1. This sounds like a book I would love! No need to enter me.

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  2. Thanks for the giveaway, it looks like a great book!
    annesbookgarden@gmail.com

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  3. I love both books about food and other cultures, so I think this is definitely one for me. No need to enter me in the giveaway, I'm from the UK.

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  4. I love that it includes recipes - so many times I'm drooling over food in a book and have no idea how to recreate it to try it for myself.

    I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much! Thanks for being on the tour.

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  5. Thank you for the wonderful review! It sounds like a must read to me.

    GFC follower as Karen B.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  6. Thank you for the wonderful review! It sounds like a must read to me.

    GFC follower as Karen B.

    kpbarnett1941@aol.com

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  7. This book sounds so good!! Thanks for the chance to win!

    I'm a new follower

    TWEET

    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

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  8. I'd love to win. ruthjoec at aoldotcom

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  9. Oh, I'm a follower and I posted about this on facebook

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  10. This sounds wonderful, it has all the qualities I enjoy...memoir, food related and cultural. I'm glad to hear that you liked it.

    Thanks for hosting a giveaway, I'd love a chance to win a copy of this book. Of course, I am a long time follower.

    redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

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  11. I really love to find memoirs or otherwise true tales that sound good and are well written. This one sounds like a good one.
    I would like to be included in the drawing. Thanks!

    cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu

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