MoonPie: Biography of an Out-of-This-World Snack

by David Magee

In the ninety years since the Chattanooga Bakery began producing MoonPies, the snack grew from a regional treat, to a southern snack staple, to a worldwide phenomenon. With the company now making a million MoonPies a day, David Magee estimates that some three billion have been consumed since 1917. Filled with reverence--and anecdotes by aficionados from across the South-- MoonPie is a whimsical story of what began as a portable food for Kentucky and Tennessee coal miners and became a favorite product of Sam Walton.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2007

About the author

David Magee is the bestselling author of the award-winning Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss, a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller featured on CBS Mornings, and other books including his forthcoming memoir is A Little Crazy (September, 2024), a sequel to Dear William, about mental health and finding purpose and joy written in his inspirational and vulnerable voice.

He's also host of the new podcast (launching Sept. 10, 2024) A Little Crazy. Learn more at www.alittlecrazy.com.

David is a sought-after speaker in communities, business, schools and universities, about mental health and substance misuse challenges and solutions, and he was involved in creating the William Magee Center and the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, named after his late son.

Previously, David was a daily newspaper publisher, a media company president, small business owner, a regular guest on CNBC, and once hosted a national cable TV and radio program (The David Magee Show).

He and his wife Kent, a yoga for addiction teacher, live in Oxford, Mississippi.

Reviews

[Ben Schnell]

Some interesting things I learned:
1. They created the double decker moonpie to fit into vending machines which were becoming very common in the 1970s. The original moonpie didn’t fit.
2. They never did any advertising, save one tv campaign in a few medium markets in 2005. The uniqueness of the snack and the strong brand carried them through with almost no advertising.
3. Supplying to Walmart was a big opportunity/problem as it was hard to keep up. The mini moonpie helped them reach a much broader audience, particularly moms sending treats with their school-child’s lunches, but it caused them severe manufacturing problems at first.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and informative read, MoonPie: Biography of an Out-Of-This-World Snack was a delightful read. This snack has an interesting beginning and truly hasn’t changed all that much at all. Chattanooga, TN is the home of this family-owned business. Part of this company’s longevity is centered in this quote: “… the freshly made, harmonious MoonPies prove that the little things we know and love in life, which typically seem so simple, often are not.” Now, I want a Moon Pie!!

[Tracie]

Fun read. Lots of interesting facts! A sweet ode to a much-beloved snack and its' family history.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the history of the Moonpie, and how it started as an easy snack for coal miners. I appreciated the personal anecdotes included, personal memories people had of Moonpies and their favorite drinks (often RC Cola). Although I borrowed this library book before I signed up on Goodreads, I seem to remember there were some recipes in the back for various Moonpie snack combinations, to jazz things up a little.

I also remember the story in this book about how Sam Walton, after talking with a salesperson on the floor of a Wal-Mart store, made Moonpies a Sam's Choice product, carrying it more consistently. Before, the Moonpie was more of a seasonal product in Wal-Marts.

[Stephani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little read for any MoonPie fan.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family owned, one product company. Clever idea. Now I want a MoonPie (or two)...in every flavor...and a double decker.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

MoonPie: Biograph of an Out-of-This-World Snack provides insight on all things MoonPie. I was intrigued by the history of how it was created to how it is made in the plant. I enjoyed the anecdotes of regular people that love MoonPies. I can still remember my first MoonPie with my Dad. David Magee writes in a easy manner and a passion only a MoonPie fan can have.

[Bluelinesue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tiny little snack of a book, definitely a fun story. Anyone thinking about starting up a business can get inspiration here. Best read while actually eating Moon Pies.

No index, however, and a couple typos. Quality, people!

[Garrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This love letter history of the MoonPie is cute, sweet and non-controversial. I read this while in Chattanooga, as you do. It's informative and interesting, but repetitive and old-fashioned. Okay, but not eye-opening.

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Especially page 92 (wink wink).