What do you think?
Rate this book
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory
From the author of the international bestseller In and Out of the Garden and the wondrous sketchbook Sara Midda’s South of France comes a long-awaited treasure of a book. Drawn from the artist’s wealth of impressions and memories, it is a book for lovers of food and art and fine gift books―a book for anyone who, upon arriving in a new town, seeks first the local market, or who believes the best thing to do on a given night is to share a table with friends.
Sara Midda is a watercolorist whose delicate and beautiful paintings shine like jewels, evoking the sweet purple taste of a summer raspberry or the silvery greens and gnarled burnt umber of an olive grove. And she is also a collagist, weaving together photographs, line drawings, her personal swatches―all the hues of a spice cabinet, or the sensations of a picnic, the colors of the breeze, sunshine, laughter, the cooling grass. And a poet, in love with words that sing, like podding and wicker , nettle and snug .
By turns reverent and playful, A Bowl of Olives is a work of pure enchantment, celebrating food―of the seasons, of family, of travel and memory. It is as richly layered as a favorite meal.
The book is cloth-bound, jacketed, and printed on uncoated stock to convey the feeling of an artist’s sketchbook.
Sara Midda is a watercolorist whose delicate and beautiful paintings shine like jewels, evoking the sweet purple taste of a summer raspberry or the silvery greens and gnarled burnt umber of an olive grove. And she is also a collagist, weaving together photographs, line drawings, her personal swatches―all the hues of a spice cabinet, or the sensations of a picnic, the colors of the breeze, sunshine, laughter, the cooling grass. And a poet, in love with words that sing, like podding and wicker , nettle and snug .
By turns reverent and playful, A Bowl of Olives is a work of pure enchantment, celebrating food―of the seasons, of family, of travel and memory. It is as richly layered as a favorite meal.
The book is cloth-bound, jacketed, and printed on uncoated stock to convey the feeling of an artist’s sketchbook.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
5 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Read
July 16, 2023I forgot that the reason I never actually finished these books is because the font is nearly impossible to decipher.
December 21, 2015
To say I'm obsessed with food is putting it mildly. I read cookbooks like crazy. I get atleast one (or more) a week from the library and read it cover to cover. If its a food related book, I read it. A food movie, I'm there. So when I heard about A Bowl of Olives it sounded perfect. However, I was shocked by this book. First, the print is so small, its tiny. I have reading glasses and still found myself squinting to make out the print. The book has pictures and paintings, again, so small that I had a hard time figure out what it was. There was print on color that I just could never make out what it said. Then, the book seemed nothing more to me than someones journal where they jotted down food memories or just thoughts about food. For example: Dinner in Verona - a jug of olive oil on the table, Grilled sardines - eating them in the harbor. There we a bunch of food related quotes from authors, etc. also included. I have a travel book of quotes and I love it. I refer to it often. I thought this book might be like that but it turns out not to be for me. The author is an illustrator, which explains many of the pictures. Perhaps a large print book of her paintings and pictures would work better for me.
December 30, 2016
Food, art, memory -- these things are relevant to my interests!
However, I'm having the same problem I encountered with In and Out of the Garden:
So. Friggin'. Tiny.
Perhaps the intent was to make the reader slow down and savor (even if it was, that annoys me; I will decide for myself how long to spend on your book, thanks) but it was really impossible for me to enjoy. I felt like I was going blind trying to make out her writing.
Maybe this is really the size Midda writes and draws at, but if so I wish she'd have her work reproduced twice life size!
Also, I have to say that I find her food taste rather boringly British. Her traumatic food memories of events like having French hosts serve her rare meat made me roll my eyes. Invite me over, French chefs, I will be more appreciative!
However, I'm having the same problem I encountered with In and Out of the Garden:
So. Friggin'. Tiny.
Perhaps the intent was to make the reader slow down and savor (even if it was, that annoys me; I will decide for myself how long to spend on your book, thanks) but it was really impossible for me to enjoy. I felt like I was going blind trying to make out her writing.
Maybe this is really the size Midda writes and draws at, but if so I wish she'd have her work reproduced twice life size!
Also, I have to say that I find her food taste rather boringly British. Her traumatic food memories of events like having French hosts serve her rare meat made me roll my eyes. Invite me over, French chefs, I will be more appreciative!
January 25, 2015
A Bowl of Olives A Bowl of Olives is one of those cute little books you pick up just for fun. Full of delightful illustrations in each chapter, recipes scattered through the book that range from Onion Tart to Tarragon Chicken. Lots of food memories and descriptions of how to do place settings and having a picnic. I loved reading through this little book, the only complaint I had is the print is pretty tiny. the wonderful illustrations make up for it though. It is one of those little books you could keep on the coffee table, even though it is a small book, for your guests to look through.
December 16, 2014
Part memories, part recipes, part reflections, part wishes. Sara Midda's "A Bowl of Olives" is something of a love poem to the foods in her past, filled with tiny photographs and watercolor paintings. It's a small volume, but enchanting and wistful.
February 5, 2015
I am a huge fan of a variety of olives. This is a sweet little book (gift sized) with lovely illustrations. A nice addition to a food or cookbook collection.
November 16, 2017
The author's own memories brought back the reader's memories of food experiences. The unusual presentation of the material, a mix of pretty watercolors and phrases, lists, or poetic reflections, stimulates the reader's mind and brings back long forgotten experiences. That is what I liked. However I did not like the very small print and at times the almost illegible handwriting.
January 1, 2022
I first read Sara Midda’s South of France 20+ years ago and, finding myself immersed in watercolor painting this year, asked for this for Christmas and am reading it for research & painting/memoir inspiration. Her illustrations are lovely.
May 30, 2019
A beautifully illustrated keepsake book with musings and wisdom about food.
November 2, 2019
Watercolor illustrations and photographs picturing the love of food around the world. Further evidence of human kinship.
Read
December 27, 2020Not a terrible way to spend a morning in front of the fire with your coffee, but like many other reviewers I found the print too tiny.
March 2, 2021
I thought this little book was a joy to discover! Lovely reminiscences of food, travel, watercolors! Mini everything. It’s a gem. Can’t wait to try some of these recipes as well.
July 6, 2024
I absolutely LOVE all the photos and paintings in this book! It's very personal and reminds me a lot of a scrapbook! There are a few sections that were difficult to read because of the font though.
December 2, 2014
This evocative little book lead me down a fragrant memory lane even as Midda shares her own journey of food-induced memories. What a pleasant stroll! Each page a feast for the eye, A Bowl of Olives by Sara Midda is a cornucopia of lovely little watercolor illustrations, photos, quotes, prose, and recipes.
Food, for many people, is the currency of relationships--the thing around which we gather with family and friends to make memories, celebrate milestones, or dive deeply into the present moment. Simply smelling the fragrance of a remembered dish can unleash an avalanche of images, feelings, tastes, and more from a time long past. Cookies or bread baking in the oven trigger memories of my childhood. A whiff of chicken frying will bring to mind summer picnics. Squash recalls me to fall dinners served which gathered a busy household together if only for an all-too-brief moment at the table.
A Bowl of Olives is my first exposure to Sara Midda's work. What a delight all her petite, delicate watercolor illustrations are! I love the feel of the pages. The color, the layouts provide such pleasure!
Because the book centers on the illustrations, it is a very quick read at only 128 pages. Seasoned with a smattering of quotes, Midda's memories, and recipes (some of them are just the bare bones!) . . . readers will find themselves savoring not only Midda's offerings, but the reflections of meals and dishes past too. I highly recommend this book to all who love food, visual arts, great paper, and books in general!
I am so thankful for the opportunity to review Sara Midda's latest offering, A Bowl of Olives, and thankful to Shelf Awareness for the complimentary copy!
From the publisher...
From the author of the international bestseller In and Out of the Garden and the wondrous sketchbook Sara Midda’s South of France comes a long-awaited treasure of a book. Drawn from the artist’s wealth of impressions and memories, it is a book for lovers of food and art and fine gift books—a book for anyone who, upon arriving in a new town, seeks first the local market, or who believes the best thing to do on a given night is to share a table with friends.
Sara Midda is a watercolorist whose delicate and beautiful paintings shine like jewels, evoking the sweet purple taste of a summer raspberry or the silvery greens and gnarled burnt umber of an olive grove. And she is also a collagist, weaving together photographs, line drawings, her personal swatches—all the hues of a spice cabinet, or the sensations of a picnic, the colors of the breeze, sunshine, laughter, the cooling grass. And a poet, in love with words that sing, like podding and wicker, nettle and snug.
By turns reverent and playful, A Bowl of Olives is a work of pure enchantment, celebrating food—of the seasons, of family, of travel and memory. It is as richly layered as a favorite meal.
The book is cloth-bound, jacketed, and printed on uncoated stock to convey the feeling of an artist’s sketchbook.
About the author...
Sara Midda is an artist who lives in West Sussex, England, and previously lived in the south of France. Her most recent book is Artisan’s children’s activity book How to Build an A.
Food, for many people, is the currency of relationships--the thing around which we gather with family and friends to make memories, celebrate milestones, or dive deeply into the present moment. Simply smelling the fragrance of a remembered dish can unleash an avalanche of images, feelings, tastes, and more from a time long past. Cookies or bread baking in the oven trigger memories of my childhood. A whiff of chicken frying will bring to mind summer picnics. Squash recalls me to fall dinners served which gathered a busy household together if only for an all-too-brief moment at the table.
A Bowl of Olives is my first exposure to Sara Midda's work. What a delight all her petite, delicate watercolor illustrations are! I love the feel of the pages. The color, the layouts provide such pleasure!
Because the book centers on the illustrations, it is a very quick read at only 128 pages. Seasoned with a smattering of quotes, Midda's memories, and recipes (some of them are just the bare bones!) . . . readers will find themselves savoring not only Midda's offerings, but the reflections of meals and dishes past too. I highly recommend this book to all who love food, visual arts, great paper, and books in general!
I am so thankful for the opportunity to review Sara Midda's latest offering, A Bowl of Olives, and thankful to Shelf Awareness for the complimentary copy!
From the publisher...
From the author of the international bestseller In and Out of the Garden and the wondrous sketchbook Sara Midda’s South of France comes a long-awaited treasure of a book. Drawn from the artist’s wealth of impressions and memories, it is a book for lovers of food and art and fine gift books—a book for anyone who, upon arriving in a new town, seeks first the local market, or who believes the best thing to do on a given night is to share a table with friends.
Sara Midda is a watercolorist whose delicate and beautiful paintings shine like jewels, evoking the sweet purple taste of a summer raspberry or the silvery greens and gnarled burnt umber of an olive grove. And she is also a collagist, weaving together photographs, line drawings, her personal swatches—all the hues of a spice cabinet, or the sensations of a picnic, the colors of the breeze, sunshine, laughter, the cooling grass. And a poet, in love with words that sing, like podding and wicker, nettle and snug.
By turns reverent and playful, A Bowl of Olives is a work of pure enchantment, celebrating food—of the seasons, of family, of travel and memory. It is as richly layered as a favorite meal.
The book is cloth-bound, jacketed, and printed on uncoated stock to convey the feeling of an artist’s sketchbook.
About the author...
Sara Midda is an artist who lives in West Sussex, England, and previously lived in the south of France. Her most recent book is Artisan’s children’s activity book How to Build an A.
May 17, 2015
Review originally published to my blog, The Leaning Tower of Tomes: http://leaningtoweroftomes.wordpress....
A Bowl of Olives is an enchanting little book brimming with watercolors and illustrations, quotes and recipes, and author Sara Midda's experiences and memories told in poetic prose. The book is of lovely quality, printed on thick, sweet-smelling pages. I was overjoyed to find something as thoughtful as a merlot-colored bookmark attached to the spine, and the naked book has a watercolor of a bowl of olives set in the front cover.
Midda shares her love of art and food by combining pictures and words to inspire and warm you. She takes you on a journey to the green market, to dining settings, and to her fond experiences concerning food and friends, and elaborates on certain edible groups: eggs, salads, fruits, vegetables, seasonings, and, of course, olives. Her watercolors are delicate yet detailed, her writing beautiful and minimal. The quotes she has selected complement this whimsical collection, making you pause, then smile.
Inside you'll find... how leaves were once used as food wrappings... the symbolism and superstitions regarding eggs... the importance of napkins, tablecloths, and flower centerpieces... the dilemma of the perfect mug... excellent food recommendations for the seasons... memories of Spain, Italy, Morocco, Japan, and France... how to pick the perfect olive... recipes for spiced crab apple jelly, walnut stew chicken, potato and cheese pie, and parsnip crisps... spices and herbs whose names you may or may not be familiar with... and so much more...
A Bowl of Olives is a special something, a treasure to share with friends. It is a perfect gift for a food-appreciator, and a handsome, unique addition to your own bookshelf. This was my introduction to Sara Midda and her work, and she and it have made quite the first impression. ♦
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for review consideration; all opinions are my own.
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory by Sara Midda. Source: Workman Publishing via Shelf Awareness. Format: Hardcover, 128 pages, Workman Publishing, Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2014.
A Bowl of Olives is an enchanting little book brimming with watercolors and illustrations, quotes and recipes, and author Sara Midda's experiences and memories told in poetic prose. The book is of lovely quality, printed on thick, sweet-smelling pages. I was overjoyed to find something as thoughtful as a merlot-colored bookmark attached to the spine, and the naked book has a watercolor of a bowl of olives set in the front cover.
Midda shares her love of art and food by combining pictures and words to inspire and warm you. She takes you on a journey to the green market, to dining settings, and to her fond experiences concerning food and friends, and elaborates on certain edible groups: eggs, salads, fruits, vegetables, seasonings, and, of course, olives. Her watercolors are delicate yet detailed, her writing beautiful and minimal. The quotes she has selected complement this whimsical collection, making you pause, then smile.
Inside you'll find... how leaves were once used as food wrappings... the symbolism and superstitions regarding eggs... the importance of napkins, tablecloths, and flower centerpieces... the dilemma of the perfect mug... excellent food recommendations for the seasons... memories of Spain, Italy, Morocco, Japan, and France... how to pick the perfect olive... recipes for spiced crab apple jelly, walnut stew chicken, potato and cheese pie, and parsnip crisps... spices and herbs whose names you may or may not be familiar with... and so much more...
A Bowl of Olives is a special something, a treasure to share with friends. It is a perfect gift for a food-appreciator, and a handsome, unique addition to your own bookshelf. This was my introduction to Sara Midda and her work, and she and it have made quite the first impression. ♦
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for review consideration; all opinions are my own.
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory by Sara Midda. Source: Workman Publishing via Shelf Awareness. Format: Hardcover, 128 pages, Workman Publishing, Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 2014.
January 29, 2015
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory is a lovely little book, beautifully illustrated with tiny watercolor paintings of olives and figs and rabbits and vegetables and wine bottles. The emphasis is on the word little – on some pages, the writing is so small that it is almost impossible to read. The pages are full of tiny watercolors, small-scale photographs, leaves and flowers and fruits in a wonderful color palette. The paper is heavy and more textured than an average book, and the font is chosen to mimic handwriting. I spent a long flight studying the tiny charts on how to cut cheese correctly, miniature photos of bamboo implements, drawings of dogs and stone walls.
It is a food-lover’s journal of places visited, meals eaten, tastes remembered, There are recipes and recommendations: what to eat in Morocco, perfect foods for summer days and nights, the best way to prepare parsnips. I loved the pages on choosing the perfect mug, food memories, and the chapter on the history of olives and olive oil.
It’s really a beautiful book, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it, now that I have enjoyed the first reading. It’s not the sort of thing I’m likely to read again (at least not after I try that recipe for Onions Monegasque). It would have been the perfect stocking stuffer for food-loving friends; I know a number of people who will enjoy reading the tiny print and smiling over the tiny pictures. Whether they will use it to suggest table settings or ideas for onion tarts, I can’t say for certain, but it will be a lovely addition to their shelves and certain to bring a smile.
My copy of A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory was an Advanced Reader Copy, provided free of charge.
It is a food-lover’s journal of places visited, meals eaten, tastes remembered, There are recipes and recommendations: what to eat in Morocco, perfect foods for summer days and nights, the best way to prepare parsnips. I loved the pages on choosing the perfect mug, food memories, and the chapter on the history of olives and olive oil.
It’s really a beautiful book, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it, now that I have enjoyed the first reading. It’s not the sort of thing I’m likely to read again (at least not after I try that recipe for Onions Monegasque). It would have been the perfect stocking stuffer for food-loving friends; I know a number of people who will enjoy reading the tiny print and smiling over the tiny pictures. Whether they will use it to suggest table settings or ideas for onion tarts, I can’t say for certain, but it will be a lovely addition to their shelves and certain to bring a smile.
My copy of A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory was an Advanced Reader Copy, provided free of charge.
December 5, 2014
As is very often always the case, I received this book free in exchange for a review. Despite the kindness of receiving a free book I'm absolutely candid about the book because I want everyone to know what they're getting as much as I hope to when I'm shopping.
Let me just say that I've seen this sort of book before and I know its life cycle. This is the sort of book that you find at the clearance bin at the used bookstore in a few months. It all starts out when someone buying it for someone else as a gift because the other reviews said that it was cute. The person who gets it thinks, "Oh! This is cute!" but then never actually bothers to sit down and read it because the whole thing is so hodge-podge and the font is too small to comfortably take in. Best case scenario it ends up in that little basket on the back of your toilet for reading when you're in the loo. After its done its tour of duty back there you end up taking it to the used bookstore and getting a quarter for it because you certainly can't give it to anyone you know because it was a loo-book and God KNOWS what happens to loo books.
Clearly, I'm a guy and this is a guy opinion but I don't see the point of this book. There are some nice pictures but they're tiny. There are some interesting cooking tidbits but they are written in this little handwriting font that is pretty hard to read and they're not really organized in any way that makes them useful. So thus I brand this a loo-book and a very expensive one at that considering the size. The cover price is $18.95 for this tiny little publication. I'd be appalled if I had paid for this!
Let me just say that I've seen this sort of book before and I know its life cycle. This is the sort of book that you find at the clearance bin at the used bookstore in a few months. It all starts out when someone buying it for someone else as a gift because the other reviews said that it was cute. The person who gets it thinks, "Oh! This is cute!" but then never actually bothers to sit down and read it because the whole thing is so hodge-podge and the font is too small to comfortably take in. Best case scenario it ends up in that little basket on the back of your toilet for reading when you're in the loo. After its done its tour of duty back there you end up taking it to the used bookstore and getting a quarter for it because you certainly can't give it to anyone you know because it was a loo-book and God KNOWS what happens to loo books.
Clearly, I'm a guy and this is a guy opinion but I don't see the point of this book. There are some nice pictures but they're tiny. There are some interesting cooking tidbits but they are written in this little handwriting font that is pretty hard to read and they're not really organized in any way that makes them useful. So thus I brand this a loo-book and a very expensive one at that considering the size. The cover price is $18.95 for this tiny little publication. I'd be appalled if I had paid for this!
February 11, 2023
Olives, Memoir, and Inspiration
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory, by Sara Midda, (Workman), 128 pages, released October 7, 2014
I’ve just received a review copy of Sara Midda’s A Bowl of Olives and must say that it’s a sweet little thing. This book defies easy categorization as it’s a melange of memoir, cookbook, and art book. The illustrations are all Midda’s watercolors, reproduced in miniature and in vibrant colors. The written passages are brief: a memory, a list, a very unstructured recipe.
Midda’s is the sort of book that makes the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cooking—and eating, of course. It’s not a beginner’s book; rather, it’s a book for people with years of cooking under their belts who enjoy reflecting on their own dishes and who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.
The recipes are very simple, with few ingredients and minimal instructions. A recipe for a delicious sounding cucumber salad boils down to “add this and this and this and this together.” That’s it. No quantities. Midda trusts that an experienced cook will have a good sense of the balance of ingredients she will find most delicious.
This is the kind of book one leaves out on a table for leafing through at odd moments. Sometimes one can just enjoy the illustrations, other times one can find cooking inspiration, and at all times, readers are invited to to enjoy their own culinary memories. (Do note that the typeface is small and light, so this book unfortunately won’t make a good gift for anyone with aging eyes.)
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory, by Sara Midda, (Workman), 128 pages, released October 7, 2014
I’ve just received a review copy of Sara Midda’s A Bowl of Olives and must say that it’s a sweet little thing. This book defies easy categorization as it’s a melange of memoir, cookbook, and art book. The illustrations are all Midda’s watercolors, reproduced in miniature and in vibrant colors. The written passages are brief: a memory, a list, a very unstructured recipe.
Midda’s is the sort of book that makes the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cooking—and eating, of course. It’s not a beginner’s book; rather, it’s a book for people with years of cooking under their belts who enjoy reflecting on their own dishes and who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.
The recipes are very simple, with few ingredients and minimal instructions. A recipe for a delicious sounding cucumber salad boils down to “add this and this and this and this together.” That’s it. No quantities. Midda trusts that an experienced cook will have a good sense of the balance of ingredients she will find most delicious.
This is the kind of book one leaves out on a table for leafing through at odd moments. Sometimes one can just enjoy the illustrations, other times one can find cooking inspiration, and at all times, readers are invited to to enjoy their own culinary memories. (Do note that the typeface is small and light, so this book unfortunately won’t make a good gift for anyone with aging eyes.)
February 17, 2015
This book had my attention just by the cover! Darling plates with food on them, some hand-drawn,while others are water colours. They grace the entire cover and the pages of this delightful book. It is a love story about food; how it is eaten, how its presentation affects the eater. The chapters in this book flow together and start us out in various markets around the world, into the packaging of the food, the history of certain food or dishes. All of this is like a journal of sorts. It is handwritten, supplemented with drawn pictures of food and poems. The author, Sara Midda, shows us how foods can bring up memories of a time or place, of certain people, holidays and outings. It is a true culinary adventure book!
This is the first book I have read by Sara Midda. I highly recommend it, if not for the food journey itself, for the intricate drawings and written word. It is a book I will be reading time and again.
This is the first book I have read by Sara Midda. I highly recommend it, if not for the food journey itself, for the intricate drawings and written word. It is a book I will be reading time and again.
December 29, 2014
Copy received for review.
I had the hardest time rating this one. It's cute and quirky-- I love the art and the randomness is part of what makes it fun. Quotes are interspersed with lists and recipes and snippets of this and that. The page about trying to find a perfect mug was fabulous.
On the other hand, it's really small... and everything is handwritten. Between the size, the sometimes illegible handwriting, and my really awful eyesight (please please let all the kids get their father's eyes!) I struggled to actually READ it.
Overall, it's a great little book to look at, but trying to read it as you would a normal book can be headache-inducing. Far better to flip through as kind of a novelty. Perfect fit for anyone who loves food (and art).
I had the hardest time rating this one. It's cute and quirky-- I love the art and the randomness is part of what makes it fun. Quotes are interspersed with lists and recipes and snippets of this and that. The page about trying to find a perfect mug was fabulous.
On the other hand, it's really small... and everything is handwritten. Between the size, the sometimes illegible handwriting, and my really awful eyesight (please please let all the kids get their father's eyes!) I struggled to actually READ it.
Overall, it's a great little book to look at, but trying to read it as you would a normal book can be headache-inducing. Far better to flip through as kind of a novelty. Perfect fit for anyone who loves food (and art).
January 4, 2015
I received a copy from the publisher for review. It's lovely, but as some have pointed out, it's too small. If you were planning to give it to anyone over 40 you need to make sure a magnifier goes with it. I can only imagine that the entire editorial and production team was made up of teenagers. The insights, illustrations and recipes are perfect for any foodie--but as I said, it needed to be a regular size or ideally a cookbook size book. If you are going to make a book the size of Beatrix Potter books (this is only slightly larger), make the print the same size, too. The difficulty reading entirely takes away from the book's intent and beauty.
December 16, 2014
A Bowl of Olives: On Food and Memory by Sara Midda is a little gift book with charming artwork. It is more about the illustrations than the content; no stories underlie the illustrations and brief descriptions. The individual illustrations are lovely, but the small size of the artwork and the print makes it challenging to fully appreciate the art or the content.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014...
Reviewed based on a copy received through a publisher’s giveaway
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014...
Reviewed based on a copy received through a publisher’s giveaway
January 4, 2015
A beautiful book! I loved the authors illustrations. Her book is why I want to take a drawing class this year so I can make little sketches in a notebook too. My big complaint is the size of the book. I am confused why they made it so small. Her watercolors are so beautiful I would like them to be larger. Her script is difficult to read and because it is so small, nearly impossible at times. A foodie would enjoy her musings and recipes. A nice book to flip through but the size keeps it from being something more.
August 6, 2016
Having received this book as an advanced copy, I quite liked it--it wasn't, however, anything I would have bought on my own. It's a nice book and has some beautiful pictures that couple with well-written ideas about food. At the same time, though, it doesn't really have anything that distinguishes it from books of its kind. It's easily forgettable and bound to just end up on coffee tables or something.
February 7, 2015
I was really excited to receive this book in exchange for an honest review. While I was expecting great things from this it kind of fell flat. The watercolor paintings might have been beautiful...but they were too small to really engross myself in. The writing might have been inspiring... but the font was really hard to read in a smaller book. This type of book would have been gorgeous in a larger coffee table size...but alas, it is not.
April 2, 2016
Like all Sara Midda's books this is beautiful. Her gorgeous watercolours are accompanied by recipes, notes and occasional photographs recording her food- related travels and memories and the whole package is a delightful read - if you can read the tiny print! If only Workman Publishing would commit to publishing larger editions of Midda's books so we could actually read them and enjoy her fabulous paintings without squinting...
November 19, 2014
an absolutely beautiful book for anyone that loves and appreciates food and the place it holds in out lives. I received this in a Goodreads Giveaway, but I am passing it on to someone who will love it as much as I do. Thank you, Sara Midda!
January 17, 2015
A little book of water color pictures of all kinds of food with interesting comments beside the pictures. I had a little trouble reading it because the comments are all in italics and my old eyes have problems with italics.
December 22, 2014
I'm sorry. While this book may be beautiful, it is boring. I feel like I am complaining about somebody's art project, and that may be the problem. Also, as others have note, the very small watercolors and tiny hand-lettered print make this difficult to read.
January 4, 2015
I received this book free in exchange for a review and am happy to say that I
really enjoyed it. From the beautifully illustrated watercolors to the random quotes and recipes inside, the book is a treasure trove of information.
really enjoyed it. From the beautifully illustrated watercolors to the random quotes and recipes inside, the book is a treasure trove of information.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews