Eat Like A Heroine

by Lorilee Craker, Jenny Williams

Genres: Nonfiction

214 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Lorilee Craker is a writer in Michigan, United States. She grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has three children. She advocates participation in community-supported agriculture and shopping at farmers' markets. She is an entertainment writer for MLive. Craker co-authored Lynne Spears' memoir Through the Storm. Craker and Spears appeared together at the 20th annual MOPS International convention in Grapevine, Texas in 2008. Craker co-authored My Journey to Heaven: What I Saw and How It Changed My Life with Marv Besteman, who died before the book was published. In a 2011 Time article, Zac Bissonnette writes that Craker "might be the most versatile journalist in America".

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new fav book published this summer! If you adore heroines from classical literature, if you adore scrumptious recipes, if you love gorgeous whimsical artwork, then you will want to devour EAT LIKE A HEROINE right now. Put the kettle on, add scones and jam to a china plate, and enjoy!

[Julie Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eat Like a Heroine creates a space for readers to pause and reconnect with heroines who are old friends or to discover new kindred spirits among the pages of a variety of texts. This creative book is so much more than a cookbook—it offers readers applicable advice for living like literary heroines and their authors by drawing on their interactions with food. The beautiful original artwork throughout weaves the featured heroines’ stories together with pithy and heartfelt Heroine Takeaways and Challenges told in an engaging tone. From framing the picnic as a way to discover beauty and the opportunity for personal growth to embracing cooking scrapes and seeing them as a good story for the future, Eat Like a Heroine meets readers where they are. And yes, there are recipes, too—for pasta salad, sides, soup, and even humble pie. Come to the table today and Eat Like a Heroine!

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC and whetting my appetite for the book’s release.

[Jessica Perteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read made more fun because I know the author and got to meet both authors at a book signing party in OKC. It was a delightful romp through all my favorite books and the recipes were also interesting. Like Jane Austen’s marzipan hedgehog anyone?

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I’m a new mom, with a 3 month old baby. I grew up on the books they talk about (Anne Shirley is my favorite heroine!). Reading this book honestly made me feel the most “myself” I’ve felt in months. I needed every one of the lessons these heroines teach in this transitional stage I’m navigating. I’m off to reread Little House, Jane Austen and the Anne and Emily books.

Also, the book is full of amazing sounding recipes and historical details! And lots of fun ideas of things to add excitement to life such as picnics, midnight cocoa during storms and Sunday Suppers.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Robyn Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heroines we love for many reasons have just had another layer (a layer of sponge cake, perhaps?) added to why we cherish them so much. As a lifelong bookworm and cherisher of classic book heroines, I feel almost sheepish that I had never realized before that the encouraging lessons I have taken to heart from heroines such as Anne Shirley or the March sisters could also include the pantry and dinner table. The kitchen and I can sometimes be at odds with one another, but taking a cue from some literary darlings, I feel determined to keep persevering. After all, if Anne can survive the embarrassing mouse pudding fiasco, I can face anything.
Great job to Jenny and Lorilee! They must have been quite hungry writing this book, I certainly felt hungry reading it. Also, the illustrations are just as “scrummy” as all the food discussed!

[Jorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book this beauty is! Not only is it a cookbook, but also a journey into the world of food in classical literature. I enjoyed reading about works of literature that I know really well, and also being introduced to works of literature that I had never heard of before! The illustrations are so beautiful and whimsical and are a wonderful addition to the book. The recipes included are well done and don’t seem overly complicated.

Overall this is such a creative way of bringing together much loved works of literature with cooking and would be a fun gift for any book lover and/or foodie!

*Thanks to the publisher for an advanced digital copy. All opinions are 100% my own*

[Caty Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and delightful reading experience. If you love the classic heroine novels, you will adore this book. I loved all the references and fun tidbits shared in its pages. Jenny did a fabulous job making the book beautiful with her illustrations as well.

[Ashley Bigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely delightful! If you love classic literature and enjoy talking or read about food, you will enjoy this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-book early release. Thank you!

This book is just charming! I’m pretty sure I smiled most of the time I was reading! It was nice to be able to just take a breath and put stress on the back burner and just immerse myself in the heroine world! It is full of some old friends from favorite books but also introduces a few new ones that I’m definitely going to have to read about! I’ve never listened to the authors’ podcast, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s a bit hard to categorize, so I’ll call it an educational/how-to/self-help/cooking/artsy/visit with friends kind of book. That makes it sound like it might be difficult to read, but it’s really just a lot of fun! And the lovely illustrations that are sprinkled throughout only add to the pleasure!

I was so happy to read historical info about food in classic lit! I’ve definitely wondered about what some of the food mentioned was, and even if I knew what it was, I often wondered why people would eat it. Now I know! And it was so fun to learn about the historical context for some of the food and the traditions and festivities! If reading about history isn’t your thing, no worries! Lorilee and Jenny don’t make it seem as if you’re in a lecture hall - it’s more like you’re sitting at a table with them, drinking raspberry cordial and eating some sweet goodies while hearing stories about common friends.

If you need new ideas for entertaining or just to add a bit of fun and fancy to your meals, this book has quite a bit of inspiration! And recipes, too! It also shows that no matter your situation or skill level or even how well your pantry is stocked, you can be a success when it comes to feeding yourself, your family, and your friends, as long as you think like a heroine! Even when things don’t turn out quite the way they should, success is more of a heroine mindset than a set of perfect circumstances!

This would be a great book to gift to your mom, your daughter, your friend! Its sweet, positive message should be shared!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in revisiting some of your favorite heroines from children's literature, characters and authors alike, I have a wonderful book recommendation for you. Jenny and Lorilee take us into the kitchens of these heroines to learn about food, hospitality and self-compassion. Along the way you learn recipes, some cultural traditions from around the world as related to food, as well as the stories and names of perhaps some new-to-you characters. I especially loved all of the Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables vignettes. She is the source of several excellent life lessons, both in and out of the kitchen.

The themes of hospitality and self-compassion stood out to me. The key is to welcome others into your life and "kitchen" in order to transform both, even if you are less than perfect, which is all of us!

This delightful book is interspersed with Jenny's whimsical illustrations and word art, which bring the stories to colorful life. Do not hesitate in purchasing Eat Like a Heroine!

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chock full of kindred spirits, Eat Like a Heroine is a gift-worthy treat of a book by authors Lorilee Kraker and Jenny Williams. And just as they do in their podcast (which I am woefully behind on), Lorilee and Jenny have brought together the food centered wisdom from an array of wonderful heroines and their authors.

Enhanced by Jenny’s signature artwork and a recipe or two at the end of each chapter, reading Eat Like a Heroine has me on the hunt for my old Blanc-Mange recipe, listening to What Katy Did, and feeling inspired to newly appreciate comfort, community, and food in fiction.

Highly recommended.

This review refers to an early digital copy that I voluntarily received and read, courtesy of the authors. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever pondered which writers, dead or alive, you'd like to invite for dinner, this book is for you. If you've ever sighed after rereading a favorite book because you want just a little more time with your favorite heroines in your real life, this book is for you. If you're tired and just want to find an easily achievable way to add joy and connection to those around you, this book is for you. It is whimsical and practical, meaningful and laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with art you'll want to hang on the wall.

Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read an early copy, and to the authors for creating such a beautiful gift for readers.

[Dianna L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eat Like a Heroine by Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams is a charming and whimsical culinary journey that blends literary nostalgia with practical inspiration. Through delightful color illustrations, engaging storytelling, and fun recipes, the authors invite readers to dine and delight alongside beloved heroines—like Anne of Green Gables, The March sisters, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Jane Eyre. It’s not just a cookbook, but a cozy celebration of hospitality, food, friends, and the stories we love.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely delightful! It's part cookbook, part literature and part conversation with your bestie over coffee or tea. It is full of references to your favorite heroines and what they ate, which is what I expected, but I was wonderfully surprised to find it just as full of wisdom and humor, the kind you'd expect from a treasured friend. I loved every moment in its pages and I expect to revisit this one again and again in the years to come!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A celebration of food and literature not to be missed! It's hopeful, encouraging, peppered with beautiful illustrations, and filled with lovely ideas, recipes, and tips to equip you to be the heroine of your own life. I just love classic literature and I feel as if I've been visiting with old friends and meeting some new ones after reading this book.

[Lynne Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so fun! It was a walk down Memory Lane, both of my own reading adventures and of the heroines in beloved books. The explanations of the foods found in these books were delightful, as were the recipes. The authors understand the importance of hospitality and food shared among family, friends, and soon-to-be friends.

[flourgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet little foodie book with some recipes thrown in. Very similar to the podcast content. So if you enjoy the podcast you will enjoy the book. If you haven’t heard the podcast, I think you might even enjoy it more.

[Erica Shier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical writing and just darling illustrations. This is a must read for people who like to eat and love the spunky heroines from our beloved classics.

Would make a delightful gift!

[Crystal Beavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful book! I highly recommend it!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like classic literature, food, and friendship, then this is a delightful read.

I was a little unsure of the premise before beginning. "I don't think I'm THAT into food... But I do love books," was my thought. However, I was quickly sold when I realized it was less about the food (although there still were some great descriptions of food - blancmange or biscuits, anyone?), and more about the things that food can symbolize to us in our lives: community, help in times of need, welcoming friendships, and the type of life that most of us really need in this era of social disconnection. Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Esperanza Rising were some of the most heavily-featured books. It was fun to read about how all of the authors of these books clearly understood these important ideas, no matter where and when they were writing.

The only thing that really gave me pause was the long plug for intermittent fasting. This took me out of the book a little bit, and I didn't really enjoy reading about another dieting technique - yes, many people say it's not "dieting" because it's not restricting what foods you eat, but I would argue that restricting when you eat is a type of diet. Whether you like that or not, I was a bit thrown off by this addition.

A big thank you to the authors and publisher for this ARC!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! It's charming, but more than that, and, quite honestly, it's unlike anything I've ever read. I can't put it into a neat category. More like it's nostalgic, and I miss that feeling. Life is so brutal and noisy now and this sweet (and very funny!) book is such a comfort. Thank you for creating it.