Table for 51: Lessons Learned From Sharing Meals Across America

by Shari Leid

296 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Shari Leid received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1992. A former litigator, having graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 1995, she currently operates An Imperfectly Perfect Life, LLC, a professional life coaching business serving women, helping guide them towards recognizing their power

Reviews

[Hollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the concept and idea behind this. I feel like I was expecting more, which was my problem not the author's. I wish it had focused on the states or why the women chose them specifically or what they liked about the state that drew them to stay or live there. Even if it had been a food/restaurant review book. Something more than she visited and ate there and done. Again I feel like it was a little all over the place (whose life isn't) but the will she and won't she and she is dating someone else but still worried about her marriage(?). I felt lost.
The adoption tie in felt like a background theme.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shari Leid's "Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America" offers a heartwarming and insightful exploration of connection, community, and the simple power of breaking bread together. Leid embarks on a cross-country journey, hosting potluck dinners for strangers, and in doing so, uncovers the profound human need for belonging and shared experience. The book isn't a culinary guide, though food serves as the central catalyst. Instead, it's a gentle meditation on the stories that emerge when people gather, the unexpected friendships forged over shared dishes, and the universal truths that bind us.

Leid's writing style is warm and approachable, making the reader feel like a welcome guest at her ever-expanding table. She skillfully weaves together anecdotes from her various gatherings, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of her guests. From heartfelt confessions to lighthearted banter, each story underscores the importance of creating space for genuine interaction. The lessons Leid gleans are not groundbreaking revelations, but rather gentle reminders of the significance of kindness, vulnerability, and the courage to connect with those outside our immediate circles.

While the premise might seem simple, Leid effectively demonstrates how the act of sharing a meal can dismantle barriers and foster understanding. "Table for 51" is a timely reminder in our increasingly digital world of the fundamental human need for face-to-face connection and the nourishing power of community. It's an inspiring read for anyone seeking to cultivate deeper relationships and find meaning in the everyday act of sharing food and stories. The book leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the power of hospitality and the potential for connection that exists all around us, waiting to be discovered, one shared meal at a time.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is your favorite type of cuisine?🍱
I will always choose Korean food first. I love that Shari Leid is also from South Korea and she traveled across the US to do one of my favorite things, eat! 😊
Shari was adopted at a young age but a Japanese family, I loved learning about her story, since I can relate to being adopted but especially from South Korea. She even grew up in Seattle, I mostly grew up in the Seattle area, so I was able to understand some of her feelings growing up in the PNW.
What’s unique to her, is, she was adopted by a Japanese family and her father, and his family were sent to internment camps during WW2.
With this trauma, her dad instilled fear that she would not be welcome everywhere in the US. I’ve traveled quite a bit around the US, and I’ve seen and experienced things that have made me feel nervous for sure.
I loved not only learning about all of the women that Shari met up with across the country, but she brought heart and honesty about her own struggles, insecurities and her divorce, while this whole project was happening.
I genuinely enjoyed this book, and all of these heartfelt stories.
Thank you @pacificandcourt for this gifted copy!
Table for 51 by Shari Leid is available on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shari Leid's new travel memoir, Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America, shares her incredible series of journeys across our country. It's also an inspiring call for us to reach out, connect, reflect, and grow.

In Table for 51, Shari documents her travels to each of our 50 states. She connected with almost all total strangers beforehand, and met them in their hometowns (and often, homes!). Along the way, her great conversations teach us about bravery, the importance of connection, the value of sharing a meal (or coffee), and what we can learn and take away from such personal encounters.

Click through to read our awesome author interview.
https://www.wanderingeducators.com/bo...

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Table For 51: Lessons Learned From Sharing Meals Across America is an insightful, awe-inspiring, stunning, and needed book! This author weaves her personal story and the journey she undertook with a mission in mind to create so much more than a travel memior. Her story of traveling to 50 states to sit at tables with old friends and strangers is phenomenal. I am so inspired by her stories of genuine connection and empathy. This book is uplifting reminding the reader that despite the hate which litters our past, drags down our present, and dims our future differences can spark connection and expand our hearts. This message is so timely. I loved this book!

[Emily Volin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping to learn interesting things about the different states and the unique women who all have their own life stories to tell but all this book really covered were the details of the authors divorce.

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I felt really grateful to have been able to read this book and truthfully enjoyed reading about her adventures throughout the states and the connections she made! I read a couple chapters a day (minus the pause because life got busy)….and really reflected on what the people had to say. Usually was something I could walk with and take something from! Also, I am a born to be traveler, and although it’s not in the cards for me right now I am excited for the day it is- until then I live vicariously through those that are able!

Thank you for the encouraging read!