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Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness
A vibrant new vision of food justice that celebrates Black food and recognizes the power of gathering to create sustainable, systemic change.
Food justice is defined as the understanding that our food system is unequal and that something needs to be done about it. But how can we create a world where everyone has enough? What does it mean to truly nourish ourselves and our communities?
In Gather, anthropologist Ashanté M. Reese argues for a vibrant new vision of food justice that places Black communities at the center and offers us a visionary, delicious path forward. Reese reveals that to truly create equity in our food systems, we must embrace the abundance that already exists around us—and recognize that the social body is as important as our individual health
Gather presents rich, on-the-ground stories of gathering around food in four spaces—gardens, family reunions, repasts, and protests. Blending rich storytelling with analysis, these chapters argue for the political power of food and invite us to learn from the tactics Black communities have long used to create sustainable, systemic change.
There are no simple solutions to the problems of acute need. But by recognizing that food justice is already all around us, we can start working together to create a more nourishing, joyful world. Gather is an intimate and urgent invitation to embrace local power, build better food systems, and nourish ourselves, body and soul.
Food justice is defined as the understanding that our food system is unequal and that something needs to be done about it. But how can we create a world where everyone has enough? What does it mean to truly nourish ourselves and our communities?
In Gather, anthropologist Ashanté M. Reese argues for a vibrant new vision of food justice that places Black communities at the center and offers us a visionary, delicious path forward. Reese reveals that to truly create equity in our food systems, we must embrace the abundance that already exists around us—and recognize that the social body is as important as our individual health
Gather presents rich, on-the-ground stories of gathering around food in four spaces—gardens, family reunions, repasts, and protests. Blending rich storytelling with analysis, these chapters argue for the political power of food and invite us to learn from the tactics Black communities have long used to create sustainable, systemic change.
There are no simple solutions to the problems of acute need. But by recognizing that food justice is already all around us, we can start working together to create a more nourishing, joyful world. Gather is an intimate and urgent invitation to embrace local power, build better food systems, and nourish ourselves, body and soul.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 12, 2026
This book was amazing! All about togetherness and what we could do as a human species if we just stood together and took care of one another. Definitely recommend, I am sooo glad I won this book in a giveaway!
Want to Read
March 11, 2026my former professor wrote another book! (:
July 8, 2026
Gather is a short book about what food and social gatherigns can do for Black persons. Reese says "the first thing I want you to consider as we journey in this book together is this: we've been taught one thing about nourishment - that it means to feed the physical body - but nourishment is also about tending to the social body." Gather is a work of love by Reese, that is informed by her grandmother and home community on top of her studies.
The chapters are focused on Gardens, Reunions, Repasts, and Mutual aid. Reese also provides a playlist to go along with a Black gathering, which I highly enjoyed. Gather is a personal project. Reese weaves her personal experiences with scholarly expertise. It was read that sticks with you. It makes you think about how important gatherings are; how food can be weaponised or used to heal; and how food and gatherings are nourishment to the soul.
The chapters are focused on Gardens, Reunions, Repasts, and Mutual aid. Reese also provides a playlist to go along with a Black gathering, which I highly enjoyed. Gather is a personal project. Reese weaves her personal experiences with scholarly expertise. It was read that sticks with you. It makes you think about how important gatherings are; how food can be weaponised or used to heal; and how food and gatherings are nourishment to the soul.
Gather starts from the premise that death, destruction, and denial are not the only ways to index Black life. By looking at the spaces where Black people gather, we can also witness the beauty of Black aliveness - in all its goodness, contradictions, love, and capaciousness.
August 6, 2026
A beautifully written text that captures the nuanced ways that food shapes Black life. I highly recommend.
July 26, 2026
4.5. i learned so much and loved this strength based exploration. dr reese utilizes multiple cultural pillars in black communities to explore the imagine/discuss avenues for food justice. it was wonderful to hear about leaders already doing this necessary work. appreciate her commitment to uplifting community voices
May 12, 2026
I’ve been thinking about food a lot lately. How we get it, how we consume it, how we share with others. As a baker, I find so much joy in sharing with others, and have considered opening my own little bakery (or free little bakery?? Still under consideration), so this book gave me a lot of food for thought (pun intended) about how we nourish each other and how we carve out spaces for nourishment. Yes, literal nourishment through food but also soul and energy nourishment through gathering.
As someone who doesn’t know much about Black food culture, I learned a lot. More than anything, I saw Black food culture and gatherings are moments of resilience and connection. A reclamation of moments of grief or strife turned into joy such as the repasts after a loved one dies or a community garden taking up space previously denied to older generations. I have much respect for the people who take ownership and bring joy into something that might otherwise be sad.
And I learned a lot about gathering too. It’s about meeting people where they’re at and believing in your ideas. It’s about having advocates and considering how to continue the journey with other people and future generations. It’s about taking breaks when needed and reconsidering if this fits the community’s needs.
Overall, a deeply intriguing and thoughtful book. Something to chew on now
As someone who doesn’t know much about Black food culture, I learned a lot. More than anything, I saw Black food culture and gatherings are moments of resilience and connection. A reclamation of moments of grief or strife turned into joy such as the repasts after a loved one dies or a community garden taking up space previously denied to older generations. I have much respect for the people who take ownership and bring joy into something that might otherwise be sad.
And I learned a lot about gathering too. It’s about meeting people where they’re at and believing in your ideas. It’s about having advocates and considering how to continue the journey with other people and future generations. It’s about taking breaks when needed and reconsidering if this fits the community’s needs.
Overall, a deeply intriguing and thoughtful book. Something to chew on now
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Gather is a well written monograph on food security, equity, and culture by Dr. Ashanté M. Reese as part of the Norton Short series. Due out 14th April 2026 from W.W. Norton, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
Although written in layman accessible simple prose, the author is an academic and the book is well grounded structurally, with copious chapter notes and annotations (which are worth the price of the admission in and of themselves). The writing flows very well, and under the friendly, clear descriptions, lovingly told, is the clearly delineated disparity in justice and access which has been a reality in much of the USA for hundreds of years. Black communities have grown and thrived out of necessity, but there's also a great deal of fellow feeling, mutual aid, community, and generosity threaded through everyday existence.
Food insecurity, food deserts, and mutual aid are taken from the daily headlines but they've been an often stark reality for ages in rural/poor areas of America. Dr. Reese does a good job of describing the realities, but also offering some hope and warmth.
Five stars. A good read, and an important one, especially given the stark political climate in the USA at the moment. Timely. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, book club selection, buddy read, or personal library.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Gather is a well written monograph on food security, equity, and culture by Dr. Ashanté M. Reese as part of the Norton Short series. Due out 14th April 2026 from W.W. Norton, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
Although written in layman accessible simple prose, the author is an academic and the book is well grounded structurally, with copious chapter notes and annotations (which are worth the price of the admission in and of themselves). The writing flows very well, and under the friendly, clear descriptions, lovingly told, is the clearly delineated disparity in justice and access which has been a reality in much of the USA for hundreds of years. Black communities have grown and thrived out of necessity, but there's also a great deal of fellow feeling, mutual aid, community, and generosity threaded through everyday existence.
Food insecurity, food deserts, and mutual aid are taken from the daily headlines but they've been an often stark reality for ages in rural/poor areas of America. Dr. Reese does a good job of describing the realities, but also offering some hope and warmth.
Five stars. A good read, and an important one, especially given the stark political climate in the USA at the moment. Timely. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, book club selection, buddy read, or personal library.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you WN Norton and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available April 2026.
In GATHER, Dr Ashanté M Reese presents case studies in the different ways Black people grow and use food to gather. Each case--a community garden, a repast, a family reunion, a mutual aid system set up to support student organizers, her own private garden-- is followed by vivid descriptions, first hand accounts and analysis tying the specific situation to broader social and cultural movements. As concise as this work is, I almost wished there was more expansion. I'd love to see discussions of Black farms or Black culinary institutions, though I know that is not the primary scope of this book. It would also be great to see more quotes integrated, simply because I was so fascinated with the call to action Dr Reese shared. All to say, this book is already making me curious to learn more!
Available April 2026.
In GATHER, Dr Ashanté M Reese presents case studies in the different ways Black people grow and use food to gather. Each case--a community garden, a repast, a family reunion, a mutual aid system set up to support student organizers, her own private garden-- is followed by vivid descriptions, first hand accounts and analysis tying the specific situation to broader social and cultural movements. As concise as this work is, I almost wished there was more expansion. I'd love to see discussions of Black farms or Black culinary institutions, though I know that is not the primary scope of this book. It would also be great to see more quotes integrated, simply because I was so fascinated with the call to action Dr Reese shared. All to say, this book is already making me curious to learn more!
April 14, 2026
“The industrialised food system is too big and requires inequality to sustain itself”
A short and powerful book on the power of food and its role in communal settings. It also examines food inequality and insecurity in the United States, tracing its origin to the segregation era.
Divided into four chapters/subtopics, the author examines the role of food in four spaces- gardens, reunions,repasts and protests.
Written from a personal perspective with copious research, the book seeks readers to work better to create an enabling environment for all, work locally and build self reliance.
There was so much packed in and it shows that there is a long way to go in bridging the gap and that everyone has a part to play.
A short and powerful book on the power of food and its role in communal settings. It also examines food inequality and insecurity in the United States, tracing its origin to the segregation era.
Divided into four chapters/subtopics, the author examines the role of food in four spaces- gardens, reunions,repasts and protests.
Written from a personal perspective with copious research, the book seeks readers to work better to create an enabling environment for all, work locally and build self reliance.
There was so much packed in and it shows that there is a long way to go in bridging the gap and that everyone has a part to play.
April 20, 2026
I was provided this book from W.W. Norton & Company for an honest review. (I am a part of the Flock!)
This was a very short read. It was personable while being chock full of information and scenarios that led the reader back to the reason for the book, food and the Black community. I enjoyed reading this book. I am not big on anthropology but the sociologist in me (I have a BA in Sociology!) was eating this up. I have gathered ideas, insight as well as the understanding that opportunities to implement this knowledge is already within the people. Gather connects the dots between food and togetherness, and I loved the aha moment. We know how to come together, we don't have to do it only when there is a dire need for us to do so. I would recommend!
This was a very short read. It was personable while being chock full of information and scenarios that led the reader back to the reason for the book, food and the Black community. I enjoyed reading this book. I am not big on anthropology but the sociologist in me (I have a BA in Sociology!) was eating this up. I have gathered ideas, insight as well as the understanding that opportunities to implement this knowledge is already within the people. Gather connects the dots between food and togetherness, and I loved the aha moment. We know how to come together, we don't have to do it only when there is a dire need for us to do so. I would recommend!
April 28, 2026
This was a powerful read that I thoroughly enjoyed because I learnt so much through the author's storytelling. This book gives important context in what food justice looks like through different ways of gathering within communities. The on-the-ground stories of gathering through gardens, family reunions, repasts, and protests, made me reflect on my own experience and how I show up within my community. It made me think about how I can be more open to embracing and contributing to the unconditional act of showing up especially when things are not perfect. This book has opened my eyes in so many ways. The everyday acts of gathering rooted in food justice in a sense of "we" vs "I" is the most important of them all! The playlist at the end of the book is a treat and much appreciated!
April 21, 2026
Thank you to W. W. Norton for the free book. These opinions are my own.
I have read a great deal about food justice and even specifically about community gardens in Baltimore. So as I read the introduction, I wondered if I would have new takeaways from this nonfiction book. And wow, did I.
Reese looks at the topic of food justice with a racial equity lens. And she does so by immersing herself in Black culture, attending family reunions and funerals, and describing mutual aid. The book covered so much in a really short space. The writing was conversational, and it kept me engaged throughout.
I would have appreciated a bit more transition between topics and a wrap up conclusion that brought everything together to show the connections. Overall, I was overwhelmingly impressed and highly recommend this.
4.25 stars
I have read a great deal about food justice and even specifically about community gardens in Baltimore. So as I read the introduction, I wondered if I would have new takeaways from this nonfiction book. And wow, did I.
Reese looks at the topic of food justice with a racial equity lens. And she does so by immersing herself in Black culture, attending family reunions and funerals, and describing mutual aid. The book covered so much in a really short space. The writing was conversational, and it kept me engaged throughout.
I would have appreciated a bit more transition between topics and a wrap up conclusion that brought everything together to show the connections. Overall, I was overwhelmingly impressed and highly recommend this.
4.25 stars
April 25, 2026
Don't just think this is just another book about food justice! Dr. Reese has a keen eye for noticing exactly how the Black community brings nourishment to the table and just how nuanced issues like food scarcity & food deserts can be.
A challenge has been put forth on how you show up for yourself and others: Who nourishes you and to whom do you bring nourishment? Take notes. There's a lot for all of us to learn.
A challenge has been put forth on how you show up for yourself and others: Who nourishes you and to whom do you bring nourishment? Take notes. There's a lot for all of us to learn.
May 7, 2026
Gather is a thoughtful and deeply engaging exploration of Black food justice, community, and collective care.
Ashanté M. Reese highlights how spaces of gathering from gardens to family reunions become powerful sites of nourishment, resilience, and social connection.
Overall, it is an insightful and inspiring nonfiction work that will resonate with readers interested in food culture, community activism, and social justice.
Ashanté M. Reese highlights how spaces of gathering from gardens to family reunions become powerful sites of nourishment, resilience, and social connection.
Overall, it is an insightful and inspiring nonfiction work that will resonate with readers interested in food culture, community activism, and social justice.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can I give this book 10 stars???? A phenomenal read about what we can learn from Black food and culture to help fight hunger and food insecurity. Brilliantly written and researched. A must-read for foodies interested in social justice!
April 15, 2026
This was an informative and interesting cultural analysis of Black culture, food, social change/activism and the art of gathering. While it wasn't narrated by the author, it was still a good listen and it left me with much food for thought (excuse the pun!).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Short and sweet, this book tells the story of 4 of the main pillars of Black togetherness: funerals, family reunions, repasts, and mutual aid events. All of these gatherings revolve around food for the body and the soul, fostering a deeper sense of community that is hard to express unless you have been there. And while it is hard to translate the act of "being" in these sacred spaces, Reese does a good job summarizing it (and including a damn good playlist at the end of the book). I am coming out of it with a better idea of why a particular meal or setting can feel like "home" even in a room full of strangers. It's all by design.
Short and sweet, this book tells the story of 4 of the main pillars of Black togetherness: funerals, family reunions, repasts, and mutual aid events. All of these gatherings revolve around food for the body and the soul, fostering a deeper sense of community that is hard to express unless you have been there. And while it is hard to translate the act of "being" in these sacred spaces, Reese does a good job summarizing it (and including a damn good playlist at the end of the book). I am coming out of it with a better idea of why a particular meal or setting can feel like "home" even in a room full of strangers. It's all by design.
May 17, 2026
Absolutely gorgeous reflections on community, solidarity, and food. Highly recommend
July 24, 2026
5 stars, finished
so beautifully written and researched, need to get a copy to have on my shelf
so beautifully written and researched, need to get a copy to have on my shelf
July 11, 2026
Dr. Reese’s ability to gently tug on your heartstrings, educate you about the American food crisis, AND provide practical solutions is phenomenal.
Through four key frameworks of gardening, family reunions, repasts and mutual aid, Dr. Reese lays out a clear blueprint for us to follow to not only address the American manufactured food crisis but to heal America’s soul by simply gathering.
I can’t wait to return to this year after year. Do yourself a favor and read this short but impactful novel.
Through four key frameworks of gardening, family reunions, repasts and mutual aid, Dr. Reese lays out a clear blueprint for us to follow to not only address the American manufactured food crisis but to heal America’s soul by simply gathering.
I can’t wait to return to this year after year. Do yourself a favor and read this short but impactful novel.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An excellent essay collection about food inequities, food justice and the power of gatherings especially in the Black community. I especially loved the essay about the community garden that a church started as well as the family reunions. But what was especially inspirational is how the power of gatherings can be used, to not only support, but to make change.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
ETA: Staff Pick 5/26
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
ETA: Staff Pick 5/26
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews