Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for the Meaning of Life

by Sam McLeod

After a friend's heart attack jolts him into reassessing his eating habits, the author embarks on a cross-country journey to his Tennessee hometown, during which he reminisces about his childhood and meditates on the role southern food has played in his life.

Genres: Southern, Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Dennis Mitton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big Appetite is the middle-of-life record of a displaced Southern boy with a bothersome girth. Just when he reaches that point in life when he begins to ponder ‘the meaning of things’ he receives a cryptic invitation to a neighborhood party in his hometown. His wife (with whom he always agrees) prods him into accepting the invite. ‘Go back home’, she says, ‘and find what you are looking for. Then you’ll stop eating’. On the road between Washington State and his childhood home in Tennessee, he muses about childhood, Southern home cooking, and his search for the meaning of things.

He grew up in a different world. His father was a doctor with constant community responsibilities who wasn’t around that much. His mother, named Coco, was a larger than life Southern gal who held things together with charm and a stern look when needed. Which was pretty damned often in a family of three boys. Stories about peeing contests, good hearted neighbors, and old fashioned rules abound. With all the fun, though, there’s a touch of angst to the story. His childhood home might still be standing but that life is simply gone, tadpoles and dewy grass swallowed up by iPhones and 24-hour television.

There’s no pretense here – McLeod writes in an easy and readable style and if he found the meaning of things he’s not revealing it. But if you grew up in the fifties or sixties, or if you have lived in the South and can remember when manners where expected and dinner at a restaurant was a special treat then you will find a few very pleasant hours with Sam McLeod and Big Appetite.

Three stars.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book full of memories of the author's childhood growing up in the 50's and 60's in Nashville, Tennessee. A wonderful portrait of the kids in the neighbourhood, his parents, and relatives. Brought back some great memories of my own childhood (kick the can, hide and seek, riding bikes, eating watermelon, catching fireflies, etc.) Many of these memories are woven around food memories and he's included some family recipes too. A gentle, humourous read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My father was from the South so a lot of the things this author talks about, I can relate to. This book had me laughing and crying throughout. Plus, there are recipes in here I must try! Overall, just a really great read.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this at my local dollar store and needed something to read while camping over Labor Day weekend. This book was so much fun and great for a lazy weekend. I found myself laughing and telling people about the book I was reading. Great find for me and a great uplifting book.

[Shari's Perusings & Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and sentimental but not sappy.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tooooooooo funny! A wonderful storyteller.