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Take Big Bites
A producer for the Nickelodeon network's award-winning Nick News series presents a culinary and travel memoir in which the author remembers the people she met in numerous other cultures, describes the foods she ate, and shares several recipes. Reprint. 100,000 first printing.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
6 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ellerbee
38 books20 followersLinda Ellerbee (born Linda Jane Smith) is a journalist who is most known for several jobs at NBC News, including Washington (DC) correspondent, and reporter and co-anchor of NBC News Overnight, which was recognized by the duPont Columbia Awards as "the best written and most intelligent news program ever."
Ms. Ellerbee's production company, Lucky Ducky Productions, has earned a reputation as a supplier of outstanding children's programming for network, syndication, cable, and public television. Originally from Texas, Ms. Ellerbee now divides her time between New York City and western Massachusetts.
Ms. Ellerbee's production company, Lucky Ducky Productions, has earned a reputation as a supplier of outstanding children's programming for network, syndication, cable, and public television. Originally from Texas, Ms. Ellerbee now divides her time between New York City and western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 23, 2009
I was given this book for my birthday and I wrote about it in my blog. I quoted part of the first chapter because Ellerbee wrote about a restaurant in Florence, Italy, and I knew exactly which place she meant. Further, I had taken a photograph of the entrance to the restaurant: it features a small table, set with a re-dhecked cloth, four plates, and seated at four tiny chairs are four small pigs. Ex-pigs. Deceased pigs, now dressed up, drinking wine and eating (I think) fava beans. And I added my photo to that blog entry, and thought no more about it.
...until a few months later, when an email popped up in my in-box, entitled "THE PIGS!!!" It was from Linda Ellerbee. Somehow, somewhere, she had read my entry about her book.
All this to say, well, I'm a bit prejudiced.
I loved this book. This is about being alive, choosing to be fearless, choosing to live loudly when you're middle-aged (and when you're younger) and to eat well while you go.
...until a few months later, when an email popped up in my in-box, entitled "THE PIGS!!!" It was from Linda Ellerbee. Somehow, somewhere, she had read my entry about her book.
All this to say, well, I'm a bit prejudiced.
I loved this book. This is about being alive, choosing to be fearless, choosing to live loudly when you're middle-aged (and when you're younger) and to eat well while you go.
January 21, 2008
I loved this book! In this travel and food memoir Ellerbee is a witty, smart, entertaining writer with the ability to take you with her whether she's on a writer's retreat in a small town in Santorino, befriending a child on the streets of Kabul or eating Beluga caviar with Malcolm Forbes during the Statue of Liberty's centennial. Most chapters conclude with related recipes, which seem *doable*.
The writing is very easy to read, but I found myself reading it slowly because I didn't want the book to end. While she is very funny and sarcastic, her feelings for her children, her friends and her parnter shine through. She is self-effacing and aware of her faults, but still has embraced herself and inspires you to feel good about yourself as well.
I look forward to reading other books by Ellerbee and heartily recommend this book to everyone. I already gave a copy to a friend!
The writing is very easy to read, but I found myself reading it slowly because I didn't want the book to end. While she is very funny and sarcastic, her feelings for her children, her friends and her parnter shine through. She is self-effacing and aware of her faults, but still has embraced herself and inspires you to feel good about yourself as well.
I look forward to reading other books by Ellerbee and heartily recommend this book to everyone. I already gave a copy to a friend!
January 19, 2013
Love her irreverent (if sometimes a bit self righteous) style. Ellerbee seldom uses a word that isn't absolutely necessary to advance her story. And she is often fall-off-your-chair hilarious. A great collection of random memories of some of her adventures around the world. My favorites are about her food adventures, which she describes in lusty detail.
April 2, 2012
A truly wonderful book. Ellerbee has been a favorite author/TV personality for some time. I don’t know how I have missed this one, but I am so glad I found it.
Ellerbee writes about her many world travels and the delicious meals she experiences. But there is so much more here.
During a trip to France, in 1976, Linda and her first husband meet a retired English major and his wife. Linda asked if they had tried the delicious soupe de poisson and “Mrs Major said certainly they had not tried the ‘poison soup.’ You couldn’t trust foreign food, she said, especially not French food. Mrs. Major ordered another gin and tonic for the major, protecting him from all that untrustworthy French wine. “Have you been to the open-air market? Some vegetables still have dirt on them. They’ll eat anything, these people. We brought cases of good, tinned English food with us. We have enough for all of Europe.” The next morning we sought out the open-air market. There was dirt on the vegetables; they were that fresh. I wanted to hug the baby carrots and tell them that everything would be okay, any day now the English would take their caravan of canned food and go invade Italy.”
“Right after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I did make time for flowers and chances and it was then I discovered the woods, a gift that apparently had been waiting years for me, a Gulf Coast gal with a centrally air-conditioned past. I was not raised to sleep outdoors or to walk places. I was a Texan, not a Girl Scout. In a TV Guide cover story about my having had cancer, I said I was fifty and had not made up my mind whether to have a face-lift or go on an Outward Bound expedition. The following week I got a call from Outward Bound. ‘Don’t have the face-lift.’ I was sure they must be kidding.”
Then follows a short story of five canoes and ten women and the Potomac River that serves as basic training for the Colorado River. Then comes the tale of the Outward Bound trip down the Colorado. It is a tremendously funny and moving piece of writing. “Julie asks if we know the difference between a fairy tale and a river story. We say we don’t. ‘Well,’ she says, ‘a fairy story begins, “once upon a time…” and a river story begins, “no shit, there I was.…”’
As I write this, I keep reading pieces to my daughter Sarah and wanting to quote massive amounts of the book for you. Instead, I will strongly suggest that you find a copy and enjoy food and travel with an extraordinary woman
Ellerbee writes about her many world travels and the delicious meals she experiences. But there is so much more here.
During a trip to France, in 1976, Linda and her first husband meet a retired English major and his wife. Linda asked if they had tried the delicious soupe de poisson and “Mrs Major said certainly they had not tried the ‘poison soup.’ You couldn’t trust foreign food, she said, especially not French food. Mrs. Major ordered another gin and tonic for the major, protecting him from all that untrustworthy French wine. “Have you been to the open-air market? Some vegetables still have dirt on them. They’ll eat anything, these people. We brought cases of good, tinned English food with us. We have enough for all of Europe.” The next morning we sought out the open-air market. There was dirt on the vegetables; they were that fresh. I wanted to hug the baby carrots and tell them that everything would be okay, any day now the English would take their caravan of canned food and go invade Italy.”
“Right after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I did make time for flowers and chances and it was then I discovered the woods, a gift that apparently had been waiting years for me, a Gulf Coast gal with a centrally air-conditioned past. I was not raised to sleep outdoors or to walk places. I was a Texan, not a Girl Scout. In a TV Guide cover story about my having had cancer, I said I was fifty and had not made up my mind whether to have a face-lift or go on an Outward Bound expedition. The following week I got a call from Outward Bound. ‘Don’t have the face-lift.’ I was sure they must be kidding.”
Then follows a short story of five canoes and ten women and the Potomac River that serves as basic training for the Colorado River. Then comes the tale of the Outward Bound trip down the Colorado. It is a tremendously funny and moving piece of writing. “Julie asks if we know the difference between a fairy tale and a river story. We say we don’t. ‘Well,’ she says, ‘a fairy story begins, “once upon a time…” and a river story begins, “no shit, there I was.…”’
As I write this, I keep reading pieces to my daughter Sarah and wanting to quote massive amounts of the book for you. Instead, I will strongly suggest that you find a copy and enjoy food and travel with an extraordinary woman
May 20, 2012
FABULOUS BOOK!! I laughed and cried, as these memoirs and reflections are so true and telling. Linda Ellerbee's hysterical "down home" humor shines throughout, as does her obvious love for her friends and family even if there are times when, to put it nicely, not everybody see eye to eye.
Food is so important to just about all of us, as our fondest memories are usually associated with sharing meals with loved ones. Weaving this element into such an entertaining travelog is sheer genius, and yes, I can't wait to try a few of the recipes that are at the end of each chapter. From the beginning chapters where Texas Frito Pie is being served to New York society to the final pages involving her children's weddings, adopting a stray puppy in Santorini, and getting back home to the man she truly loves, you feel as if you've been on this journey with her every step of the way.
Also, I purchased this book a few years back and misplaced it while doing some spring cleaning. Just recently, I was looking through boxes for something else and found this book instead, so long overdue for reading. I am so glad I found it--finally--SO ENJOYABLE!
Food is so important to just about all of us, as our fondest memories are usually associated with sharing meals with loved ones. Weaving this element into such an entertaining travelog is sheer genius, and yes, I can't wait to try a few of the recipes that are at the end of each chapter. From the beginning chapters where Texas Frito Pie is being served to New York society to the final pages involving her children's weddings, adopting a stray puppy in Santorini, and getting back home to the man she truly loves, you feel as if you've been on this journey with her every step of the way.
Also, I purchased this book a few years back and misplaced it while doing some spring cleaning. Just recently, I was looking through boxes for something else and found this book instead, so long overdue for reading. I am so glad I found it--finally--SO ENJOYABLE!
September 5, 2013
I really like travel, and food, and Linda Ellerbee--so when the three come together, what's not to love?
As I read the book, I heard the words in Ellerbee's voice, and her wit constantly shone through. I don't know that I'll attempt any of the chapter-ending recipes--and I don't think she cares about that, anyhow--but I'd sure like to explore some of the places she's explored, and try many of the local foods.
Ellerbee's sense of adventure is infectious, and I enjoyed the journey so much, I was very sad to reach the end of her travelogue.
As I read the book, I heard the words in Ellerbee's voice, and her wit constantly shone through. I don't know that I'll attempt any of the chapter-ending recipes--and I don't think she cares about that, anyhow--but I'd sure like to explore some of the places she's explored, and try many of the local foods.
Ellerbee's sense of adventure is infectious, and I enjoyed the journey so much, I was very sad to reach the end of her travelogue.
April 7, 2008
This might be my all-time favorite nonfiction book. The recipes are phenomenal (Garlic Soup!) but it's truly inspiring on so many different levels. It makes you want to travel, adventure and just take comfort in the constant nature of being while allowing yourself to be as unpredictable as you choose to be.
May 25, 2013
I've always loved this lady! She was a journalist on TV who ended her commentaries with "And so it goes..."
A few gems: Sam Keen said "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."
"The thing about makeup is that the more you need it - the less it can do for you ..."
A few gems: Sam Keen said "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."
"The thing about makeup is that the more you need it - the less it can do for you ..."
March 3, 2016
I bought this as a BG book in 2006-2007. It was lost in my house until a month or two ago. It's basically a travelogue/memoir with recipes. I read it for my 2015 Reading Challenge; it ticks the box "a book at the bottom of your to be read pile" (honestly I had 100s to choose from). It was excellent.
March 9, 2009
A mixture of travel, philosophy, and recipes by a former reporter. I think she rather exaggerates her willingness to eat anything and everything in the course of her many travels in the world, but she sure has a lot of zest for life.
October 24, 2011
I didn't know much, if anything, about Linda Ellerbee beyond that she was a television personality, but I think she's my new hero. And it isn't just because she loves food or because she knows how to write. But because she embraces life. Because she isn't perfect and isn't ashamed of it. She wasn't the perfect mother. She wasn't the perfect wife. She wasn't the perfect employee. She did the best she could to be true to herself and over the course of her 60 years come to accept the fact that life is worth living at any age. It's more than attitude it's about using your senses and taking the time to hear what they tell you. It's about not rushing through every experience on the way to the next one. It's also about accepting others for who they are. It's definitely about tasting the flavors of life, figuratively and literally. Some of the food she describes is mouthwatering. Some of the people even more so. This was a "downstairs" book for me. I read it only when I was downstairs, one chapter at a time, on occasion. It turned out to be the perfect way to savor her message.
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March 10, 2014Linda Ellerbee's style is so unique and this little peek into her life was just a treat. She takes the things that are soul-crushing to the more timid traveler (strangers! unfamiliar territory! fear of the unknown!), throws caution to the wind, and embraces life. Her reward for keeping an open mind, an open heart, and open arms are the adventures and experiences she shares in these well-crafted words. I love the way she distills all the pain, joy, heartbreak, elation, irony, and humor of her travels into something like a story about the best bowl of soup ever, complete with recipe. Rock on, Linda. Rock on.
January 26, 2013
I enjoyed the book, but don't feel like it was a 'must read', thus the three stars. Lots of laughs throughout and some history of foods. Really enjoyed the chili section....chili is served in mostly warm countries where the peppers can disguise the rancid meats and cowboys made chili on the range because freshly slaughtered beef does not taste good. Who knew?
I copied some of the recipes: chili (using 3/4 cup chili powder), Mom's lost chocolate pie and cream of garlic soup. Have made the pie and can see why it would be a favorite.
I copied some of the recipes: chili (using 3/4 cup chili powder), Mom's lost chocolate pie and cream of garlic soup. Have made the pie and can see why it would be a favorite.
August 27, 2008
Remember Nickelodeon News? I KNEW I knew her face from somewhere. I had such a great time reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I found recipes inside from far away places. This book is so awesome because she puts recipes, phone numbers, addresses of places she has gone to eat and has great descriptions of the food she makes and eats. I totally want to do what she did when I grow up. She is so cool.
February 5, 2016
This delightful memoir is simply Ellerbee telling stories about her travels – and eating adventures.. Reading it is like having a great chat with a girlfriend. Each chapter ends with a recipe from something eaten during the events of the chapter. Often these are Ellerbee’s versions of the item with her comments as well. The last two chapters get quite philosophical and a bit more serious. Reading the book is time well-spent with a good friend.
September 2, 2009
This is a travel memoir, but the travels are not in life order. I have traveled alot, but I am a voyeur as well. Some of Ellerbee's adventures were so much fun to read. I did think some of the stories about her personal life could have been omitted. However, she has a great way with words, and her descriptions of food were mouth-watering.
December 9, 2010
Four years after I received a signed copy for my 50th b-day and couldn't finish it, I just re-read it. Saw it through a whole different set of eyes and absolutely enjoyed it! Couldn't wait to get on the train to/from work to continue reading. She is one cool chick! I wish is knew her personally!
September 15, 2011
I have been a fan of Linda Ellerbee for years, and I loved this book. It's one of a very few I offered to loan to friends if they promised cross-your-heart to return it. I usually just give away books that I've read. (And, no, that doesn't mean my home is bookless - ask my husband - there are full bookshelves in every room.)
February 16, 2014
I loved this memoir of her worldwide travels and her family whipped up and stirred in and around the vast quantities food she cooks and recommends to readers along with recipes to make in their own kitchens to enjoy with big bites. I confess to feeling a real stomach ache from eating the imagined food by the end of the book.
May 9, 2025
Armchair travelers will be delighted with Ellerbee's engrossing travel accounts -- you will want to race to these destinations to share the adventure! The recipes made my mouth water. Yum.
Seconds, please! I wish she'd write another in the same line...
Seconds, please! I wish she'd write another in the same line...
March 16, 2016
Ellerbee, as she recommends to others, takes big bites. At this stage of my life, I plan to follow her advice and upsize all my nibbles. Would younger people love this book as much as I did? I'm not sure.
January 3, 2010
I loved this memoir. Linda is just so 'real'. Wonderful commentary on her (mostly solo) travels all over the globe; thoughts on family; friendship; life; aging; food (recipes included). What's not to like? It's funny, poignant, clever and she doesn't take herself too seriously.
April 14, 2010
Very easy informal style. I liked the non-linearity of it, as though it were many conversations held over time. Since I collect recipes wherever I go, I really appreciated the recipes at the end of each section.
July 3, 2011
Loved this tale of Linda ellerbee's culinary adventures around the world. Good recipes, great stories and colorful insights into life. A true free spirit. That made me yearn for some get out and explore the world spirit.
March 24, 2013
What a great book by a terrific author. She has had a most interesting life and this book chronicles much of it. Mostly her international travels and how she immersed herself in these many different cultures. When I was finished, I wanted to be her! :)
January 8, 2014
I loved this book! The author painted such vivid pictures of her travels and food she enjoyed on them that I felt like I was there with her enjoying it myself! I would highly recommend this book for all those who love travel and food!
August 26, 2015
Every woman of a certain age would/could/should truly relate to Ellerbee's in-your-face writing. I want to share my book with so many but at the same time just want to hold it for a while longer ... .
February 2, 2016
Pieces of her life with child raising illness, travel and life. Good, The celebrated journalist, producer, and bestselling author takes us on a remarkable culinary journey through "a life lived interestingly, if not especially intelligently."
April 16, 2007
this was a great read. i love linda ellerbee's voice and her ability to confront life head-on. the book is smart, funny, poignant, and full of food and travel.
August 10, 2007
Interesting mixture of travel and food. She covers some of the same countries I have visited recently.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews