Mahtab’s review of Breadsong: How Baking Changed Our Lives > Likes and Comments

I really enjoy listening to people talk about things that excite them, things that they are passionate about. Often it's not the details of the passions themselves but the transformative joy that those passions bring that is enjoyable to witness. It's even better when those passions are pursued with raw curiosity and a seemingly effortless commitment to engaged improvement.

It seems like this book speaks to that kind of passion and drive, but through bread. And as someone who enjoys bread making, the case, and your description of the process, really work for me.

I'm not sure that we allow enough room these days to pursue passions with minimal stakes, without making them a side hustle, or without stressing over perfection for other reasons. Maybe there's enjoyment and fulfillment in that for some, I don't know. The things I do, I sometimes do poorly but with purpose and no less enjoyment because of it.

Thanks for this review. Excellent. I’ve learned to bake both sourdough and no knead bread using all sorts of flours. I grind my own wheat. And use Dutch Ovens (wherein lies the dough) placed within regular ovens where I utilize temperatures as high as 500 Fahrenheit. It takes some work making sure the loaves have up to 8 hours to rise before the baking but the results are always satisfying. Flour, water, salt .. and either sourdough starter or yeast. Sweet work.

I love the quote, "I wasn't looking for recipes but for a book that smells like bread..."—it perfectly captures the essence of what you were seeking. You pulled in that book and its world and made it your own. Another thoughtful and moving review.

path wrote: "I really enjoy listening to people talk about things that excite them, things that they are passionate about. Often it's not the details of the passions themselves but the transformative joy that t..."

I love your take on this, it feels like a philosophical warm loaf :) You’re absolutely right. Not every passion needs to be optimized or monetized; there’s something liberating about doing things imperfectly, without turning them into a project or a performance. Sometimes the joy is in the unpolished devotion to something that reshapes you from the inside out. I think bread is perfect for that.

Murray wrote: "Thanks for this review. Excellent. I’ve learned to bake both sourdough and no knead bread using all sorts of flours. I grind my own wheat. And use Dutch Ovens (wherein lies the dough) placed within..."

Thanks for this sweet comment, Murray! If you already know how to make sourdough, then you’re basically a professional; that’s real devotion. I’ve been in more of a cakes-and-cookies phase lately, but nothing compares to the sincerity of baking bread. It rewards every bit of attention and patience you give it :)

Michael -- wrote: "I love the quote, "I wasn't looking for recipes but for a book that smells like bread..."—it perfectly captures the essence of what you were seeking. You pulled in that book and its world and made ..."

It felt like the truest way to describe what I was looking for but I promise I didn’t end up eating the book ;) And as always, your kindness means a lot to me. Thank you so much, Michael :)