Blue Plate Special : An Autobiography Of My Appetites by Kate Christensen

A mouthwatering memoir showcasing the transformative influence of cuisine, Blue Plate Special is an intimate tale in which food becomes the vessel for exploring one’s existence. This delightful narrative penned by acclaimed novelist Kate Christensen delves into her personal journey, starting from an unconventional upbringing in 1960s Berkeley as the daughter of a formidable legal activist who governed the household with violent tendencies. Ultimately, she finds herself ascending to remarkable heights as a distinguished author, winning the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award.

Craving not only nourishment, but also affection and a sense of belonging, Christensen fearlessly chronicles her quest for long-awaited happiness. With candor, she reveals her earnest efforts to discover the fulfillment she has always yearned for. Blue Plate Special offers readers a exquisitely composed account of a life filled with both hardships and pleasures, while never forgetting to savor the joys of good food.

Unboxing the First Book Mail Box: Food-Themed Delights Await!

Amanda Nelson here, the managing editor of Book Riot, and I’m excited to share with you our first book mail box! If you’re not familiar with what that is, it’s a surprise box filled with books and bookish items based on a specific theme. We put these together and offer them for purchase on the Book Riot store. Unlike our quarterly program, where we have restrictions, running this ourselves gives us more freedom in choosing the books and items we include. So, let’s dive into what’s inside!

When you first open the box, you’ll find a letter welcoming you to your first book mail box. This particular box has a food theme, which is fitting if you follow us on social media and know how much we talk about food. The featured books in this box are:

1. “Blue Plate Special: An Autobiography of My Appetites” by Kate Christensen: This memoir explores family relationships and the significance of food as a love language. As a bonus item, you’ll also receive two exclusive recipes written by Kate Christensen herself for book mail subscribers. The recipes are for a one-part supper with wild rice and mushrooms, as well as a roasted eggplant ricotta basil pizza.

2. “Yes, Chef” by Marcus Samuelsson: This memoir tells the story of Marcus Samuelsson, who was born in Ethiopia and adopted by a Swedish family. Raised in a diverse culinary tradition, he eventually became a renowned chef in New York.

In addition to the books, you’ll also find an “Eat Sleep Read” bookmark, a snack from “This Bar Saves Lives,” and a custom apron and tea towel set. The apron features a quote by George Bernard Shaw that says, “There is no love sincere than the love of food.” The tea towel, with a vintage-inspired design, is adorned with the phrase “Quick Dishes for the Woman in a Hurry.”

Our first book mailbox sold out within 24 hours, and the next one will be available in September. To increase your chances of getting the next box, be sure to sign up for email notifications. The link in the show notes below will direct you to the sign-up page. Subscribers receive early access before we announce it on social media, so don’t miss out!

Thank you for joining me on this unboxing adventure. I’ll be back soon with more exciting book-related content!