Laura Schenone

Food writer Schenone documents her quest to discover the Genoese roots of her great-grandmother’s ravioli recipe. After interviewing several aunts, uncles, and cousins, Schenone makes a couple of trips to Genoa to look for ravioli makers who still use traditional methods and ingredients.

The food history is great, but the memoir is awkward. Schenone seems reluctant to probe too deeply. It feels like she’s allowing readers into her living room, dining room, and kitchen after she’s tidied them up for guests, while keeping the doors to her living space firmly shut.… (mer)

I was disappointed in this food memoir about the author's quest to find authentic family recipes. After failing to find the recipes in family sources, she traveled to the Genoese region from whence the family immigrated. She continued her quest in both the states and Italy until she found what she felt was similar to the original recipe. She added other recipes from the region to her repertoire as well. She eventually became a proficient ravioli maker and able to pass her recipe to future generations. There was something missing in the story's telling.… (mer)

I have an elderly friend who is absolutely crazy about helping animals. I'm told that even a few years ago she frequently had multiple animals (many of them wild) living in her home and would frequently wander into the hills to feed coyotes and feral cats. I like animals too, but never to the degree she does - it's simply something I never understood. But after reading this book, I think I understand it a little better.

I was surprised at how much this book sucked me in. While the main focus is on greyhounds in Ireland, it wanders pretty much all over the place. From circus tigers and bears living in a backyard to pet spider monkeys to horses and donkeys and other farm animals; from old ladies rescuing strays off the street to Irish gypsies to dog racers - it's got a wide range. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, and others highly uplifting. And it's important to note that the author isn't a crazy animal lover and activist; she's a journalist writing about the industry and animal welfare in general and she even gives a chance for the dog breeders to have their say.

I have to say I enjoyed the book more than I anticipated. It's a very thought-provoking book. (I rec'd an advance copy from the publisher.)… (mer)