Day Of Honey: A Memoir Of Food, Love, And War (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This may seem like an unusual book club selection, but as it turned out, it was an inspired choice, a book rife with discussable topics ranging from Middle Eastern family life, learning about the area's convoluted and complicated politics, to surviving while living in a war zone, fitting in when you're a complete outsider, and a hundred other subjects. I really enjoyed it, and it made the Middle East come alive for me in a relatable way more than anything else I've ever read. Through her detailed descriptions of food, meals, eating, shopping for/finding things to cook, Annia Ciezadlo was able to bring her husband's family and her neighbors alive in such a way that I felt like I knew them. Her humor, reactions to her ever-changing surroundings and circumstances, the reasons why her job (as a free-lance reporter) meant so much to her, and how she embraced all the experiences during the six or seven arduous years that this book encompassed felt intimate and honest, like she was telling her story to a close friend. In my opinion, this was a well written and thought provoking book. As a side note, it inspired my group to prepare a lunch using some of the recipes in her book, too. Can't wait to see how they turn out tomorrow! After reading "Mornings in Jenin" I really wanted to love this book. Essentially a freelance journalist (Greek heritage, American citizen) and her husband (a regional correspondent from Beirut) go to active war zones, Baghdad, Beirut etc. for their jobs and Annia seeks the real food from each war torn city, she learns to cook from her mother-in-law, and goes in search of food that people ate before war ravaged their home cities.I had a hard time identifying with Annia, she didn't seem very genuine, I was frustrated that she never really developed as a character for me.I had just wished for more. I did appreciate the description of middle eastern dishes and the recipes at the end.
What do You think about Day Of Honey: A Memoir Of Food, Love, And War (2011)?
Adult nonfiction; memoir. This was ok, I just couldn't finish it because I didn't have time.
—Traci
So far, like it. The peek into a culture that seems so foreign is fascinating.
—sashytelt
A fantastic book and a unique take on war and life in a war zone.
—brittany684
humor amdist war/conflict in Iraq and Bagdad.
—joannezee
