Nonfiction: Taste by Stanley Tucci

There is a good chance that you have seen my choice for today in many different places, as it has been featured everywhere since its publication back in early October. Of course, I was more than curious about actor Stanley Tucci's Taste: My Life Through Food, but as it always happens, the end of the year got away from me and I simply could not fit it into the schedule before 2021 was over. But we are here now, and the book was well worth the wait.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book in which Tucci tells the story of his life, beginning with his childhood as the oldest of three in an Italian family living in upstate New York, all the way through the pandemic, and his recent experience with cancer. Throughout the book, Tucci will make it plainly clear that food has always been at the center of his life. He loves to cook it, eat it, talk about it, learn about it, simply look at it, all of it. With recipes sprinkled between the anecdotes that span many parts of the globe, Tucci will paint a picture of a life that has been spent in the kitchen, and around the dinner table, almost always with close friends and family. There is even the occasional cocktail recipe, which, much like the food recipes, are simple and to the point. It is also worth noting that this memoir follows Tucci's two cookbooks, where the majority of his recipes can be found.

My Verdict: From the first pages, it is easy to see what all of the fuss is about. I imagine that many readers who picked up Tucci's book are also a fan of his acting, so there is going to be a strong desire to imagine his voice as you read. The things is, that isn't necessary. His writing is wonderful, as is his story, and add to it that he is talking about food and alcohol...yes, this book is fantastic. As a lover of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I particularly enjoyed the section where he talks about making martinis for the cast of Captain America: The First Avenger. Then there is the chapter about his trip to Iceland and his experience with the food there. Every experience and story has food at the center of it, but it is also told with a wit and clarity and charm that can be hard to find from professional writers that have been churning out books for decades. I cannot recommend it enough.

Favorite Moment: Tucci manages to bring the book full circle, with the ending closely resembling the fun and clever beginning. 

Favorite Quote: "I am hardly saying anything new by stating that our links to what we eat have practically disappeared beneath sheets of plastic wrap. But what are also disappearing are the wonderful, vital human connections we're able to make when we buy something we love to eat from someone who loves to sell it, who bought it from someone who loves to grow, catch, or raise it."

Recommended Reading: Another memoir I recommend is Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett.