Meredith Mileti hosts a Q&A discussion

There have been quite a few food-centered novels published over the last few years, many of them quite popular. Aftertaste is definitely a foodie novel. Why do you think we like reading about food so much?

I think food covers the spectrum on the hierarchy of needs, from base nourishment and a sense of safety to self-expression and sensual pleasure. Food plays a role in all of them. As for the recent popularity of food as a reading topic - not just in novels but in nonfiction - I think society has a growing concern for our food system and a growing yearning for the emotions related to food: warmth, security, joy, love. It's a big scary world out there. Food, and foodie novels, are comfort!

Whether it's a cooking magazine, or Aftertaste, there is something so comforting in reading about food. It works my mind and adds another fun challenge to my day..what's for dinner. It's always trying to come up with something new and never get bored. And..if all else fails..we head out to dinner to read a menu.
Plus, food is something everyone can relate to. Algebra is not.

I think there's a fantasy element -- I rarely have the time to make all the great things in culinary novels, plus I'd be as big as a blimp if I could! So there's a wonderful escapism to food-centered novels. Also the main characters are always so accomplished, so perfect in their food choices and presentations. They'd never used Swanson's chicken broth! They always make their own pie crusts! So it's fun to escape to that world where everything is delicious, extravagant and picture perfect!

For me, it's pretty simple. I read and adore foodie novels because I hate to cook and love to eat (not always an easy combination). :)

I agree. Look at the explosion of food related non-fiction-- memoirs, magazines, not to mention movies and TV shows. It's a trend that has been growing and growing, perhaps in response to the increasing demands and stresses of our world. It is such a lovely escape. Good point, Julie about food covering the gamut of needs - from base level survival to the unabashed hedonism.


Julie wrote: "I think food covers the spectrum on the hierarchy of needs, from base nourishment and a sense of safety to self-expression and sensual pleasure. Food plays a role in all of them. As for the recent ..."

Thanks, Chanelle! I usually have a stack of cookbooks or food magazines by my bed that I leaf through before I go to sleep. It's soothing for me to think about what I want to make next. How I might change the recipe, where I can get my hands on some yummy looking cranberry beans...It's much more fun that thinking about quadratic equations :-)


Chanelle wrote: "Whether it's a cooking magazine, or Aftertaste, there is something so comforting in reading about food. It works my mind and adds another fun challenge to my day..what's for dinner. It's always t..."

Meredith wrote: "I agree. Look at the explosion of food related non-fiction-- memoirs, magazines, not to mention movies and TV shows. It's a trend that has been growing and growing, perhaps in response to the inc..."

Just a side note on the trend of food-related nonfiction...Anthony Bourdain just got his own line of books at HarperCollins. He'll be acquiring at least 5 books a year.

Yes, there is something so pure and perfect about the worlds created by our culinary heros and heroines. It's what makes it such a great place to visit. Mira would never stoop to using Swanson's chicken broth. Me, on the other hand-- I'll admit to having a couple of cartons of Kitchen Basics Chicken stock in my pantry.

Darlene wrote: "I think there's a fantasy element -- I rarely have the time to make all the great things in culinary novels, plus I'd be as big as a blimp if I could! So there's a wonderful escapism to food-center..."

Hi Kristin! Comments like that make me want to feed you!! Come on over. Dinner's at 7....


Kristin wrote: "For me, it's pretty simple. I read and adore foodie novels because I hate to cook and love to eat (not always an easy combination). :)"

Meredith wrote: "Hi Kristin! Comments like that make me want to feed you!! Come on over. Dinner's at 7....


Kristin wrote: "For me, it's pretty simple. I read and adore foodie novels because I hate to cook and ..."

Oh, I'm there, Meredith! I'll bring the wine. You know, it's funny because while I do not like to cook at all (see me running from the kitchen faster than the highest setting on the beaters), I know a lot about cooking. I dated a chef for a good while and worked with him in his kitchen (often writing in a corner while he cooked, but still...). I love the processes that go into an elk osso bucco or a perfectly done risotto...not just the rudimentary chopping, stirring, measuring, tasting, etc., but the passion that accompanies those tasks when a true cook is at the helm. I think that's why I love your Mira so much in AFTERTASTE...she's got that passion, that extra oomph, that magical connection with food. (Okay...now I'm hungry for osso bucco.)

There is a chill in the air in Pittsburgh this morning. Osso bucco might just be a good idea. In fact, when is osso bucco NOT a good idea?


Kristin wrote: "Meredith wrote: "Hi Kristin! Comments like that make me want to feed you!! Come on over. Dinner's at 7....


Kristin wrote: "For me, it's pretty simple. I read and adore foodie novels because I ..."