42 pages • 1 hour read
The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South
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Book Brief
480
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Southern United States • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, Michael W. Twitty explores his cultural and genetic heritage through the lens of food, tracing the influences of African, Indigenous, and Southern culinary traditions. Twitty's "Southern Discomfort Tour" immerses him in the historical experiences of his ancestors, combining genealogical research and personal narrative to uncover the intertwined legacies of slavery and cuisine. The book addresses themes of identity, the impact of slavery on American foodways, and the complexities of beauty and ugliness in cultural history. Sensitive topics include violence and the legacy of slavery.
Informative
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michael W. Twitty's The Cooking Gene is lauded for its profound exploration of the African American culinary heritage and engaging narrative that intertwines personal history with cultural analysis. Reviewers praise Twitty's deep research and passionate storytelling but note occasional dense sections. The book is a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of food, culture, and genealogy.
Who Should Read The Cooking Gene?
A reader who would enjoy The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty is likely interested in the intersection of food, history, and genealogy. Fans of works like The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and Roots by Alex Haley will appreciate Twitty's exploration of Southern culinary traditions and African American history.
William Lee Twitty
William Lee Twitty
Michael W. Twitty’s father, a Marine who taught Michael significant lessons about heritage and history, including giving him Virginian clay to eat and introducing him to making persimmon liquor.
Patricia Anita Townsend
Patricia Anita Townsend
Twitty's mother, an accomplished cook who exposed him to various cuisines and whose culinary instructions pushed him to improve his culinary knowledge; she has a complex relationship with Twitty over his identity.
Clintonia Hazel Todd
Clintonia Hazel Todd
Michael W. Twitty’s grandmother, who played a crucial role in his development and understanding of food, spirituality, and Southern heritage, teaching him the importance of identity and resilience.
Reverend William Bellamy
Reverend William Bellamy
Twitty’s white ancestor from antebellum North Carolina, who remains a significant yet complicated figure in Twitty's exploration of his mixed heritage through the lens of historical family connections.
480
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Southern United States • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
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