52 pages • 1 hour read
The Language of Baklava
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Book Brief
The Language of Baklava
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Jordan And New York • 1970s
2005
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Language of Baklava by Diana Abu-Jaber is a memoir-cookbook that recounts Diana's journey from childhood to early adulthood, navigating the cultural differences between her Jordanian immigrant father and her American mother. The narrative, often centered around food, highlights her attempts to balance these influences, detailing her experiences in both countries and her efforts to find her identity amidst family expectations and societal pressures. The memoir references racism, anti-gay bias, the Holocaust, and suicide.
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Humorous
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Diana Abu-Jaber's memoir, The Language of Baklava, is praised for its vivid storytelling and rich cultural insights, blending food and family narratives with humor and warmth. While some readers find the structure at times disjointed, the evocative descriptions and heartfelt anecdotes create a compelling and flavorful read that resonates deeply.
Who Should Read The Language of Baklava?
Readers who savor The Language of Baklava by Diana Abu-Jaber enjoy culinary memoirs rich in cultural heritage, similar to Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone and Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. Ideal for those fascinated by family stories, food's emotional power, and Middle Eastern-American identities.
Ghassan (Bud) Abu-Jaber
Ghassan (Bud) Abu-Jaber
Diana's Jordanian American father, whose traditional Bedouin roots and struggles to adapt to American life are central to his daughter's memoir, as both their lives intertwine and sometimes clash, revealing his influence on her cultural experience and identity.
Diana’s Mom
Diana’s Mom
Diana's mother, an American of German and Irish ancestry, who provides a balancing, calm influence against Bud's exuberant personality and supports Diana's writing endeavors, while often being portrayed through contrast with Bud.
352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Jordan And New York • 1970s
2005
Adult
14-18 years
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