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52 pages 1 hour read

The Language of Baklava

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Diana Abu-Jaber

The Language of Baklava

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Jordan And New York • 1970s

Topic
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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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

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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 this

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.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Jordan And New York • 1970s

Topic
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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