At an early age, Ruth Reichl discovered that "food could be a way of making sense of the world. . . . If you watched people as they ate, you could find out who they were." Her deliciously crafted memoir, Tender at the Bone, is the story of a life determined, enhanced, and defined in equal measure by a passion for food, unforgettable people, and the love of tales well told. Beginning with Reichl's mother, the notorious food-poisoner known as the Queen of Mold, Reichl introduces us to the fascinating characters who shaped her world and her tastes, from the gourmand Monsieur du Croix, who served Reichl her first soufflé, to those at her politically correct table in Berkeley who championed the organic food revolution in the 1970s. Spiced with Reichl's infectious humor and sprinkled with her favorite recipes, Tender at the Bone is a witty and compelling chronicle of a culinary sensualist's coming-of-age.
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"This was a really fun and quick read. I have not read any of Reichl's books previously, & I don't really consider myself a foodie, but somehow I always enjoy books that have something to do with food! Reichl has had an interesting life and overcome some challenging circumstances. I imagine that not everyone with a mentally ill mother gets to live in Montreal, New York City, Berkeley, France, and San Francisco - & go on amazing trips to faraway lands - so somebody did something right! Reichl's writing is sharp and funny and her story involving. This makes me want to read her other books."
— Marigold (4 out of 5 stars)
" Fascinating story of the "making of a food critic." The power of food, of cooking for those you love and strangers, and of chance connections. "
— Cece, 2/18/2014" I love food! I found Ruth to be so relatable, her high schools years reflected my own. I know her from Top Chef Masters, but nothing of the experience and pedigree behind her. Very very enjoyable. "
— Chrissy, 2/16/2014" I just love Reichl's writing and then you put the amazing life she has had with it. Stellar. "
— Cara, 2/6/2014" As someone who believes in the power of food memories this memoir was such a treat! Reichl's voice is so genuine and earnest in her storytelling that it goes down as magically as the lemon souffle she describes early on. I also like how she includes the recipes for the major meals she discusses in the book. After reading about their meaning and success it definitely makes me want to try a few of them out. Definitely a good time for people who love food. "
— Briana, 1/30/2014" Reichl's memoirs are funny and captivating and really just make me want to cook! "
— Marie, 1/26/2014" Loved it. This is as great accompaniment to the movie "Bottle Shock". Reichl is a fantastic storyteller and I was hooked in the first paragraph. This is a great living history of San Fran in the 60's. I am looking forward to reading Garlic and Sapphires. "
— Leslie, 1/6/2014" could relate so well to this book- weird family and cooking was important. "
— Connie, 1/6/2014" really enjoyed this three book series. If you love to cook, eat, and travel it will be an entertaining story. "
— Jessica, 1/3/2014" Super interesting memoir of Ruth's food discovery. Fun, personal and inspiring. Highly recommended! "
— Julia, 1/3/2014" A pleasant, fast moving memoir about a woman's relationships with the important people in her life and with food and how those are constantly intertwining. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it. I will have to try a couple of the recipes. "
— Jennifer, 1/3/2014" This book was okay, but I definitely preferred her other two books. "
— Alexis, 1/1/2014Ruth Reichl is the New York Times bestselling author of novels, five memoirs, and the cookbook My Kitchen Year. She was editor in chief of Gourmet magazine and previously served as restaurant critic for the New York Times, as well as food editor and restaurant critic for the Los Angeles Times. She has been honored with six James Beard Awards, and in 2024, she received the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award.