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, 1/1/2014" A sort of coming-of-age story with lots of detail on food experiences, dysfunctional family experiences, and more food experiences. I love the way the writer's life experiences come together at the end to come to her aid in pursuing her work. Really fascinating, well written, good recipes! "
— Burnettkw, 12/22/2013" Reichl traces her culinary life with a good mixture of humor and reflection. "
— Caitlin, 12/17/2013" I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun read! It is a memoir about Ruth Reichl and her journey into food, cooking, life, family. Her mother was manic/bi-polar..just plain interesting! "
— Lorraine, 12/17/2013" One of my favorite foodie books of all times. Up there with Hamilton's Blood, Butter, and Bones . Food critic Reichl writes well and with humor. Another great biographical/memoir read. "
— Pamela, 12/6/2013" Mostly interesting biography about how a woman came to be a food critic and the different people she met in the food world along the way. I got a little bored with it in parts. "
— Christa, 10/10/2013" I just began reading this on the recommendation of a colleague. Funny, interesting, good read! "
— Anne, 5/23/2013" I am not really into memoirs, but I liked this book a lot! Her descriptions of food and meals are inspiring. I'm looking forward to "Comfort me with Apples" now! "
— Cinara, 4/15/2013" I loved the conversation this stirred with Jill and I. I didn't like the book as much. I was struck by how the author seemed to miss the richness of human relationships, but was swept away with cuisine. "
— Jon, 4/7/2013" I really like her style and this first volume sets the tone for future books, culminating in "Garlic and Sapphires," my personal fave. Still, this is a great portrait of the foodie as a young gal. "
— Adrian, 3/26/2013" Ruth is the Editor of Gourmet Magazine and I LOVE Gourmet Magazine. Its interesting to me to learn about how a little Jewish Girl from the Northeast became a famous foodie. This book is just for fun but is chock full of funny ancedotes and great recipes! "
— Jill, 2/18/2013" I really, really want to love these books, but I just don't. Like getting asked out on a date in high school by a random guy - you are happy to be on a date, but is this it? Really? Hm, not sure this was worth it. "
— Sara, 12/18/2012" Pretty much no author makes me happier than Ruth Reichl and her earthy appreciation for all that is good and worth savoring. The audio, read by Ruth, is particularly beautiful. I could have kept driving for days just to hear her voice. "
— Paige, 12/10/2012" very enjoyable. I enjoy Reichl's writing this was the first book I read by Reichl other then food reveiws and as editor in gourmet. I local connection for me as well "
— Kim, 11/11/2012" Really, I love cooking memoirs in general, so I wasn't to surprised that I devoured this book... "
— Zach, 9/10/2012" I loved this book for so many reasons. I loved her passion for food and cooking but mostly I was so intrigued by her relationship with her mother. A funny, warm, honest and at time heart-breaking look at growing up, making sense of your family and finding a place in the world. "
— Charmaine, 7/26/2012" Excellent. Better than a good TV show. Comfortable entertainment. "
— Cheryl, 4/23/2012" I enjoyed this book. It's well written but I'm not sure how much I relate to Ruth. Maybe I shouldn't get to know the personal stories behind people I respect professionally. "
— Ron, 1/13/2012" This is a hilarious book that anyone who has ever eaten food one day past the date on it will enjoy. "
— Debbie, 10/22/2011" Wonderful, mostly for anyone who loves food. Warning: you'll want to eat all the time while reading it! "
— Christie, 8/21/2011" This was my first book by Ruth Reichl and I read it because it was chosen as the 2011 TCReads. "
— Amy, 5/19/2011" I enjoyed this book. It's well written but I'm not sure how much I relate to Ruth. Maybe I shouldn't get to know the personal stories behind people I respect professionally. "
— Ron, 5/17/2011" A warm and wonderful memoir interspersed with great recipes. I still love her dad's recipe for dry-fried shrimp with scallions. "
— Wendy, 5/9/2011" Even better than Garlic and Sapphires, which I adored. This is Reichl at her best, discussing food and her personal life together in such a deft and seamless way that I am simultaneously touched and ravenous in every chapter. I wish she had 20 more books that I could read. "
— Sara, 5/5/2011" Great memoir. Quick, fun, exciting. She has had an interesting life. "
— Heather, 4/28/2011" I'm not really a fan of Reichl's writing style, and I'm surprised that she managed to write so many books about her admittedly dull life, all centered around food. "
— Jennifer, 4/27/2011" I love Ruth Reichl! She is a gifted storyteller, and the way she lovingly wraps her stories around specific food memories makes for particularly appetizing reading. Interesting personal history and great recipes. "
— doug, 4/26/2011" This is written by the editor of Gourmet magazine, Ruth Reichl, and it's a really interesting, sweet, funny memoir of her life. I really liked and all I wanted to do was eat while I read it. "
— Heather, 4/26/2011" Ruth Reichl's early years. It was great. Her mom was a stitch. It's hard to believe she became such a foodie with this childhood. "
— Jeanne, 4/18/2011" Love Ruth Reichl's style of writing -- she concentrates on the food and the descriptions of the food. I love that!! "
— Christina, 4/15/2011" I cannot help it. I am a sucker for foodie memoirs. Also for books that tell true stories about my newfound home (Berkeley). This is delicious. and that's just the book; can't wait to try the recipes. "
— Tanya, 4/12/2011" This was a quick read. I forgot that it was a biography. She's a great storyteller and I loved the recipes sprinkled throughout her stories. I hope to get my hands on her other book "Garlic and Sapphires." <br/> <br/>Thanks for the book recommendation, Mom! <br/> "
— Sandra, 4/8/2011" preparing to reread this, liked it a lot before "
— Wendy, 4/6/2011" This is one cookbook you really should read! "
— Linda, 4/5/2011" Great. Made me want to be a chef. Or eat some yummy French food. "
— Melissa, 4/2/2011Ruth 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.