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Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger Audiobook
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(3.28) - 25 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A deliciously evocative story of childhood in 1960s suburban England from one of theUnited Kingdom's best-loved writers, Nigel Slater Toast is the truly extraordinary story of a childhood remembered through food. In each chapter, as Nigel Slater takes us on a tour of the contents of his family's pantry—rice pudding, tinned ham, cream soda, mince pies, lemon drops, bourbon biscuits—we are transported…
His mother is a chops-and-peas sort of cook, exasperated by the highs and lows of a temperamental stove, a finicky little son, and the asthma that would prove fatal. His father is a honey-and-crumpets man with an unpredictable temper. When he is widowed, Nigel's father takes on a housekeeper with social aspirations and a talent in the kitchen and the following years become a heartbreaking cooking contest for his affections. As he slowly loses, Nigel finds a new outlet for his culinary gifts and we witness the birth of a lifelong passion for food. Nigel's likes and dislikes, aversions and sweet-toothed weaknesses, form a fascinating backdrop to this exceptionally moving memoir of childhood, adolescence, and sexual awakening.
With a new preface and glossary for American readers, this British bestseller and national award winner is sure to delight foodies and memoir enthusiasts on this side of the pond. Possessed of the subtlety and wit of Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone and the disarming frankness of Anthony Bourdain's page-turning Kitchen Confidential, Toast is a treat to be savored.
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"I am about to start this book. I have a different cover then what is being showen here as I got mine from my grandma's house in England. So I will have more when I am further in it. I finsihed this book. It was a very good book. "
— Emily (4 out of 5 stars)
Awards
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Winner of the 2004 British Book Award for Biography of the Year
Toast Listener Reviews
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" Fine piece of writing. Very poignant and yet funny. Had me laughing out loud in places but also had me crying at the marshmallow bit. "
— Lisa, 3/28/2011 -
" Enjoyed the way this was written in short 'chapters'and with a food theme. It also bought back mememories of foods and way of life in my childhood although my childhood was far happier I am glad to say. "
— Lynne, 3/12/2011 -
" Thanks to Carolines dad got this copy as part of world book night have now read and passed on. A nostalgic read! "
— Libby, 3/6/2011 -
" Amazing! Loved every bit of it. "
— Dorrie, 3/2/2011 -
" loved it-dont know how good a cook he is but he can definitely write! "
— Catherine, 2/9/2011