Relish by Lucy Knisley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Lucy Knisley, our author and autobiographer, was raised in a foodie environment in New York City. Her mother was an artist, but also a very fine cook and caterer. Her father was an advertising man and lover of haute cuisine. Lucy shares with us her years growing up with an amazing array of foods, and parents who bought only the freshest and best ingredients.

As an adult, Lucy has become an artist herself, a graphic novel artist and writer. Her illustrations are warm and expressive and indicative of a modern world obsessed with fine food. It is obvious that Lucy admires her mother and her cooking skills. She often worked with her mother at food stands and at her catered events. She learned to cook by first learning to bake chocolate chip cookies. Relish is dotted with recipes which are reflections of key times in her life, and the illustrations are great step-by-step instructions.

Despite her parents' divorce, Lucy provides a very upbeat tale in Relish. Her life is not easy, but in the easy way of children, they don't realize it at the time. Relish is a great look back at Lucy's life as a foodie and the influence of her parents. Like a sorbet, it is light and refreshing.

Relish was named an Alex award winner, which is given to books written for adults that will appeal to a teen audience. We have placed this in the YA section of our library system. Highly recommended.



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