Month of Meals: Soul Food Book

As a kosher vegetarian, I have no use for these recipes. Almost all of them call for pig in some form--corn popped in bacon grease, anyone? And the salad recipes almost always call for gelatin, with nary a green vegetable in sight. Most of the dishes are made with simple ingredients and a ton of experience; plenty come with warnings not to expect to get it right the first time. I don't have time or money to waste on recipes that don't work. But I read this book cover to cover. Why? Ronni Lundy's writing is a down-home pleasure. Her love and respect for her family, especially her mother, come through with every recollection. She also interviews handful of country music stars and their cooking mommas, who discuss their favorite dishes and often share recipes. If Lundy has written a book that is just narrative, without the pork-laden recipes, I am sure to devour it. Meanwhile, I plan to give this volume to a friend from Kentucky.