This was an incredible book. First, Ms Fechtor is a tremendous writer. That''s the objective view of this book. Fechtor takes you through her story, from getting ready for the gym, through her aneurysm, following treatment and rehabilitation. This is a story of bravery, not for withstanding the medical care over several years, and the despair that she might not ever heal completely and have the family she and her husband long for, but for her courage to do SOMETHING that matters to her, and those in her life, despite the medical issues.

Anyone who has ever struggled with a medical or emotional well-being issue knows that even getting your thoughts in that direction, let alone planning and acting on those plans is incredibly difficult. Fechtor gives us insight into her progress, as if inviting us to share in it.

Finally, I have a real fondness for books that tells a person's story through their food lives (think Ruth Reichl, Mimi Sheraton, the book "Miriam's Kitchen".). Fechtor joins these authors handily. I thank her for the gift she gave me of sustenance, by sharing her favorite recipes and methods, and by sharing her adaptation and growth after a horrible "betrayal" by her body. ( )

This memoir is not especially original, but I have to say I thought it was very nicely edited and a pretty interesting read. Jessica experiences an aneurysm in her brain that wreaks havoc on her life as it requires a lengthy hospital stay and multiple surgeries. As she recovers, she learns more about herself, and finds her inner passion in the kitchen. I am hardly unbiased on this book because you know, it's about food. My favorite. And Jessica is Jewish, so you know there's some cultural familiarity here for me too. It's sort of a memoir/blog/cookbook all rolled into one. In addition, Jessica is smart, and so she draws some deeper conclusions about her experiences. All in all, an easy reading, interesting memoir. ( )

It somehow took me ages to get round to reading this, and I really wish I'd discovered it sooner. Part memoir part recipe/food book - whatever you want to call this, it captivated me from the start.

Fechtor relates the events of a catastrophic medical emergency (an aneurysm) and subsequent complex recovery in a reflective tone which doesn't shy away from the difficult moments, but also doesn't linger on them. Her story, and that of her husband (she flashbacks to earlier stages of their relationship) and family are woven through with gratitude, and an appreciation for the fullness of life she eventually recovered. What I particularly appreciated was the way the recipes fit into and illuminate the narrative - these aren't gimmicky, or fitted in at random points. In writing about her life Fechtor evokes the emotions she, and we, associate with food, so that I wanted to try almost every recipe in the book.

I was pleased that unlike many other American food writers, she included weights as quantities in addition to cups etc, though I do think the UK/European version should have extra notes or explanations for a few ingredients.

I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Even without the recipes, what a memory Jessica has! The detail in everything she experienced and described gave a full color mental picture to everything she was doing---recipes included! It sounds like a terrible series of medical events to endure but what an amazing husband and family and collection of friends she has! ( )

This heartwarming memoir by Jessica Fechtor describes her unexpected brain aneurysm at the age of twenty-eight, and how she redefined her life afterward with the help of her husband Eli, her family, her friends, and her love of cooking.

I didn’t expect to be as taken with this story as I was, but Fechtor not only has a delightful sense of humor, but seems like a warm, genuine person you wish you knew.

Her story keeps coming back to food, and she shares twenty-seven recipes that were part of her healing. She writes that kneading, salting, sifting, and stirring have both curative and protective powers, “because you can’t be dead and do these things.” Cooking made her feel alive again.

Food has other powers too, she explains: “Food is more than what we put into our bodies when we are wherever we are. It’s the feel of a place, something language can’t get at, the memory of a place as it forms.” And later she adds, “Food is the keeper of our memories, connecting us with our pasts and with our people.”

She believes that home is a verb, that you set it in motion, and part of how you do this is by sharing meals with friends. I have already made two of her recipes - the buttermilk biscuits and whole wheat chocolate chip cookies - and the only hard part was the “sharing” because they were so good!

If you just want to see the recipes, you could find them on her blog, Sweet Amandine, along with many other recipes. The fact is, however, her story is just as wonderful.

Evaluation: This is a lovely inspirational story, with great recipes included. (She is very into butter.) You will be very glad you made Jessica’s “acquaintance” from reading this book, and you will be rooting for her all the way. Highly recommended! ( )