Especially since the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, I’ve felt the impulse to travel (or at least leave the house) more. Obviously that won’t be happening anytime soon, so I’ve had to make do with books. Not only have I found myself gravitating to books about nature, but also to books about travel and different geographical locations—and many of these also involve food or cooking. Some books I’ve read aren’t categorized as either of these but contain elements of both. I don’t know what it is, but somehow, it all works together, the food and travel. Maybe it’s because food and geography can be so intertwined with one another. Books have allowed me to travel these last few months, if only on the page—and I’ve learned a lot not only about places and locations, but about food and cuisine as well. I have read about family traditions and recipes, foodie obsessions and deep dives into food cultures, and devoured poems about favorite meals. As a relative newbie to food writing and a complete novice in the kitchen, it’s been interesting. The interaction between food, place, memory, and story has transported me countless times. It may not be as fun (or as tasty) as actually going to these places or eating the food, but books have been a nice respite. These are some of my favorites. Have you been reading to escape while unable to travel?
