The Food of Love: A Novel
Registered by Yinny of Capelle aan den IJssel, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on 8/12/2006
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
18 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Yinny from Capelle aan den IJssel, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Saturday, August 12, 2006
From Publishers Weekly
"She had never eaten food like this before. No: she had never eaten before." And that's just the first of 22-year-old Laura Patterson's gustatory epiphanies in Rome, where she has come to study art history. Handsome Tomasso seduces her with succulent baby artichokes and frothy zabagliones, but what the reader knows and Laura doesn't is that Tomasso is a waiter. The creator of the rapturous meals is his best friend, Bruno, who has a big nose, a poet's soul and a mad passion for Laura. Capella's spin on Cyrano is his debut novel, but his sentences are as expert as Bruno's sauces, and he serves up a brilliant meal of soothing predictabilities punctuated by surprises. Secondary characters are fully realized, especially earthy Benedetta, Bruno's truffle country consolation until she urges him to follow his heart back to Laura. The cooking lesson e-mails at the end of the book are like a second glass of grappa, too much of a good thing, but Capella is deservedly the subject of buzz in the food world. This is a foodie treat.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"She had never eaten food like this before. No: she had never eaten before." And that's just the first of 22-year-old Laura Patterson's gustatory epiphanies in Rome, where she has come to study art history. Handsome Tomasso seduces her with succulent baby artichokes and frothy zabagliones, but what the reader knows and Laura doesn't is that Tomasso is a waiter. The creator of the rapturous meals is his best friend, Bruno, who has a big nose, a poet's soul and a mad passion for Laura. Capella's spin on Cyrano is his debut novel, but his sentences are as expert as Bruno's sauces, and he serves up a brilliant meal of soothing predictabilities punctuated by surprises. Secondary characters are fully realized, especially earthy Benedetta, Bruno's truffle country consolation until she urges him to follow his heart back to Laura. The cooking lesson e-mails at the end of the book are like a second glass of grappa, too much of a good thing, but Capella is deservedly the subject of buzz in the food world. This is a foodie treat.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Journal Entry 2 by Yinny from Capelle aan den IJssel, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Monday, October 9, 2006
What a yummy book! The descriptions of the food were mouthwathering! Funny, yummy and now I will copy some recipes, hopefully preparing them some day.
Then this book is ready to travel to LindyLouMac in Italy!
Then this book is ready to travel to LindyLouMac in Italy!
Journal Entry 3 by Yinny at Mail in By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, October 12, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (10/12/2006 UTC) at Mail in By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
To Italy!
To Italy!
Yinny, thanks so much for offering me this title from My Wishlist,which arrived safely today. I am really looking forward to reading it, because living in Italy makes it seem more relevant, even more so as we recently spent a few days in Roma. Enjoyed some delicious food while we were there so guess this will bring back some memories!? Will have to wait on MT TBR for now as I have some bookrings to get read first!
Will be reading and releasing this book over the next few weeks.
Update 20/01/07 So much for plans! Home again now and time to read at last, will be starting this today.
Update 20/01/07 So much for plans! Home again now and time to read at last, will be starting this today.
I have decided that once I have finished reading this title I will release it as a ray. Italian theme rays have been popular when I have done so before.
Sorry to say that I really did not think much of this at all. It was not at all what I expected, which was so much more from the reviews I read, both here and on Amazon. I thought the story was drivel and I did not like some of the things that were written about Italy and Italians! Although saying that I have to admit that the food writing and descriptions of the Italian countryside are excellent. The emails though just confirmed my opinion that Capella would have been much better off writing a cookery book.
However reading the reviews on amazon it does appear that I am in the minority with my opinions. with this in mind I am looking forward to reading the Journal entries of fellow bookcrossers as it now travels as a Bookray!
However reading the reviews on amazon it does appear that I am in the minority with my opinions. with this in mind I am looking forward to reading the Journal entries of fellow bookcrossers as it now travels as a Bookray!
Bookray is now ready to travel. List is still open, late additions will be added to the end of the list. Please try to read and send on within a month. If that is not possible please keep everyone informed by at least posting a Journal Entry. Thanks hope you all enjoy this.
Cross-patch UK
Midlifecrisis UK
Tregossip UK
Waderwoman UK
Storychaser UK
iwanttobeinital Italy
Sarina79 Italy
Pepita-di-Corfu Greece
YowlYY UK
mrsjones USA
Bluestocking88 USA
Boirina Portugal
Maireen Italy
Voveryte UK
Vainilla79 Spain
Pepita-di-Corfu Greece
Cross-patch UK
Midlifecrisis UK
Tregossip UK
Waderwoman UK
Storychaser UK
iwanttobeinital Italy
Sarina79 Italy
Pepita-di-Corfu Greece
YowlYY UK
mrsjones USA
Bluestocking88 USA
Boirina Portugal
Maireen Italy
Voveryte UK
Vainilla79 Spain
Pepita-di-Corfu Greece
Journal Entry 9 by LindyLouMac at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (1/26/2007 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
En route to the first participant Cross-patch
En route to the first participant Cross-patch
Journal Entry 10 by 
Cross-patch
from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 8, 2007
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 8, 2007
This book is jinxed. First of all it was a long time stuck in the postal system, and then (and I really thought I made this entry at the time) it was not journalled!! This book arrived here on 2 February( I was able to check back because I always use a post-it to record dates and names - thank goodness!). Thank you, LindyLouMac, I'll let you know what I think in due course.
Journal Entry 11 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, February 25, 2007
Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, February 25, 2007
Well, I liked it. There was a time when I wanted to start skipping ( a few Tomasso/Bruno love-designer meals too many) but I was back on board for Bruno's travels and the rest!.
I have Midlifecrisis' address already so I will take this to the post tomorrow.
I have Midlifecrisis' address already so I will take this to the post tomorrow.
Journal Entry 12 by Midlifecrisis from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Book received safely this morning. I will read asap and pass on to the next person. Thank you Cross patch!
Journal Entry 13 by Midlifecrisis from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 6, 2007
I enjoyed this very much. Quite an easy read, though for me the food aspect was a bit overplayed. By the end I had had enough of intestines, truffles and different kinds of pasta. I think I must have led a sheltered life as well.....
I shall be posting this on to Tregossip in the next couple of days.
I shall be posting this on to Tregossip in the next couple of days.
Arrived (well packaged) thanks Midlifecrisis and to LindyLouMac for starting. Need to finish my current read and then I'll get stuck in
15/3 update. Half way through, so far the story is weak, the plot non-existant but the food does save it. Having said that, veg's and sea food are my love, gut's and brains I skipped over. I liked the translation of Italian sayings into literal English but the story line did'nt show Italians in the best light. This I find untrue, having been to Italy many times I find the people charming and welcoming if sometimes a bit loud for UK ears.
17/3 and finished. Bruno's travels enjoyed and lifted the book. the e-mails at the end did little.
I sound very negative here, don't mean to be as pleased to have the opportunity to read
Off to waderwoman early next week
15/3 update. Half way through, so far the story is weak, the plot non-existant but the food does save it. Having said that, veg's and sea food are my love, gut's and brains I skipped over. I liked the translation of Italian sayings into literal English but the story line did'nt show Italians in the best light. This I find untrue, having been to Italy many times I find the people charming and welcoming if sometimes a bit loud for UK ears.
17/3 and finished. Bruno's travels enjoyed and lifted the book. the e-mails at the end did little.
I sound very negative here, don't mean to be as pleased to have the opportunity to read
Off to waderwoman early next week
Journal Entry 15 by Tregossip at -- Controlled release in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Monday, March 19, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (3/19/2007 UTC) at -- Controlled release in St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
off to waderwoman
off to waderwoman
received this merry morning-thanks Tregossip!
Ive a couple of others to get through first but shall be onto it asap.
Ive a couple of others to get through first but shall be onto it asap.
I absolutely loved this book- some of the recipes sounded yupmtious!
Am now sending it on its journey to Stormcatcher.
Also counting as
No 8 in my Chefs release challenge
+
No 2 in the mm mm good release challenge!
Am now sending it on its journey to Stormcatcher.
Also counting as
No 8 in my Chefs release challenge
+
No 2 in the mm mm good release challenge!
Journal Entry 18 by StoryChaser from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 12, 2007
Arrived safe and sound, thank you. Will start it as soon as I have finished my current book.
Journal Entry 19 by StoryChaser from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Sunday, April 15, 2007
I really liked this book. Yes, the story was a bit twee and overdone in places, but the descriptions of the food and the places was great and made up for all the silliness. It is a nice holiday sort of book and made me want to go back to Italy and Rome especially (although I can't remember eating anything so yumptious sounding as the stuff Bruno was making).
Thanks LindyLouMac.
This will be in the post tomorrow on its way to iwanttobeinital; (who is now where she wants to be, lucky you!)
Thanks LindyLouMac.
This will be in the post tomorrow on its way to iwanttobeinital; (who is now where she wants to be, lucky you!)
Journal Entry 20 by iwanttobeinital from Belvedere Marittimo, Calabria Italy on Friday, April 27, 2007
Arrived today in Italy from the UK (along with another bookray book from Northern Italy - a bit like the proverbial buses that all come at once as I am just nearing the end of another bookray book that came to me from Japan!)
Will get onto it asap!
Will get onto it asap!
Journal Entry 21 by iwanttobeinital from Belvedere Marittimo, Calabria Italy on Wednesday, May 2, 2007
I enjoyed this book mainly as it was a really easy read (didn't take much thinking about) and that was just what I needed to help me wind down after our frenetic move from England to Italy.
The food references were great, although some of the ways it led to something more were a little corny .... 8-)))
A good holiday read for on the beach, I'd say,as it's easy to pick up and put down.
Now on its way to sarina79
The food references were great, although some of the ways it led to something more were a little corny .... 8-)))
A good holiday read for on the beach, I'd say,as it's easy to pick up and put down.
Now on its way to sarina79
Arrived yesterday, no time even to register the arrival. Hope to start the reading soon, not a great moment at work: really busy!
Finished! A nice story that reminds me the Dolce Vita...the words in italian are not so correct, but anyway, a nice story, a book that goes on fast! I'm waiting for the address of the next on the list!
Sorry for the delay, I'm so busy at work! I'll try to post the book next week!!!
The book as left my home yesterday! Sorry for the delay!!!!!!!!
Journal Entry 26 by pepita-di-Corfu from Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece on Thursday, July 12, 2007
i can't believe this. This is the most busy period in my life ever and this is the fifth bookring i'm having at my nightstand right now... What can i say?
Journal Entry 27 by pepita-di-Corfu at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, July 14, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (7/16/2007 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
i hate being the one who keeps books for a long time so i'm setting this one free. Next stop: United Kingdom. I hope i'll cross another copy in the future so as to finally read it..
i hate being the one who keeps books for a long time so i'm setting this one free. Next stop: United Kingdom. I hope i'll cross another copy in the future so as to finally read it..
Book well arrived today in sunny Nottingham! (well...let's wait until tomorrow, they've forecast rain again!!)
I have another ring to finish before I start this, but as far as I can see this will be happening this week. Thanks for sending this...the lovely stamps from Greece reminded me of home, where it is more like Greece than like the East Midlands ;-)
I have another ring to finish before I start this, but as far as I can see this will be happening this week. Thanks for sending this...the lovely stamps from Greece reminded me of home, where it is more like Greece than like the East Midlands ;-)
A very light read. The protagonists are very cliche' like: meet beautiful foreign girl, who mets very handsome italian guy with not much of a brain, and his friend, an intelligent, talented but less of a beauty italian guy; mix with snobby, elegant, arrogant foreign guy living in Italy, a handful of descriptions of Italian life as put into a movie for France in "A good year", and you have the recipe. It is a quite predictable story, annoying at times (the description of the passport control at the airport couldn't have been more "clicheed" and fake), but it still has its merits: as said by other readers here, the food descriptions are very good, and so are the recipes. Apart from the entrails stuff...yuck!
This is one of those books you could read on the beach in a mediterranean setting...easy enough to follow even when it's too hot for the brain to engage in anything else ;-)
I have the address of mrsjones with me and will be on its way tomorrow, airmail shipment. Thanks for sharing!
This is one of those books you could read on the beach in a mediterranean setting...easy enough to follow even when it's too hot for the brain to engage in anything else ;-)
I have the address of mrsjones with me and will be on its way tomorrow, airmail shipment. Thanks for sharing!
What perfect timing! I just finished another book and was searching my shelves for my next pick. I''ll get started tonight. Thanks!
I loved this book! I see from other journallers that not everyone liked it. I was so glad to have found a book I looked forward to picking up every night.
Maybe I liked it so much because my husband and I are fans of the Food Network. We watch "Rachael Ray" nearly every night, and are sometimes pulled into "Iron Chef" also. Plus, I''ve been reading some chef memoirs by Anthony Bourdain and Ruth Reichl, and I love reading food descriptions. Especially when I read about something I haven''t heard of before.
Plus, I used to write restaurant reviews for our newspaper. To make it clear, I was a restaurant reviewer, not a food critic, and after a while, it is hard to write about food and flavors. I think this author did an excellent job. I would love to know more about his background. The book blurb doesn''t say anything other than that this was his first novel. Is he a chef? A food writer? I want to know more!
And the Italian setting was fantastic. To me, this book had it all: a fun story line, good food, and an exotic locale. I''m not sure why he threw in the Mafia part, but otherwise, I thought it was a great book and I will definitely look for more by Anthony Capella.
Maybe I liked it so much because my husband and I are fans of the Food Network. We watch "Rachael Ray" nearly every night, and are sometimes pulled into "Iron Chef" also. Plus, I''ve been reading some chef memoirs by Anthony Bourdain and Ruth Reichl, and I love reading food descriptions. Especially when I read about something I haven''t heard of before.
Plus, I used to write restaurant reviews for our newspaper. To make it clear, I was a restaurant reviewer, not a food critic, and after a while, it is hard to write about food and flavors. I think this author did an excellent job. I would love to know more about his background. The book blurb doesn''t say anything other than that this was his first novel. Is he a chef? A food writer? I want to know more!
And the Italian setting was fantastic. To me, this book had it all: a fun story line, good food, and an exotic locale. I''m not sure why he threw in the Mafia part, but otherwise, I thought it was a great book and I will definitely look for more by Anthony Capella.
Journal Entry 32 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Sunday, September 30, 2007
It was hard for me to stick with this book. I must have put it down a dozen times before I finished it.
I enjoyed the concept, and all the food talk, but thought the Tommaso/Bruno farce went on much longer than necessary and got a little tedious. I was frustrated at the pace of the story. The book started well, but then got slow and boggy, then it picked up again with Brunos travels, sludged with Kim, and then rushed and hurried to the end. My opinion of Laura dropped considerably when Kim entered the picture.
I'll send this off to Boirina tomorrow. Thanks for including me on this ray.
I enjoyed the concept, and all the food talk, but thought the Tommaso/Bruno farce went on much longer than necessary and got a little tedious. I was frustrated at the pace of the story. The book started well, but then got slow and boggy, then it picked up again with Brunos travels, sludged with Kim, and then rushed and hurried to the end. My opinion of Laura dropped considerably when Kim entered the picture.
I'll send this off to Boirina tomorrow. Thanks for including me on this ray.
Journal Entry 33 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
This was finally mailed to Borina today. I forgot that since it was posting internationally I had to take it inperson to the post office. After four attempts, the post office was both open and had a line shorter than 20 minutes long today so now it's off to Portugal.
Journal Entry 34 by boirina from Mallorca - Calvià, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The book got here today.
Thanks for the opportunity to read it!
Thanks for the opportunity to read it!
Journal Entry 35 by boirina from Mallorca - Calvià, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The book has left for Maireen today, at last!
I must say it was a nice, enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I must say it was a nice, enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Book arrived from Portugal today . . have another book to read before this one. Thank you Boirina!
One might think it impossible, but Capella's story can be so true of Italian men - one could even ask was he Bruno or Tommaso?! I've seen first hand many of the situations, heard most of the phrases and experienced some of the food!!
I admit not much of a plot, but I enjoyed the read as it made me laugh so much. I'm also a foodie - the recipes are authentic and precise.
Read the book with the right spirit and you'll enjoy.
I admit not much of a plot, but I enjoyed the read as it made me laugh so much. I'm also a foodie - the recipes are authentic and precise.
Read the book with the right spirit and you'll enjoy.
Journal Entry 38 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Received yesterday! Thanks Maireen!! I will start this tonight - I have just finished my current reading!
Journal Entry 39 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Mmmm! Finished and book travels to vainilla79 in Spain. Will write a proper journal entry later...
ETA 05 May 2008: didn't have a chance to write a proper journal entry when finished the book.
Phew, I even thought it got lost in mail.
The story - hmm, slightly silly, but the food - mmm! I also enjoyed the travels of Bruno and his culinary discoveries, probably much more than the rest of the book itself. So,the main theme is food, definitely.And my verdict is that with a food that glorious as this the author could have thought of a better and more clever story.
ETA 05 May 2008: didn't have a chance to write a proper journal entry when finished the book.
Phew, I even thought it got lost in mail.
The story - hmm, slightly silly, but the food - mmm! I also enjoyed the travels of Bruno and his culinary discoveries, probably much more than the rest of the book itself. So,the main theme is food, definitely.And my verdict is that with a food that glorious as this the author could have thought of a better and more clever story.
Sorry SO MUCH!!!! I thought I had registered this book long ago, when I received it. Please, forgive me, I just got internet at home again like a month ago and it has been crazy when I didn't have.
I will post it this week.
Sorry again:(
P.D: It was nice to read the book... so many memories from Rome and the food... thanks for sharing!!
I will post it this week.
Sorry again:(
P.D: It was nice to read the book... so many memories from Rome and the food... thanks for sharing!!
Already on its way to Pepita-di-Corfu in Greece! Enjoy it!!:)
Journal Entry 42 by pepita-di-Corfu from Thessaloniki - Θεσσαλονίκη, Thessaloniki Greece on Sunday, June 1, 2008
the book re-arrived in Thessaloniki. I'm starting reading it straight away! Thanks vainilla79 for sending it and LindyLouMac for organizing this ray!
Released 14 yrs ago (10/16/2009 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: This postal release is part of my lifelong challenge to send at least one book to every country of the world. I hope the receiver who's waiting for it in far far away Nepal will enjoy reading it! Have a safe travel little book!
(the book is also taking part in charbono's 2009 Around The World release challenge)
Journal Entry 44 by lils74 from Kathmandu, Bagmati (incl. Kathmandu Valley) Nepal on Friday, December 4, 2009
Pepita-di-corfu sent this to me all the way from Greece...she's trying to send books all of the world--best of luck with the rest of the world, girl!
And thanks for sending this one to me--it looks like a lovely, fun read. I love food and Italy immensely, so the combination sounds...delicious!
Thanks again for sending it so far!
And thanks for sending this one to me--it looks like a lovely, fun read. I love food and Italy immensely, so the combination sounds...delicious!
Thanks again for sending it so far!
Journal Entry 45 by lils74 at Kathmandu, Bagmati (incl. Kathmandu Valley) Nepal on Monday, December 5, 2011
I am afraid that I finally have to admit defeat with this book. It's been exactly two years and two days since I received it, and I have not been able to get much past the first chapter, despite trying several times. I love Italy and spent years there when I was growing up, but for some reason these characters bug the hell out of me. Sorry! (Not sure who I'm saying sorry to, but I always feel bad when I want to like a book and for some reason, don't.) As it has so many journallers, I want to make sure it continues its journey, so I'll probably RABCK it. Let's see. I did enjoy all the many JEs it has!
Journal Entry 46 by lils74 at somewhere in the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Bagmati (incl. Kathmandu Valley) Nepal on Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Released 7 yrs ago (7/19/2016 UTC) at somewhere in the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Bagmati (incl. Kathmandu Valley) Nepal
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Recently I sorted my BC books and realized that this one is no longer in my possession. A while ago I let a few friends look through my available books, and also did a spree of wild releasing. It seems that this one set out travelling at that time, but I mistakenly did not make a note of it. In any case, I hope it's having a marvelous time out in the wild!
