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Book Review: Maman’s Homesick Pie by Donia Bijan & Giveaway (3 copies)

October 28, 2011 by Darlene

 

Maman’s Homesick Pie is a memoir by Donia Bijan and it’s a wonderful one that combines a look back at her life with her love of food and cooking including some delectable recipes. Donia Bijan tells of her childhood memories growing up in Iran and cooking from a young age with her mother. This memoir chronicles her journey from Iran to Paris and cooking school and then to America where she eventually opens her own restaurant.

Bijan’s journey to realizing her dream starts when the family is vacationing in Spain and find they are unable to return to their homeland because of the political issues in Tehran. They have no choice but to immigrate to America and this is where Bijan spends her teenage years. Later she knows that to be taken seriously as a chef she needs to go to France and she goes there to study. She always knows though that she will come back to America and it was always her hope to own and open her own restaurant there.

For Bijan’s family food has always been an important element to who they are. While both of her parents had a passion for food, it is really Bijan’s mother who always encouraged her love of cooking and when she learned her daughter wanted to be a chef, she supported that as well which wasn’t always easy considering Bijan’s father completely opposed the idea. I loved to read how her family always went to the markets and picked their food; how they didn’t eat in fast food places but instead went home and created fresh and wonderful meals that they shared together.

Bijan’s writing is so descriptive that I felt as though I could taste the food she was talking about or smell the aromas. There are so many beautiful passages such as this one that begs to read a few times just to get the full sense of it…

‘Imagine a pheasant wrapped in lettuce with truffles and braised in the rich, brown stock of it’s roasted bones. You used all senses: you looked at it, touched it, and smelled it to know it was done, then lifted it out of its caramel pool, tasted the jus, adjusted it with a squeeze of lemon, and sliced through the lettuce wrap, its emerald leaves now translucent against a milky white breast, the scent of truffles begging you to come closer.’ (pg 168/169)

You can’t be a foodie and not salivate over that passage or imagine yourself cutting through that lettuce wrap to discover the treasure inside. This book is full of such passages and along with recipes like Braised Chicken with Persian Plums, Madame’s Cocoa Pound Cake, and Ratatouille with Black Olives and Fried Bread, it is such a treat to read. But even beyond that is the story at the base of this book; essentially the inspiration for this book, and that is the love of family and the food that brings so many of us together as well as holds so many memories for all of us. It is a also a story of triumph. Bijan never gave up on her dream. She shows us that with drive and determination anything is possible.

I think in a lot of ways this story is somewhat of a tribute to Bijan’s mother who died in a tragic accident. Her mother instilled a love of food and life in her daughter that has carried her throughout her own life. So many of Bijan’s memories of her family and especially her mother are intertwined with food that it’s no wonder she has such a passion for cooking and became such a wonderful chef. This was a great memoir and one that I enjoyed immensely. Bijan’s stories combined with the wonderful recipes that inspire these stories was truly a joy to read.

I read Maman’s Homesick Pie by Donia Bijan for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. You can see what others have thought of the book here and be sure to stop by Donia Bijan’s website as well. Your own copy of Maman’s Homesick Pie can be purchased here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I am excited to share 3 copies of Maman’s Homesick Pie by Donia Bijan with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winners on Saturday, November 19/11.  Good luck everyone!

My copy of Maman’s Homesick Pie by Donia Bijan was received for review from TLC Book Tours and the Publisher.

 

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Filed Under: 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, TLC Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne says

    October 28, 2011 at 3:28 am

    I have read so much about this wonderful book. Many thanks for this wonderful giveaway. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  2. Ellie says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:12 am

    Thanks so much for this book feature which has captured my interest. this one is a lovely story. I subscribe.

  3. TheBookGirl says

    October 28, 2011 at 6:54 am

    You know how much I like food-related reads Darlene, and this one sounds wonderful. What a lovely tribute to her mom.

  4. bermudaonion (Kathy) says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:14 am

    It sounds like Bijan has had quite a life! I’m really looking forward to this book for it’s cultural and foodie aspects. No need to enter me.

  5. Rachel W. says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:36 am

    I’m a follower- thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  6. AmandaSue says

    October 28, 2011 at 8:33 am

    Thanks for entering me into this giveaway!

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

  7. AmandaSue says

    October 28, 2011 at 8:33 am

    I’m a follower thanks!

    unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

  8. RJB says

    October 28, 2011 at 8:59 am

    This book sounds wonderful…..
    YUMMY need I say more?
    Thanks for the great contest.

  9. Margaret says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Oh I would love to read this! I love books and food together. They make such wonderful stories!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  10. Margaret says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I’m a follower

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  11. Serena says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:28 am

    This sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway…I’ve seen a few positive reviews…and you know I follow.

  12. blodeuedd says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:45 am

    I like foodie books 😀 they make me hungry, and then make me dare to try new things

  13. rhonda says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:53 am

    love food books!!

  14. Karen B says

    October 28, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I don’t cook much anymore but this book sounds wonderful!

    +2 Subscriber and follower.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  15. zibilee says

    October 28, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Oh, Dar, I have been so wanting to read this book, and your review was wonderful. It sounds like it would be a perfect book for a foodie like me! Please do enter me in your giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

    +2 follower and subscriber

  16. Kitty says

    October 28, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    I love to read cooking related books and Persian cooking is most delicious.

  17. Sally Gawne says

    October 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    How i love all pies. This looks like a wonderful book.
    I subscribe also.

  18. Maureen says

    October 28, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    It looks like a great book and I am always looking for some new recipes
    I follow on GFC
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  19. ann* says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Food and a good book go together. I like them both

  20. ann* says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    1. I am a email subscriber and GFC follower to
    and like on FB

    amhengst

  21. ann* says

    October 28, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    2. GfC follower, like on FB and a email subscriber

    amhengst

  22. Linda Kish says

    October 28, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  23. Linda Kish says

    October 28, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  24. Beth Hoffman says

    October 28, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    This book sounds wonderful, and I love the cover too! Thanks for the chance to win. I’m a follower!

    HoffmanLiterary [at] insightbb [dot] com

  25. Vicki says

    October 28, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    I saw this book for the first time a week or so ago and decided then I wanted it.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  26. Vicki says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    I’m a GFC follower.
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  27. Vicki says

    October 28, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    TWEET
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  28. Ann says

    October 29, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Love the cover of this book and looks like a good read. I’m an email follower. Thanks for the giveaway.

  29. bookworm says

    October 30, 2011 at 6:40 am

    This does sound like a wonderful memoir!

  30. Staci says

    October 30, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    For some crazy reason food memoirs are some of my favorite reads of all time!! I thought this one sounded great!!

  31. Lisa Garrett says

    October 31, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    I have been hearing really good things about this book and would love to read it.

  32. Lisa Garrett says

    October 31, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    I follow via GFC.

  33. Lisa Garrett says

    October 31, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/131165558304550913

  34. Teddy says

    October 31, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    I would love to win this book!

    teddyr66 at yahoo.com

    BTW, I love your new look!

  35. Teddy says

    October 31, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    I follow and am glad I do!

    teddyr66 at yahoo dot com

  36. Teddy says

    October 31, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    I tweeted, here’s the link:
    http://twitter.com/#!/teddyrose1/status/131242558943789056

    teddyr66 at yahoo dot com

  37. Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours says

    November 1, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! It sounds like a wonderful – and mouthwatering – story.

    Thanks for being on the tour.

  38. Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic says

    November 1, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I received this in the mail and am reading it now. I really like the mini-recipes.

  39. Carla says

    November 2, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    I would like to be put in the running to win a copy Dar. Thanks! I think real people have more interesting lives alot of times than the fictional people.

    cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu

    and I follow you email.

  40. jennygirl says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Food and life experiences, memories, and family are so intertwined. Sounds like a deliciously wonderful read. Excellent review my friend!

  41. kaye says

    November 7, 2011 at 5:47 am

    There’s something so appealing about foodie books, I love ’em! Sounds like such a good read.

  42. kaye says

    November 7, 2011 at 5:48 am

    Follow through GFC.

  43. Patricia Boyle says

    November 7, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I love the food-based books.

    Thank you for offering this book contest. I would like to enter my name in the draw. Thanks!

    pboylecharley(at)hotmail(dot)com

  44. CassandraG says

    November 8, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    Sounds like it would be an interesting read.
    GFC follower. Thanks for the chance to enter.

  45. deanna_boocock says

    November 10, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I so love books that delve into the importance of food in families and rituals

  46. deanna_boocock says

    November 10, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I follow on GFC

  47. Bonnie says

    November 11, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    I love foodie books and memoirs, this sounds wonderful. Of course, I am a follower!

    redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

  48. Rachel R. says

    November 12, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    This book sounds FABULOUS! Thanks for the review.
    I am a GFC follower please enter me in the giveaway

  49. Trish says

    November 13, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    I absolutely agree that the descriptions and writing in this book were wonderful! I could read it again right now just to get those tastes back. But I also loved the notion of memory through food as I have many similar type memories of my own. Glad you liked this one, too, Darlene.

  50. Margie says

    November 17, 2011 at 8:16 am

    I have read several good reviews of this book and would love to read it. THanks for the giveaway.

  51. Margie says

    November 17, 2011 at 8:16 am

    follow by GFC and email

  52. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:24 am

    Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  53. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:25 am

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  54. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:26 am

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  55. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:31 am

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/137430758292848640

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  56. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:33 am

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/137430758292848640

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  57. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:33 am

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/137430758292848640

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #3

  58. Nancye Davis says

    November 18, 2011 at 12:34 am

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/137430758292848640

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #3

  59. Mitchell Johnson says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    If you’d like to read more by Donia Bijan, she has a new blog:
    http://homesickpie.blogspot.com/

    Thanks
    Mitchell

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