Apron Anxiety by Alyssa Shelasky

I requested this book at the library a few months ago after reading a review of it in one of the dozen magazines I get. Not that it was the worst book ever, but I have a feeling the author of the book has a connection with the author of the book review - okay, but not worth recommending to most people.

As the subtitle suggests, Shelasky writes about both love and cooking - and how the two intertwine in her life. The bulk of the book is about her relationship with a famous chef - although she chooses not to use his name, a simple Google search will let you know who it is.

Memoirs often seem narcissistic - I barely made it through Eat, Pray, Love, for example. However, I didn't totally hate Shelasky by the time I finished reading. I did question her judgement in relationships, but then again so did she. I saw "Chef" in a pretty negative light, far more than she seems to.

I did like the tie-in to cooking. Shelasky barely knew how to make a thing at the beginning of the book, but by the end she was a well-known cooking blogger. Each chapter included a couple related recipes. I can't see myself making most of them, but it's nice to have the option after reading about how wonderful the food was!

I give this book 6.5 out of 10, and I would recommend it to my friends who love to cook (or wish they could), as well as friends who have a hard time seeing flaws in their very faulty partners. They may see a little of their own partners in "Chef" and come to their senses.