Not My Bowl of Rice [Paperback]

E.R. Escober (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 11, 2002

Not My Bowl of Rice is a coined idiom that has the same flavor as Not My Cup Of Tea. (e.g. To be honest, cooking's not really my bowl of rice.) It is also the title of this novel about a young Filipina immigrant's life in America. What is it to be a Filipina woman, daughter, friend, lover and wife in America? The answers, oftentimes complex and startling are told in narration by the main character Ligaya de Guzman. She has a penchant for cooking and her story is peppered with tidbits about Filipino and other international dishes. In fact, every chapter is titled after a dish and carries its complete recipe as well. Throughout the novel, these dishes help move the story smoothly, dramatically, deliciously.Although it features a Filipina protagonist, Not My Bowl Of Rice reflects the story of each and every one who has come to this country in search of the proverbial milk and honey. Not My Bowl of Rice is so witty and tasty, it should come with a warning not to read if you are hungry.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

E.R. Escober worked as a copywriter for McCann Erickson (Philippines) Advertising Agency before immigrating to America and embarking on a writing career for both fiction novels and screenplays. The author has written several screenplays, one of which was sold recently to an independent producer. Not My Bowl Of Rice is the author's first novel.Not My Bowl of Rice is written as a loving tribute to the author's mother, who was a wonderful mother, friend, storyteller, and cook both in her homeland and as a Filipino immigrant in the 'land of milk and honey.'

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (December 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403388830
• ISBN-13: 978-1403388834
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,219,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing combination of recipes, cultural info and novel, January 16, 2004

By 

Donna L Kauffman (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not My Bowl of Rice (Paperback)

This book was incredible. I finished it in 3 days and just couldn't put it down or get it out of my mind. The book combines Philippine cooking with cultural facts while keeping you interested with a wonderful novel. I have 2 sponsored kids in the Philippines (one for 18 years) and wanted to get a better understanding of Philippine culture. This book easily accomplished that task for me in a very enjoyable way. I highly recommend this interesting and informative book!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars couldn't put this book down!, November 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Not My Bowl of Rice (Paperback)

I got this book in the mail Wednesday afternoon and couldn't put it down until Thursday night! I had to stop reading only to take care of my actual reading assignments for class, but this book was truly a great read. Escober does a wonderful job clarifying Filipino words and customs for non-Filipinos, and being Filipino myself, I learned a few things about my own culture. I can't wait to try out the recipes included in the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book earns top honors as finalist in 2003 IPPY Book Award!, June 3, 2003

By 

Cindy (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not My Bowl of Rice (Paperback)

The 2003 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) has named ER Escober's "Not My Bowl Of Rice" as a finalist in the Best Fiction Multi-Cultural category. The IPPY Boook Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent publishers. Award announcements were made at the BookExpo America in Los Angeles recently.

The award is well-deserved. In this wonderful novel/cookbook, the author expertly brings to life the story of mixing cultures and ingredients. It's a really tasty book!