Customer Reviews

Take Big Bites: Adventures Around the World and Across the Table

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ellerbee's escapades as she dines her way around the world is hysterically funny. It is a laugh-out-loud read about the life of one of Amercia's great journalists and greater writer. Her personal observations and honesty touch your heart and give a compelling insight into what makes this woman an icon.

It is rare to stumble on a book that you know is going to be a classic. Linda's latest reminds me of A J Liebling's already-classic saga of Paris dining, Between Meals. Liebling, too, was a journalist-gourmet. But Linda's book is possibly greater than Liebling's (and his is one of my favourites). Ellerbee has been everywhere and tasted everything. A Texan who was "going large" long before it was fashionable, and who has probably the most interesting address book in the world, her amazing empathy for people and her eye, ear and tastebuds all become the grist for some exquisite writing. Her respect for others, self-mockery, love of adventure and occasional sharp tantrum makes Take Big Bites a genuine literary achievement. Dare I propose that Ellerbee should be taken more seriously as an important American writer(I write this as a Brit). If Ellerbee had not become a TV star, she would have made plenty of reputation for herself with words alone. The charm of her TV scripts was always her clarity and precision - something not common in that industry. This book shows Ellerbee once again in perfect command of her stories. It is a memoir, a cook book, a statement of love for the world and its people, told in a unique voice. Buy this book and you will feel happier. This is not really a five-star book by the somewhat devalued standard of these evaluations, it is a perfect 10. Did I mention that I love this book?

Ms Ellerbee has been one of my favorite storytellers since NBC News Overnight, when she would speak the news in such a way that it woke one up, made me curious about the world, and encouraged me to check out the facts for myself firsthand. This fine book is just an extension of her verbal skills. It is full of lovingly written vignettes, worldly experiences, spiritual beauty, salty character, and really tasty recipes from her travel adventures so you can live vicariously, gastronomically, alongside her. Her greatest plotline is to seize the day, day after day, every second of every day. It took me months to finish this book because I didn't want it to end, but during the last few chapters I just couldn't put it down. I'm so grateful to her for sharing these travel stories, these details, these colors and sights and scents of the world. I would recommend this book highly to school librarians, to book clubs, fellow travelers, lovers of the memoir and adventure story, womens' circles, those feeling their years and mortality. It is truly a beam of sunlight.

Linda Ellerbee has been everywhere and tasted everything. Her indefatigable search for the next meal, told with self-mockery and occasional sharp tantrum, makes this latest volume from Ms Ellerbee a tasty literary confection. Ellerbee should be taken more seriously as a writer. Ellerbee is once again in perfect command of her stories. Buy this book and you will feel happier.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of Linda Ellerbee's work is what it lacks: whining.
In the months since I read this book, I've found myself quoting from it and recommending it regularly. I hear myself repeating things like "well written," "the best-written book all year," and "really fine writing." I wish I could add a few stars to my rating.
Optimism is a dominant gene in Ellerbee's coding, and it glows in her prose the same way it glows on her face when she appears on television. That optimism gives her the gumption to take those big bites--at times eating her own words--and savor every flavor, then to sit down and tell us all about it. She writes with wit, craftmanship, and poignancy.
Included with the adventures Ellerbee volunteered for (the sort none of us have experienced) are stories of some ugly surprises life threw at her (the sort none of us would volunteer for but all of us have experienced). Ellerbee's travels through these events are every bit as engaging as her journeys to exotic places. Her willingness to share her set-backs and stumbles as well as her successes is endearing and inspiring.
Linda Ellerbee is a virtuoso with language. She knows how to get your attention and hold it. She uses mere words to carry you along with her to uncommon places and common emotions, and to make you glad you accepted her invitation.
This book makes me profoundly grateful I know how to read.

I grew up watching Nick News and idolized Linda Ellerbee, this book is a fun peek into her personal world - her travels, relationships and food. Most of the essays weave all three together, ending with a relavant recipe. I wish I had half her guts, I mean she travelled to Central America while an 18-year-old student at Vanderbilt University, embraced the people and food (and drink) of Bolivia and writes in retrospect "I didn't save any souls. I didn't change anybody's life but mine." What more is there? She writes of the Rhinestone Cowgirls "To women, girlfriends aren't a luxury. They're a healthy necessity, like good skin or good hair..." Spot on. Her sixtieth birthday hike is inspirational, I hope I can be half as cool at that age.
Insightful and funny, Ellerbee writes from the heart. And so it goes.

For those of us too timid to go out and grab life by the horns (those things are pointy!), thank goodness there is Linda Ellerbee. Not content to be a first-class journalist and television producer, Ellerbee is also a writer of extremely good prose, and she has given us plenty to chew on with this memoir/cookbook. Tying some significant experiences she's had with some very diverse types of food she was eating at the time, Ellerbee makes you feel the heat in Vietnam and the warmth of Italy. She relates anecdotes that others would render lifeless and puts the reader into the moment so well, we can almost believe we WERE brave enough to follow in her footsteps. In equal measures travelogue, memoir and diet-buster, TAKE BIG BITES reminds us of the more wonderful experiences life has to offer, and one of those is being in the presence of someone with great stories to tell--who knows how to tell them. Thank goodness!

This was a great read. She is so self-assured and loves to travel and I traveled along with her....the food she describes and the visuals she creates. I would recommend this to anyone who loves to read and even if you don't like to travel, Linda will take you places you'll enjoy.

mary pichette

Ellerbee's wry look at the world and people around her leaves you rolling with laughter. She is one fine writer. Add this to your summer reading list then make a list of all of your friends who need this book. Sometimes personal, private and introspective, her tales of friends, family and meals she has shared with them leaves you with an appetite for more.

A friend heard about this book on NPR. I was looking for a book to read over the holidays--usually I don't splurge on hardbacks, but after hearing how excited he was about it, I decided to get the book as a treat for myself. And what a treat is is!! Linda Ellerbee is a magnificent writer--she is articulate, funny, experienced--and motivating! As a single female who has always been intimidated by solo travel, I was captivated by her adventures. I found myself wanting to set out alone--finally, I understand how satisfying travel by oneself can be! The other fun part of the book is that while it is not a Food Book, it is also about food. The recipes at the end of each chapter are worth the price of the book! When it comes out in paperback, I will use this book for my turn at Book Club. After my copy, I bought three more as gifts. Ellerbee is an inspiration!!