Books: Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater (Frank Bruni)

A great read. Frank Bruni, a New York Times food critic, writes about his lifelong love for food and struggles with weight problems. He writes a memoir as a memoir should be: focused, analytical, and honest. His topic, although personally difficult I'm sure, is not particularly unique, but he writes about it in a personal and engaging way that keeps the reader engaged (and empathetic). He dramatizes some scenes, but is always upfront with it. He doesn't claim to have lived an extraordinary life or endured extraordinary hardships, which is another reason why I enjoyed this book so much; Bruni writes as an average guy who happened to have an eating disorder. He doesn't complain about his lot in life or blame his failures on others. Instead, he admits to all he has done and bravely lays it all out there. He's hard on himself and oftentimes insecure, but relinquishes negativity to humor and lightness easily. He is definitely someone I would want to have dinner with because not only would I get interesting conversation, but he'd for sure pick an amazing restaurant!

Reading his book revives my interest in journalism. I like the way journalists write: they are organized and know what to include and what not to include to hold the reader's interest. I am awed by Bruni's skill to write just enough about just the right thing so that everything integrates into one flowing narrative. His language is not particularly noteworthy, but his ability to create an organized story arc that doesn't bore or wander is amazing. Thinking back to my memoir writing class in college and how difficult (seemingly impossible really) it was to keep my writing focused makes me appreciate this novel that much more.

Additionally Bruni comes up with some quotable gems such as this one:

"I suppose there are people who can pass up free guacamole, but they're either allergic to avocado or too joyless to live."

So true!

Thank you Jingy for the great book recommendation as always.

Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater