In Memory of Bread Book Review

I received In Memory of Bread by Paul Graham from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

This book caught my eye because it is the memoir of a writer with celiac disease and his struggles letting go of bread and other products with gluten. This book did not disappoint. Having gone through some similar struggles I felt like I was listening to a kindred spirit lay out the struggles in saying goodbye to foods that have been part of my life for years.

Paul Graham shares his journey from his diagnosis of celiac disease through his search to find something that was and is still really bread and yet was some thing he could eat. He observed that bread (and beer) are shared foods that were shut out for him once his health demanded that he no longer eat wheat. It also shut out some of the community and experiences he wanted to be part of.

He has an interesting chapter on the why’s of wheat and gluten and the health problems they are causing for so many people. He does not make a definitive conclusion because the research does not lean to one clear cause. I found this chapter to be well written and a great summary of the information that is out there.

Mr. Graham has an amazing wife who willing joined him in his food changes, something he expressed appreciation for throughout the book. I love that she chose to change her life with him and that he is so grateful.

I loved this book because he expressed so eloquently how I feel almost every day. I do miss bread but I miss many other foods as well since I now must eat a low carb, high fat diet to ward off type 2 diabetes. On a daily basis I miss foods that I love and that are part of my memory and part of so many social occasions. I am able to cook and eat an amazing variety of foods and satisfy my physical needs, but I still feel a disturbance knowing that I am missing much.

If you are struggling with diet changes, this is a book that will speak to your heart and comfort and encourage you.

If you would like to order your own copy this is my Amazon affiliate link to order In Memory of Bread.