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BKMT READING GUIDES
Eating Heaven
by Jennie Shortridge
Published: 2005-09-06
Paperback: 304 pages
- 172 members reading this now
- 30 clubs reading this now
- 31 members told 69 friends about this book.
- 26 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs
by 4 of 4 members.
by 4 of 4 members.
Nothing gets Eleanor Samuels's heart racing like a double scoop of mocha fudge chunk. Sure, the magazine writer may have some issues aside from food, but she isn't quite ready to face them. Then her beloved Uncle Benny falls ill, and what at first seems scary and daunting becomes a blessing in disguise....
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Clubs who read this book also discussed:
Introduction
Nothing gets Eleanor Samuels's heart racing like a double scoop of mocha fudge chunk. Sure, the magazine writer may have some issues aside from food, but she isn't quite ready to face them. Then her beloved Uncle Benny falls ill, and what at first seems scary and daunting becomes a blessing in disguise. Because while she cooks and cares for him-and enjoys a delicious flirtation with a new chef in town-Eleanor begins to uncover some long-buried secrets about her emotionally frayed family and may finally get the chance to become the woman she's always wanted to be.Excerpt
Tonight Why not Eat Light?
7 Super-Easy suppers that won't weigh you down!
by Eleanor Samuels
You've picked up little Susie from soccer practice and Tommy's on his way home from the swim meet. Your husband dashes in clutching his briefcase and gym back after his post-work spin class. The last thing you want to do is load up your active family with unwanted fat and calories. How can you make a quick, easy dinner that's also healthy?
...
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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
Discussion Questions from the Author: 1. The characters in this novel are struggling to learn how to properly care for one another on many different levels. In what ways do they succeed or fail to be nurturing? 2. How does Eleanor’s attitude toward food change throughout the book? What does her inability to vomit signify in her life? Her decrease in appetite? 3. The author does not reveal Eleanor’s actual size. Why do you think she made this decision, and how do you feel about it? What do you imagine Eleanor’s size to be, and how does it differ from or match your group members’ perceptions? 4. Food is described so intimately and beautifully in Eating Heaven, it is almost a character itself. How does the author use food to tell the story? Find passages where food reveals emotions, desires, connections, or conflicts. 5. What spurs Eleanor to see Suzanne Long, the food therapist? Why does she stop seeing her? What does Eleanor learn from Suzanne, and what does she learn on her own? 6. Why does Bebe refuse to see Benny, even when he is dying? 7. What is Bebe referring to when she tells Eleanor on page 199, ‘Benny isn’t quite the angel you think he is?’ How did your perceptions of Bebe and of her relationship with Benny change over the course of the story? 8. What would you do, if you found out that your family had a secret they had kept from you all your life? 9. Eleanor eats when she is stressed or upset. How do Anne and Christine cope with their life-changing problems? 10. What, for Benny, is the most difficult part of his illness? 11. Think about the men in Eleanor’s life—Benny, Stefan, Henry, and the memory of her father. How are these relationships similar? Different? What issues, if any, does she resolve with them by the end of the book, and how?
Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 4 of 4 members.
I served fruit pizza and a sweet moscato wine.
by cindyb (see profile) 06/26/09I thought it would be nice to serve something fairly healthy considering the topic of the book!
Member Reviews
Overall rating:
How would you rate this book? Member ratings:
"A freelance food writer comes to terms with her relationship with her mother and her childhood."by imain (see profile) 12/31/05
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was funny, sad, vivid... The descriptions of Oregon were strong enough to make me feel as though I were there. All of the characters felt very real. The author managed... (read more)
"Insightful look at families."by kazul (see profile) 01/05/06
Eleanor has been hiding her past and burying her future under shopping bags full of food for so long that even she is surprised at what she finds during her moments of introspection. The illness of... (read more)
"Outstanding, well-written story. I would highly recommend this book!"by kristorr (see profile) 01/10/06
I can't simply say enough great things about this book. Although the topics covered throughout the novel (eating disorders, dysfunctional families, terminal illness) remind the reader of the sadder parts... (read more)
"An interesting story on everyday life"by veritian (see profile) 07/16/06
I highly enjoyed this book. The characters in the book are relatable to people who you may have met or already know. The author draws you into the story with the main character, Eleanor, who has some... (read more)
"A great book that explores some of the hardest, yet important things in life."by rkane (see profile) 11/14/06
While a few thought the book was a little slow to begin, the ending left us in tears. It let us explore our own habits and how we deal with everyday life: eating, loving, and caring for others.
"Food, Family, and Independance"by lerafox1 (see profile) 02/09/07
Our group had a really good discussion about the family and food aspects of this book. Many in our club said that this was a book they never would have picked so they were glad we had read it. We enjoyed... (read more)
"Enjoyable read"by mariauy (see profile) 04/20/07
The book was cute, but not everyone in our club liked it. I enjoyed it, but thought the ending was rushed and kind of a let down after all the build up.
"Ok starter book - Slow start"by JennaBurns (see profile) 06/04/07
This was a good book - not great though. It was very slow to start and as a group we felt like it lacked pace. The ending was good. Very real picture of this character. Good starter book because it... (read more)
"Learning to care for herself and others"by LisaMM (see profile) 06/21/07
Our group had a great discussion which included the author by speakerphone! There is so much here to discuss, including eating disorders, relationships with parents, siblings, and men, family secrets,... (read more)
"Easy Read and Great Starter Book"by KPatterson612 (see profile) 08/24/07
I read this all in one day. It's a simple read, but there is enough depth to have a great discussion with three or more people. It's not in my top ten favorite books, but I do recommend it as a starter... (read more)
"Cancer and an eating Disorder"by interbrook (see profile) 09/03/07
This book was a good read. Be careful if you have eating issues. The main character is a compulsive eater. Also, if you have ever watched a person die of cancer, this will bring up those memories.... (read more)
"Great pick for a first meeting"by JennieDavis125 (see profile) 09/07/07
This book is enjoyable, and an easy read, but it's not fluff, either. Our club had a lot to say about it and found that discussion flowed very easily. We used the reading guide in the back, and felt free... (read more)
"I couldn't put it down. Very real."by shellie (see profile) 09/29/07
All the characters are refreshingly complex, the setting evocatively drawn, and the story engaging and universal. The book follows the evolution of the main character, Ellie, as she marches through familiar... (read more)
"Easy read that keeps you interested"by marialuby (see profile) 10/09/07
OVerall a good read that makes for fun discussion
"Woman looks to find herself through food and a past she does not understand, but becomes pleasently surprised when a loved one's illness and possible death comes knocking at her door."by Marlo (see profile) 11/02/07
This was a pleasant, quick read. I felt like I knew Eleanor instantly and could relate to her life quirks. I wanted more from her romance with a local chef, but maybe there will be a part II. I have... (read more)
"Family dysfunction and death"by marionbrennan (see profile) 12/10/07
I very much enjoyed the story itself and wanted more details about each of the characters. I thought each character could use more rounding. Just my opinion though-
"Fun, touching and eloquent"by julialily (see profile) 06/04/08
This book was surprising in the fact that it grips you right from the start & you are capitivated until the very end. It was well written, insightful and sweet. It has subtle twists and turns and I was... (read more)
"A woman with hidden family secrets and who is stuck in a rut."by courtneyfletcher (see profile) 07/28/08
I liked the book, I liked that there were not a lot of characters to keep track of. A very easy read.
"Keeps you waiting"by htrestain (see profile) 07/31/08
The book really keeps you waiting, but does not give you the answers you are looking for. It was ok and I have loaned my book to a friend, but I would rate it a 6 out of 10!
"A very moving book!"by cindyb (see profile) 06/26/09
I couldn't put it down. It started a little slow but as you get into the book you begin to relate to the characters. There were parts that made me cry!
"Eating Heaven"by bibliovore (see profile) 06/30/09
I really enjoyed this book even though it did take me the first 30-50 pages to really get into it. At first the main character comes off as a bit negative, but then the real story/plot begins and it is... (read more)
"Made me hungry for more...."by SebastiansMom (see profile) 07/01/09
I love books that go back and forth from present to past to fill you in on important details or backstory. Jennie Shortridge does that here beautifully! Eleanor Samuels lives in her rent controlled... (read more)
