cynstagraphy's reviews
141 reviews

A catalogue of white supremacy, misogyny, pretentiousness and boredom in literature. A satire outing the worst of the worst in Western writers and readers. It does get a bit lazy in the repetitiveness and clichés, but that is what white men with MFAs are like (and, as a person of a "funny tinge", I can confirm a lot of white women are like this too). There are patterns on subjects and behaviours from those who are chosen to be literary canon gods by people with a lot of power who project themselves onto the work and the artist's lives. Behind most "starving artists", there are trust funds, a nobility title and/or a hard working woman. These patterns repeat themselves through the decades, no matter how "woke" or "cancel culture/politically correct" the establishment apparently gets. Mediocrity, abuse and bigotry always win.

Not into the idea of "clean food" and "dirty food". All food is clean, unless it's fallen on the ground or something. Eating gluten free and sugar free makes me feel better and less groggy, so it's good for me. It might be different to you.
Other than that, this book is not focused on fatmisia nor changing corporeal dimensions, which is nice. It's more focused on flavour and feeling well. Could be used by diabetics, vegans and coeliacs, with some of the recipes keto-friendly for those with neurologic conditions that can be regulated by using such systems.
Most of the recipes require the same staples (almond flour, coconut flour, cacao, banana/chia/egg, maple syrup, sugar-free choc chips), and as long as you have those things available, you're sorted.
I've made a few recipes already, including the chocolate mug cake, cookie dough and ice cream. Arman does seem to have a *very* sweet tooth, so I'd recommend you measure your sweeteners more or less according to your taste. I use coconut syrup instead of maple syrup to prevent sugar spikes, but I think I'll try using maple syrup but in smaller amounts next time.
Recipes are fast and straightforward. The mug cake took less than 15 minutes, including prep and microwave. Includes plenty of cold, raw and microwave desserts for those of us who can't really use the oven and hob.

A bit less of a guide and more of a history compilation on how did we get here and where are we now, rather than tangible steps on how can we get to revolution. I guess one of those steps is to know the theory, the kinds of people on each mainstream corner and having a laugh in the process. Listened to the audiobook and read some of the ebook, although the narration is not entirely matching the book, but then you do get to see the fabulously intricate and grotesque illustrations by Eli Valley.

Short, digestible statement on how feminism is NOT white supremacist capitalism for wealthy cis women. Not everyone is a riot grrrl. Not Thatcher and May. Not Sandberg and other hashtag girlbosses. Not the Scandinavian model. Not those who campaigned to ban Page 3 but did not give a toss about the rest of The Sun. Action and unity are important. This book is important.

Useful, with shortcuts on how to have nurturing, comforting meals when you have no time, money or energy. It's a shame she feels the need to dedicate a whole chapter to justify/defend tinned food from culinary classists by perpetuating healthism and fatmisia. Jack Monroe would really really benefit from reading anti-diet dietitians like Christy Harrison and Lucy Aphramor.

The perfect cookbook doesn't exi-

*Ruby Tandoh has entered the chat*

Just mixing up my memes to let you know that Ruby Tandoh is the present and future of cooking. Well-organised through star ingredients, with a very international palate, seasoned with pop culture (Harry Styles' Dutch Baby, pasta meal inspired by Adele from Blue is the Warmest Colour) and no macros, no shame, no disordered eating language. Enjoyment of food for food's sake. I've made her parboiled potato wedges a couple of times to roaring success, and plan to make a lot more meals in the near future. The only con is that the baking recipes are a bit too complex for my current lazy skills (after all, she became a household icon thanks to GBBO) but I'll eventually get there. Everything else is very easy to make and love.