Review of How to be a bad cook

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How to be a bad cook" by Ruth Finnegan.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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How to Be a Bad Cook: The Ultimate Quick Guide, written by Ruth Finnegan and illustrated by José Sépi, is a charming, practical, and honest book that shows the benefits of imperfect cooking. Finnegan’s perspective on food preparation is both witty and comforting.

Finnegan starts by emphasizing the cultural and social importance of cooking. She recounts stories, such as a Vietnamese refugee opening a food takeaway to reconnect with her roots, showing how food is a part of one’s culture and connects us with loved ones. The book feels more like informative and friendly tips from a friend than a strict culinary manual.

Finnegan is practical and dislikes the pretentiousness of gourmet cooking. She targets readers who wish to prepare nutritious and enjoyable meals without the burden of exact measurements, elaborate ingredients, or special equipment. Finnegan believes that cooking does not need to feel like a chore. In addition, she believes that “bad cooking” does not define us.

Each chapter delves into different food staples, starting with the potato. Finnegan debunks myths about its nutritional value, sharing her history and connection with potatoes. The chapters discussing oats, eggs, and soups follow a similar pattern, offering brief histories, basic preparation methods, ease, and flexibility. She gives readers cooking tips and history without overwhelming them.

Moreover, Finnegan admits her dislike for garlic and encourages readers to trust their instincts over rigid recipes. She addresses common kitchen mishaps, reminding us that a burnt dish or a failed recipe is not the end of the world. Her suggestion to treat recipes as “treatments” rather than strict guidelines fosters creativity in the kitchen.

I liked that the illustrations by José Sépi complement Finnegan’s tone. I also liked that “bad cooks” can gain confidence in cooking common foods and trying new recipes. The book, however, contains grammatical errors and missing punctuation that distracted me from the reading experience. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall, How to Be a Bad Cook: The Ultimate Quick Guide is a fun cookbook that motivates ordinary people to cook delicious meals. The book is ideal for readers who feel intimidated by traditional cooking books.

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How to be a bad cook
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[Mojisola Omowunmi Omotosho]

Thank you for sharing this delightful review! Ruth Finnegan's "How to Be a Bad Cook: The Ultimate Quick Guide" sounds like a refreshing and encouraging take on cooking. Your highlights of her practical, down-to-earth advice and the charming illustrations by José Sépi make this book sound very appealing. Despite the minor grammatical issues, your high rating and recommendation indicate it’s a must-read for those looking to enjoy cooking without the pressure of perfection. This sounds like a wonderful addition to any kitchen!

[Igwe Ifeanyi]

"How to be a Bad Cook" is a real catchy title. From your review, it seems that the author was honest and blunt, yet reassuring and supportive of bad cooks like me. I love that she pointed out the normality of not having to use measurements while cooking. I mean, cooking this days is now more about cooking that satisfying the taste buds. This one is a sure read. Thanks for the great review.

[Liam Patel]

Well, I reckon this book, How to Be a Bad Cook: The Ultimate Quick Guide, sounds like a right good read! The review says it's a practical and honest book that takes the pressure off being a perfect cook. I appreciate that the author emphasizes the cultural and social importance of cooking. And you know what? It's refreshing to hear that you don't need fancy ingredients or measurements to make a tasty meal. Plus, the illustrations seem like a nice touch. Overall, I'd give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Y'all should give it a gander! Heartfelt moments, brought tears to my eyes.