The Lost Art of Mixing

The Lost Art of Mixing
By Erica Bauermeister (274 pages)
Published by Putnam
Bookish rating: 4

This is a lovely sequel to Bauermeister's equally lovely The School of Essential Ingredients, which I loved. Both books, particularly the first, are fantastic for foodies, though some have declared them overwritten. I enjoyed the descriptions and rhythm, and I'm not a reader who is particularly big on imagery.

This sequel can easily stand alone, but again, Lillian's Seattle-area restaurant is the center where many complicated lives converge. As one would expect, some perspectives and characters are stronger and more compelling than others. Bauermesiter's writing absolutely SOARS when she's in the mind of an older woman falling victim to dementia. The book is worth reading for that chapter alone.

Bauermeister's writing seems to be maturing and gaining more depth and nuance, which is exciting to watch (well, read). The fact she's an Oxy alum scores her an gold star, just for fun, to boot. Recommended.