This memoir covers epicurian delights...
Along with travel and other escapades of life. The author rehashes her life in a way that makes the reader hungry for more. The memories are wonderful. Next thing you're trying to guess what's coming up on the menu or what the next recipe is. Stories served up from Great Britain, the Middle East, boarding school and Vietnam are only hints of this banquet of living. At times wordy the reader will still crave more.
Rated of 5
by Marge (Merriam KS)
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: My Adventures in Life and Food
What captured my interest was the title. How could I not want to read this book--I quite enjoy good ideas, life, and food! This book isn't just about food; it starts out with the author, Moira Hodgson, traveling with her parents to different countries and the cuisine she and her family experience in each. An interesting aspect of this book is that it is not a cookbook but there are recipes throughout. They are not hard to follow. The stories in the book are not hard to follow either and if one likes learning and reading about different cultures, social classes, and their cuisines from a participating observer (as Ms. Hodgson is), then this book is for you.
Rated of 5
by Patricia (Richmond VA)
It Seemed Like A Good Idea at the Time
From England to Vietnam and places in between and beyond, this was an informative, and mostly fun, book to read. Writing about her adventures with her family, friends and solo were very good and Ms. Hodgson was adept at bringing her reader along with her. Her obvious knowledge of and devotion to food and its history and preparation will appeal to foodies (and make them hungry). My criticism would be that there are some parts of the book that warrant more background, detail and/or explanation but all in all, it was a book that I would recommend to readers who love travel and food adventures.
Rated of 5
by Lois (Redding CA)
Would you eat snails?
Well Moira Hodgson did and to find out about how she thought about them you are going to have to read; "It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time". [Personally, I've never had the "pleasure" or should I say "horror". So far I'm keeping an open mind.]
I feel this book should have given more information about the people, places, and yes, even the food. The writing is "choppy" and just doesn't flow for me. However, I suppose this being a memoir, it is to be expected to have something of a diary quality to it? I didn't care for the way people would pop in from nowhere and then disappear without any comment. I feel authors who use phases or quotes from other languages other than English need to assist the reader by offering clues in the context at the very least. I guess I am just an old fussy woman, but oh well!.
All that being said, I already recommended the book to two or three of my friends and relatives who are into Traveling, Food, and By-Gone-Days of The Steam Ships. A delightfully entertaining book. Do not let my opinion about the writing put you off this is a great read, especially if you like to read about food, watch the Food Network, or eat!
Rated of 5
by Beverly (Palm Harbor FL)
echoes of Ruth Reichl
What a life ! I love reading about food and the associated memories Ms.Hodgson shares her unusual early years, growing up all over the world, while telling stories of family, friends and travel AND includes recipes. She has a breezy, casual style that makes this book an easy read.
Rated of 5
by Eileen (Pittsford NY)
5 stars if you are a foodie
An entertaining book about the role food has played in one woman's life. It would have been an even more compelling read had she revealed more about the other people in her life and how they influenced her. An adventurous book club could easily have a potluck dinner using the intriguing recipes included in the book. A mouth-watering discussion would be sure to follow.
Rated of 5
by Marie (Warner NH)
It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time
Hodgson takes her readers on an adventurous trip to the many countries she lives in and travels to and along the way introduces us to the culinary traditions (with recipes) from the various areas. She is adept at weaving descriptions of her experiences, places, incidents, and individuals together, thus making this memoir an interesting, enjoyable read.
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of 5
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