Tiny Moons

Asian food.

I could read volumes and volumes of books about Asian food. I spend the whole time craving everything that is described, but that's okay.

Powles writes the best sort of memoir. One that is all about her memories of food. “My earliest childhood impressions are ones where I am just about to eat something” she says. I feel like I can relate. My best memories, memories of my Bachan, of family gathering all revolve around food. My favorite dishes or treats Bachan cooked that no one could replicate, my mom's special dishes that when I list them out aren't fancy things, but they are things that remind me of feeling loved and cared for.

“When I learned that congyou banmian (literally ‘spring onion oil mixed noodles') existed, I had a feel they might become a big part of my life” made me laugh outloud. I have many relationships with foods like this. Either by the description or your first bite you wonder how you've lived without it for so long and know you will never stop craving it.

My favorite line: “What does it mean to taste something and be transported to so many places at once, all of them a piece of home?” I just want to read it again.

I loved her break down of the Chinese characters, especially since I'm finally learning kanji to see how similar some characters are and realize I recognize them. I'm jealous of Shanghai and it's neverending supply of delicious xiaochi. I could live most of my life on xiaochi and never be bored with food.

While she talks about growing up and at times about growing up White passing or mixed this book is mostly about food. Some memories tied to certain dishes, but it's mostly a celebration of what it is to eat in Shanghai. I loved it.