Sourdough
by Robin Sloan
4 stars
I enjoyed Robin Sloan’s quirky book Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, so I was eager to read his latest novel. I was pleasantly surprised to find the same wonderful quirkiness in Sourdough.
Lois Clary, a workaholic living in San Francisco, finds a menu on her doorstep one day offering spicy sandwich, spicy soup, or a combo of both. Having survived primarily on a food substitute, Lois decides to give this new place a try. She falls in love. The food and the bread are healing to her, and the highlight of her day. When the owners of the restaurant have to move away, they give her a gift – some of their sourdough starter.
Lois, who has never baked in her life, decides to learn and finds herself quickly pulled into a culinary world. With her background in computer technology, Lois decides to try combining her knowledge of robotics with her new passion which leads to some interesting outcomes. This is a fun, fast read that will have you craving sourdough.
Read-alikes
Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
The View from Penthouse B by Elinor Lipman
