Consider the Fork

A History of How We Cook and Eat

By: Bee Wilson

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Since prehistory, humans have braved the business ends of knives, scrapers, and mashers, all in the name of creating something delicious - or at least edible. In Consider the Fork, award-winning food writer and historian Bee Wilson traces the ancient lineage of our modern culinary tools, revealing the startling history of objects we often take for granted. Charting the evolution of technologies from the knife and fork to the gas range and the sous-vide cooker, Wilson offers unprecedented insights into how we've prepared and consumed food over the centuries - and how those basic acts have changed our societies, our diets, and our very selves.

©2012 Bee Wilson (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Wilson is erudite and whip-smart, but she always grounds her exploration of technological change in the perspective of the eternal harried cook - she's been one - struggling to put a meal on the table. This is mouthwatering history: broad in scope, rich in detail, stuffed with savory food for thought." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great book marred occasionally by the narration

If you could sum up Consider the Fork in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating to read

What did you like best about this story?

It's detailed treatment of the subject.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Overall the narration was very well done with one critical flaw. Whenever the narrator would quote a French person or an American she would adopt a French or American accent. This enormously marred the experience. For a few reasons, first in the case of the French accent it made no sense. The person she was quoting wasn't speaking in English. Second, she didn't do this for all accents. Third she did try it once for a Chinese accent and ended up sounding like a bad Indian accent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The affected accents were **TERRIBLE**

Any additional comments?

This is a non-fiction piece not a interpretive piece of art. NO NO NO ACCENTS!

An Unexpected Favorite

The performance of this audiobook is exceptional. While listening to it and cooking in my own kitchen, I find myself inspired, affirmed in the work I am doing, and connected with the long history of humans and our food.

Testimonials and jokes ruined the book

The author ruined the facts and historical research that went into this book by continually trying to make jokes and going on and on about her own kitchen and her preferences for cooking, food, and cookware.

A nice change of pace

I purchased this title based on the recommendation of the Writing Excuses podcast. the subject matter is a little esoteric but the author and the narrator have managed to make it a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

History of Dining ettiquette

Would you consider the audio edition of Consider the Fork to be better than the print version?

na

Who was your favorite character and why?

There is no central character

What does Alison Larkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her sidebars and infelctions to better illustrate passages

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme that required medical treatment. It's a good hisotrical book for gastronomes

amazing

super informational, and interesting, I've never heard of another book with this kind of in depth look on the subject.
thoroughly enjoyed it, highly recomend

Amazing

This book was just wonderful! A must read for anyone who wants to know (almost everything, lol!) about the evolution of cooking.

When you come to a fork in the road...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. A quality Reader and an interesting history of the "spoon" and then the "fork". Not a fiction, but a bit of trivia and science. Worth the listen, if you want something different from the usual fare on your plate. Have you ever stopped to consider what our Ancestors ate with? A sharp stick to start with maybe, but a some point, someone wanted to eat soup. :)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Consider the Fork?

The facts and those things that one rarely, if ever, thinks about.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh or Cry? No. Visualize, wonder and be amazed here and there? Yes

Any additional comments?

A story one may read, in bits and pieces, without worrying about the past chapters, and the plot!

Fun facts about kitchen technology.

Would you listen to Consider the Fork again? Why?

The narrator was engaging, even if the subject was a little dry. I would listen again to pick up details and facts I might have missed.

What other book might you compare Consider the Fork to and why?

It reminded me of Bill Bryson's "At Home: A Short History of Private Life." It was full of interesting historical context for everyday items.

What does Alison Larkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought it was interesting that the narrator subtly adopted an american, french, or austrailian accent when she was quoting people from those various countries.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's a little too dense for that... too much information to digest all in one sitting.

I am a lifelong restaurant service professional.

This is one of the most pleasant, calming reads I have ever encountered. enjoy.