Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-time Eater
is an engaging memoir about the life of former New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni, largely focused around his relationship to food. From his Italian family pushing seconds and then criticizing his weight, to his unhealthy stabs at extreme weight loss, Bruni never delves too far into psychobabble regarding food and body image. Yet he delivers a compelling look at the emotional connection to food. I suspect many readers will nod their heads in agreement at certain sections, such as how he can't believe someone likes him romantically when he is at a heavier weight, or how he self-sabotages himself with binging.
I enjoyed reading this memoir, but then I had no idea who Frank Bruni was going into it. Ergo, I've seen some reviewers discuss their disappointment at the relative lack of attention paid to Bruni's experience reviewing restaurants for the Times. If that's what you are looking for, I recommend Ruth Reichl's
Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise
.
