On Monday I told you I’d be bringing the meat and potatoes
today. Well, I’m bringing it.
My husband and I enjoy watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The host, Guy Fieri, engages with
restaurant owners with entertaining humorous flare and a keen understanding of
all things grease related. Normally, I stick to healthy foods, but I have to
admit this show brings out the bar food lover in me.
I love the exchange between restaurant owner and Guy. I love
the process of the food being prepared. I love how the show leaves me wanting
more.
And I got to thinking (lookout!) I read books like this.
On this I 8 Wednesday I’m cutting through the fat and giving
you the skinny about how I experience books like Guy experiences food…
Rich Appreciation &
Respect
Guy enters every dive with respect for the owner. He samples
every platter knowing the chef poured love into their work. He offers a kind
word and a fist bump whenever the food merits it.
So it is with the books I read. As an author I know what it
takes to complete a novel. I’m not quick to bash, but instead to offer a kind
word whenever the craft merits.
Personality
Tattooed, with his spiky hair the color of a sandstorm, Guy
assesses each diner, infiltrating them with his own experiences. And he’s
checking out the joints that have been highly recommended and have received
rave reviews.
With every book I read I infuse my preferences and tastes.
Something about me that might surprise you: I hardly ever give two-star (or
one-star) ratings on Goodreads. Why? Because I don’t bother to keep reading. I
put the book down if it’s not three stars or higher.
Plowing Through
If you’ve ever watched the show you know Guy consumes
quickly. It doesn’t take him a year to tour one dive.
I happen to read a lot. I plow through books with the same
enthusiasm Guy exudes when he chomps down on a meaty sub.
Says What He Means,
Means What He Says
My husband and I have fun trying to discern whether or not
Guy’s really digging a sandwich. We study his expressions. But most of all we
tune in to what he says. The more we watch the show, the more we’re able to
figure out when Guy has hit the mother lode of diner food and when he’s meh,
not all that impressed.
I review books in the same way. Like Guy, I can always find
something positive to say, but there are
ways to tell when I’m really into a book and when I’m meh, not all that
impressed.
ExpertiseGuy is a chef. He visits every restaurant with his culinary expertise.
I’m a writer. I read every book with my knowledge of the
craft.
Raves When He’s Blown
Away
It’s unmistakable when Guy’s taste buds have been blessed.
He’s giving fist bumps. He’s making up catchy phrases, licking his fingers, and
jumping into the pot stewing with spices. He’s consuming the whole meal.
Ditto for me with books. When I’m satisfied, I’m talking
about the book. I’m tweeting it. I’m lending it to friends. And I’m buying
every book the author has ever written.
Uses Foodie Lingo
Guy’s got the foodie speak down and he uses it as
appropriate with the restaurant owners and chefs.
I’m nailing pub talk. As appropriate I’ll throw out a little
WIP, query, POV, story arc, and platform speak just for kicks.
Open to Learning
Guy lets every chef show off. Throw food around. Drop in
spices he’s never heard of. And he absorbs. Last night I even heard him say he
needed to steal a recipe.
While I’m no thief, I am constantly learning from the books
I read.
So me and Guy, we’ve got a few things in common. You know,
beside the tats and the porcupine hair. ;-)
Ever seen this irresistible show? Do you experience books
like Guy experiences food? How?*photo by stock.XCHNG
**is the font up there too small to read?
