EARLY BIRD BOOK CLUB with Kentucky Humanities Council: 2025 Kentucky Reads title Savory Memories

A limited number of copies of the book are available upon request at Tates Creek Branch Library.

About the Book
Savory Memories: Kentucky Foodways is a unique blend of personal narrative, memories, and recipes celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Kentucky through the lens of Kentucky authors. Edited by Linda LaPinta, this collection features essays from 22 Kentucky authors, each sharing personal memories and recipes associated with a particular dish.

Savory Memories is a collection of stories. It’s not just necessarily a cookbook; it’s a collection of personal narratives. Each writer delves into their past, recalling cherished moments and the people who shaped their culinary experiences. These stories evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, making the recipes more than just instructions—they become narratives of shared history and emotion. It is also a celebration of Kentucky’s culinary diversity. The book highlights the breadth of Kentucky’s foodways, through regional specialties and traditional dishes. From hearty Appalachian fare to elegant Southern cuisine, Savory Memories captures the diverse flavors that have shaped the state’s culinary identity. The book is also a literary treasure. The contributors are all accomplished Kentucky writers, including Linda LaPinta herself, lending their distinctive voices and storytelling skills to the project. Their essays are beautifully written, engaging, and often humorous, making the book a pleasure to read even if you don’t plan on cooking. Savory Memories helps to preserve Kentucky’s culinary heritage. It is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a testament to the importance of food in preserving cultural identity. By sharing their culinary memories, the writers contribute to a larger conversation about the role of food in shaping communities and families.

About Jacqueline Hamilton

She teaches English and literature at Eastern Kentucky University. Her research work focuses on how to build effective listening skills in people of all ages. She studied in London, England, on a Rotary Foundation fellowship in journalism, and received a Jesse Stuart fellowship during graduate school. Hamilton portrays Alice Lloyd and Sue Grafton for Kentucky Chautauqua. She also started and continues to direct a non-profit called Why We Write whose mission is to give students the mindset of writing as “workable fun."