Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater's Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate

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Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater's Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate

by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic (Goodreads Author)

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 99 ratings · 34 reviews

As a child Stephanie Lucianovic lived for years on grilled cheese and created an elaborate system for disposing of revolting food involving bookshelves, holiday centerpieces, and, later, boyfriends. She agonized not over meeting her future in-laws, but over the peaches they served her. As an adult, this picky eater found herself in the most unlikely of circumstances: a gra...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by Perigee Trade

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Aug 02, 2012 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, nonfiction, on-my-nook

Suffering Succotash (what a great title!) is a funny and informative book. The author uses stories from her life as a picky eater and her quest to gather information on picky eating to weave together a coherent narrative of the latest research on eating. It's really quite skillfully done - and quite entertaining, too!

Lucianovic covers research on taste, the idea of "supertasters", sensitivity to certain foods (I am utterly convinced that I am a "taster" for whatever that bitter stuff is, because...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Sarah Mackey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-love, read-in-2012

Rarely do I describe my state of mind upon finishing a book as "vindicated," but god, this book felt like it was written just for me. I, too, am trying to overcome a picky past to become an adventurous eater, although I am not as far down the path as Stephanie. But this book made me feel like my struggles to overcome pickiness are legitimate, and made me realize that I am not alone in this state of mind.

I plan to force this on people who think being picky is a choice, because this book is insig...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Nanita rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought for a while whether I should be up-front about the fact that I am a friend of this author and I've finally concluded that it would feel too duplicitous to not divulge this. But, I will add that while I have many friends who have published books, I rarely publicly review their books. I am making an exception here because if I didn't know Stephanie, I'd have scrambled to write a review immediately after finishing the book and so why should I not?

First, it's a really quick read. If not fo...more I thought for a while whether I should be up-front about the fact that I am a friend of this author and I've finally concluded that it would feel too duplicitous to not divulge this. But, I will add that while I have many friends who have published books, I rarely publicly review their books. I am making an exception here because if I didn't know Stephanie, I'd have scrambled to write a review immediately after finishing the book and so why should I not?

First, it's a really quick read. If not for a house guest who showed up the day the book arrived, and expected me to actually hang out with him for the few days he was visiting, I'd have finished the book the day I received it. It's engaging from the first page, and had me laughing out loud while learning a lot chapter after chapter. I am not a picky eater (aside from not eating meat) and admit that I often have rolled my eyes at picky eaters; I thought they were limiting themselves unduly, and were actually boring in their inability to expand their palate! I had absolutely no grasp of the physiological aspects of their revulsion and the agony they can suffer just by thinking of certain foods. Reading about the embarrassment (and shame) that selective eaters feel about their food preferences elicited my compassion instead of contempt. I have a new-found sympathy for people who suffer from this, and will not be rolling my eyes in exasperation at them anymore. I am actually grateful that someone wrote this book; it's just a bonus that it's someone as funny, thoughtful, and smart as Stephanie who did write it.

The author includes some recipes for selective eaters to try, and tips for restaurant dining, being a gracious guest, etc. One change I am immediately employing - when I throw parties, I am definitely going to be asking not just about food allergies (which I already did), but also about preferences. If I can be a better host by not serving items that cause my guests to suffer embarrassment or revulsion, I'm all for it! (less)

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Jan 02, 2013 Darren rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a picky eater married to a picky eater this book was a revelation in a number of ways. First, it was nice to read scientists from different disciplines tell the author, repeatedly, that people who dislike foods don't dislike them by choice, but by biology. Whether it is because someone is an over-taster, and under-taster, mouth-feel and texture, smell or inability to smell, it is neither a choice nor an immaturity that makes an adult a picky eater.

That said, the author spent a lot of time, to...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Joy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Why are picky eaters so picky? Why do many of them stay that way into adulthood? Is it really a "moral" failing of some sort, as most people assume, or is there something more to the topic? The author, a self-identified picky eater, sets out in this book to find the roots and causes of picky eating in a quest to define her own. Along the way she investigates possible physical causes (supertasting, sensory issues), upbringing effects (clean plates, "try three bites," etc.), social anxieties (can'...more Why are picky eaters so picky? Why do many of them stay that way into adulthood? Is it really a "moral" failing of some sort, as most people assume, or is there something more to the topic? The author, a self-identified picky eater, sets out in this book to find the roots and causes of picky eating in a quest to define her own. Along the way she investigates possible physical causes (supertasting, sensory issues), upbringing effects (clean plates, "try three bites," etc.), social anxieties (can't eat out, embarrassed to turn something down), and mental/emotional issues (food as love, emotional eating). The answer isn't easy for any of them, and despite the research being done there still isn't a clear answer.

As a picky eater myself, I found the subject rather interesting. Unlike the author, I am in fact a tested and proven supertaster, who finds dark greens to taste poisonous and orange juice to taste like acid, which makes eating many things a challenge to me. Again unlike the author, however, I have not been as successful in expanding my palate of foods, such as still being unable to eat fish despite trying a bite from every seafood dinner my husband has ordered when we eat out. I might now have a few insights and new things to try, however, such as the author's tendency to request her friends to tell her "the best way to prepare X" so she has the best opportunity when trying X for the first time.

The writing is very well done and edited, and the author's voice is very funny while still being clear about her topic. Some of her descriptions of the science she was involved in while visiting a lab made me cringe (as a scientist myself), but there was nothing technically wrong and they are probably very accessible for a non-scientist to understand. I think anyone who would like to understand picky eaters (whether themselves, their children, or their friends) would do well to read this book, as well as anyone interested in the science of why picky eaters exist.(less)

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Jul 04, 2012 Catherine Shattuck rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'll be honest -- I didn't think picky eating sounded like a very interesting topic when I bought this book. BUT, the author is a friend of mine, so naturally I wanted to read it anyway. OHMYGOD! Picking eating is FASCINATING! Or, at least it is when Stephanie is writing about it.

I started smiling on page 4. I laughed out loud for the first of *many* times on page 17. Stephanie took what could have been a dry subject -- the science and psychology behind picky eating -- and turned it into a rive...more I'll be honest -- I didn't think picky eating sounded like a very interesting topic when I bought this book. BUT, the author is a friend of mine, so naturally I wanted to read it anyway. OHMYGOD! Picking eating is FASCINATING! Or, at least it is when Stephanie is writing about it.

I started smiling on page 4. I laughed out loud for the first of *many* times on page 17. Stephanie took what could have been a dry subject -- the science and psychology behind picky eating -- and turned it into a riveting page turner full of funny ripostes, insightful anecdotes and I-never-thought-of-that-but-it-totally-makes-sense! connections, and ultimately delivered a memoir-ish tale that had me howling with laughter and aha-ing with ephiphanies all over the place (so *that's* why I gag every time I take my giant probiotic horse pill, even before it gets to my mouth!). The fact that she makes the science behind it all both entertaining and easy to understand is a sign of her talent.

Also, she interviews sword swallowers. !!!

While I adore my friend Stephanie and her over-anxious ways, her husband Mark was definitely the sleeper star of the book. His tendency to overthink everything in a way only someone with a PhD in Mathematics could was portrayed hilariously, and his inclusion (perhaps his very self?) is pure genius.

Some of my favorite parts include:
- the footnotes, which I typically loathe, but which unfailingly made me giggle, especially the one about the farting Hobbit;
- the faux bodice-ripping introduction to the chapter on falling in love with a picky eater;
- learning the difference between taste and flavor;
- the way Stephanie's own nail-biting personality is woven throughout the book; this feels like HER book, a book no one else could have written, and I saw and heard her on every page;
- the Picky Eater's Survival Guide to a Dinner Party, which had me in stitches;
- the many references to everything from Star Trek to A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman (one of my all-time favorite books) to 19th century manners (written in 19th century prose, naturally, replete with "prithee"s and "t'werent"s;
- the inclusion of recipes at the end to help make things like okra, broccoli and Brussels sprouts palatable to the picky.

I read this book cover to cover in less than 4 hours. I plan to read it again soon; it was that good. And, it made me think differently about picky eaters.

A job very well done.(less)

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Feb 26, 2013 Jill Furedy rated it 5 of 5 stars

A girl at work asked me if I only eat orange food. I pointed out that my peanut butter sandwich was not orange, just the chips and crackers I usually snack on, plus my usual drink of Sunkist. I did admit that orange foods taste best, and green foods are usually repellant. Another coworker used to comment that I ate like her 5 year old daughter. Can't argue there. As long as there is pasta, chicken or beef on the menu I'm usually okay for restaurants and dinner parties. But every now and then I g...more A girl at work asked me if I only eat orange food. I pointed out that my peanut butter sandwich was not orange, just the chips and crackers I usually snack on, plus my usual drink of Sunkist. I did admit that orange foods taste best, and green foods are usually repellant. Another coworker used to comment that I ate like her 5 year old daughter. Can't argue there. As long as there is pasta, chicken or beef on the menu I'm usually okay for restaurants and dinner parties. But every now and then I get on a kick where I'd like to eat like an "adult". So I may have to buy this book for inspiration (it was a library book during this first read).
The author manages to make this amusing as well as give us some science, some psychology and tell a little of her own story, while exploring many variations on the problems and solutions to picky eating. I too have wondered about the super taster thing, and found myself nodding along to texture issues. Totally agreed that bacon was the best meat for picky eaters, but disagreed that potatoes are a safe bet. Took me years to accept french fries as a side dish (but had to get something with my meals...they already give me funny looks when I turn down both soup and salad that come with many entrees) and in the past couple years decided I could eat mashed potatoes as long as they are garlic & cheese flavored. The sword swallowing stories were interesting, though I'm not sure how much it helped me (I still regularly choke on my nightly pills). The anxiety affect on eating seemed more helpful, though I'm not altogether sure I can apply that to myself by force.
Anyway, the point being that I could relate to a lot of her anecdotes, though not all, and so hold out hope that I can learn to enjoy a few more foods. Though my bout of complications with Crohn's only adds to my excuses why I cannot eat certain foods (really limited right now, and feeling like it's karmic justice that I'm now restricted to eating a small selection of foods I would normally choose over fruits, veggies and meats anyway, but now find myself tiring of them and wishing for some variety!). This combined with some of the stories out there about the evils of sugar and processed foods, etc should help motivate me to give veggies another try. (I'm trusting you about the roasting veggies options in the back of the book, Stephanie,...we'll see how I feel about you after I try them!).
I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone with food issues, or kids with food issues, or anyone who feels the need to comment on my food issues! (less)

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Jan 24, 2013 Catherine B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am not as picky eater as some, but I definitely have strong reactions to some foods. RAISINS?!!$@$!#@
As a child, I was an extremely picky eater and now outgrown 97% of it, but if this book had existed and my mom read it, she may have changed her strategies.

I appreciate that Stephanie Lucianovic went to so mush trouble to explain the what, when, why and how of picky eating and introduced me to the concept of supertasters. Her use of herself and others as examples is done with great humor that...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Intriguing book. Gives me hope that maybe some day, my picky eater will expand her menu choices. However, even though the author did delve into some of the science, I wanted much, much more detail. That may be the scientist/researcher in me, but I was constantly asking "and?" She seemed to just brush (not even scratch!) the surface of the science. I know that some (much?) of the science is new, but that's all the more reason to give detail and depth!

Science-me aside, I did enjoy the book - the a...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Amy is currently reading it

Of course I'm reading this book - I'M IN IT.

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May 13, 2013 Nikkiana rated it 4 of 5 stars

As someone who's in progress of reforming her own picky eating habits I turned to this book in hopes of comfort and perhaps maybe a little guidance. It certainly was comforting in the sense that the author pretty much came to similar conclusions to what I had... there's no singular cause for picky eating, and pushing through it is a lot of experimentation, trying to relax, and being brave in trying new things. I found her rambling style of writing to be a little grating at times, but overall a w...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a picky eater, maybe reformed, I loved this book. So many moments prompted "yes!" "I know!" and "that's me!" from me. As a picky eater turned foodie, Lucianovic gets it. She knows that we don't want to be the way we are, and sets about investigating why this happens to some people and not others. Even though she doesn't find a definitive answer, it seems to be some combination of biology, psychology, and parenting techniques. I never would have thought this embarrassing part of my life was bi...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Pamela Ribon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fans of Mary Roach will enjoy Stephanie Lucianovic's exploration into why some of us are such picky eaters. As a non picky-eater, reading this often gave me just as much anxiety as the one having the problems eating. "JUST TRY IT. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, IT'S A WEIRD TEXTURE? IT'S JUST A RAISIN, CALM DOWN. PEOPLE ARE STARVING, SO EAT THIS MEAL I MADE YOU FOR FREE, YOU JERK." I'm a happy, adventurous omni-eater who once tried fried grubs at a street vendor in Bangkok, so for me Stephanie's book was lik...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Robynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Are you a picky eater? Do you know a picky eater? Have you ever eaten a meal? If you said yes to any of those questions then you'll find Stephanie Lucianovic's book hilarious. Why anyone likes or hates any kind of food is baffling even to the taste and flavor scientists out there studying the issue. As with most topics in life, whether we understand them or not, we should always laugh about them and Stephanie Lucianovic provides a lot of laughter here.

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Jan 15, 2013 Thom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Finished this book in two nights of reading, and yes it was that good. Lots of research, some real science, and a good dollop of humor on a subject that is directly interesting to me and (apparently) plenty of others. I especially enjoyed the conversation with the restaurant people. Great title, but (minor nitpick) nobody actually suffers succotash in the course of the book. Recommended!

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Sep 01, 2012 Jeff Shattuck rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started this book because a friend of mine wrote it. I finished it because it's great. Truly, picky eating is not something I had ever thought about or been interested in even, but this book hooked me with its humor and fine blend of story telling and science. Even if you're a human garbage disposal, as I am (save for wine, there I'm a bit of a snob) you will like this book.

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Jul 12, 2012 Millicent rated it 5 of 5 stars

Such a good book: informative--chock full of information about our responses to & likes/dislikes of certain foods. This should be required reading for parents-to-be so they can worry about one less thing when their toddler starts eating. It is written with great humor, & the footnotes almost steal the show! My favorite chapter was "Love and the Picky Eater"---so much fun to read!

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Jul 14, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Warning: only read this book in public if you are ok with laughing loudly about every other page and attracting a few odd stares. I read this book on the train from Boston to New York and couldn't help myself. Picky eating might not sound like the funniest of subjects, but Stephanie's writing and personal observations about her own quest to understand her picky origins is a riot. If you've ever read anything by Mary Roach, then the mix of science/research with humour and personality will appeal...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Kim Reed rated it 5 of 5 stars

Stephanie is a friend but I never knew about her picky eating past. As a mom to toddlers, this book helped me feel okay about not forcing them to eat things they don't like, and know that eventually they either will or won't eat a variety of foods, but either way, it's okay.

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Jul 08, 2012 Joy Alferness rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now admittedly, I am biased because the author is a friend, but I loved this book. It brings such clarity to an issue (picky eating) that affects so many people in one way or another. I recommend it without hesitation!

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Jan 18, 2013 Spook Harrison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: health-physical, memoirs

Really, really good. A very clear voice, solid information, and an entertaining read. If you like Jen Lancaster's books you'll like this one. Furthermore, I feel more empathy for the 'particular' eaters in my family now!

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Dec 31, 2012 Julie Waldman rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a gift from one of my brothers, and one of a string of random non-fiction books I have lined up. Interesting premise to this book, but just didn't pull it off! It needed a bit more science and less repetition of the author's personal history...

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Mar 13, 2013 Ali Crain rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club

When I told my dad I was reading this book (for book club) and that I'd never considered myself a picky eater (I refuse to eat onions) he laughed at me and said 'you don't like your food to touch!' I replied 'true and I eat all of one food before moving on to the another. But that's a sign of control in my mind, not pickiness.'

It was an interesting book, but I'm not sure it helped me appreciate picky eaters any better (sorry!). I grew up with food as a center of our life with family get togethe...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Harriet rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good science here in a book that's definitely worth a read. But while I understand why Lucianovic wrote this partly as a memoir, I found the personal aspects of this book to be the least successful. Is Lucianovic a picky eater? Um, not really. That doesn't take away from the excellent research she's done, but I found myself feeling impatient with the narrator and wanting to skip the overly personal sections.

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Aug 17, 2012 Stephanie Lucianovic rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Lesley Knope voted for herself, so I'm gonna, too.

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Jul 09, 2012 Larissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Review to come...

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Jul 07, 2012 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a fun book! I know... a book about picky eating is fun? It is!! Despite being a really good cook, there are foods I really dislike and have felt like I had to hide the aversions/dislikes from friends. This book helped me realize I'm not alone, and it's TOTALLY NORMAL to have food aversions for no particular reason. Or, for a reason. There is some science behind picky eating -- and I found those sections really, really interesting.

This was a really great read -- I think you'll enjoy it!

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May 03, 2013 Dianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book didn't give me what I hoped for but when I define what I was hoping for, I don't see how a book could live up to that anyway. I didn't find it all that interesting as I read it so I was going to give it 3 stars but then I realized I have thought about what I learned in the book a LOT since finishing it and I have talked about it to other people on multiple occasions. For that reason, I'm giving it 4 stars because it seems it affected me more than I felt while reading it.

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Sep 18, 2012 Diane Henry rated it 1 of 5 stars

Suffering is right. At least it reads fast. The writing style is rambling and wordy, with multiple asides and self-comments. On a blog, I don't mind, but for something of this length...ugh. I found myself growing increasingly impatient and irritated by the writing. Also, Lucianovic really, really wants to understand why she was a picky eater. She wants science to confirm just how special and picky she was. A more general message might have ameliorated the intense navel gazing.

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Sep 30, 2012 Susanna rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book, as I've been follower her writing at TWOP and her personal blog. Her style is engaging and compelling.

Here, I'm left wanting to find out more about the author and her specific pickiness. Or family stories, traits, something....the scientific (at times) process doesn't lead to new discoveries or ideas, necessarily.

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About Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic

As a child Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic lived for years on grilled cheese and created an elaborate system for disposing of yucky food involving bookshelves, holiday centerpieces, and, later, boyfriends. She agonized not over meeting her future in-laws, but over the peaches they served her. As an adult, this picky eater found herself in the most unlikely of circumstances: a graduate of culinary school...more

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