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50th out of 469 books
—
977 voters
Consider the Oyster
M.F.K. Fisher, whom John Updike has called our "poet of the appetites," here pays tribute to that most delicate and enigmatic of foods---the oyster. As she tells of oysters found in stews, in soups, roasted, baked, fried, prepared à la Rockefeller or au naturel--and of the pearls sometimes found therein--Fisher describes her mother's joy at encountering oyster loaf in a gi...more
Paperback, 96 pages
Published
October 1st 1988
by North Point Press
(first published 1941)
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This exceedingly modest book (a mere 77 pages) presented me with some modest, unexpected dilemmas. Seeing it in a book swap and recalling, from an encounter years ago, that I was determined to read one of her volumes someday, I picked it up, thinking I'd breeze through it and return it to the swap--I'm trying to pare my library. But I find I don't want to let go of it. Now the question is whether it belongs in my kitchen with the cookbooks (because it does contain recipes) or somewhere among the...more
MFK Fisher is my new girl crush. Just look at her. This book really is just about oysters and I wish there was more. Fisher is sharp, snobby and super funny. She has included several recipes. My favorite is To Make a Pearl. In the list of ingredients, 1 diving-girl.
I identify with Consider the Oyster on a personal level, having grown up on the Atlantic and later Pacific coasts, and having had gastronomical and what could be considered professional contact with oysters all my life. I enjoyed her stories, second-hand tales, and explanations but I didn´t enjoy her gender-rific use of "man" and "men" to describe traits of people, or human truths or whatever - my sister loves oysters more than I do, there´s no reason why she shouldn´t include my sister, and wom...more
Jan 13, 2013
Jessica
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jessica by:
Every foodie I've ever talked to. ever.
Shelves:
non-fiction
Unfortunately this does not hold up well. The language is dated (and a little pompous) and there are tons of time sensitive references that you will only get if you've deeply immersed yourself in 1940s/1950s pop and socialite cultures (and I haven't). The actual information one can glean about oysters is interesting and some of the recipes look like they'd be fun to try just for the sake of doing it. Her writing about eating and cooking - when she's not making it "relevant" to her day and age -...more
Nice blend of detail, fact, opinion and attitude. Lots of good old recipes -- soup, loaf, fancy, plain... MFK's quite the wit and she does her research, often with gusto. The only possible crit I can come up with is that this book hasn't been updated since 1954, but that just adds to its charm I'm afraid.
Jul 30, 2010
Nat
added it
I learned that you can make an "oyster loaf" by slicing off the top of a loaf of crusty bread, jamming a bunch of fried oysters in there, covering everything with butter, and then sticking it back in the oven. Sounds tasty.
Also, I (think I) learned that oysters are alive when you eat them raw.
Also, I (think I) learned that oysters are alive when you eat them raw.
1 like · like · see review
a fun, quick read of stories and entertaining anecdotes surrounding the fragile yet winning life of the oyster. if you love food and oysters (like i do), then you'd dig it. if not, then prob not your cup o' tea. unless you like to cook. then you wanna pick this book up and try some of the yum delish recipes that involve - what else? - the dear oyster.
Who could have thought I could read a book of essays about oysters and enjoy it? Surprisingly this is what happened to me. I am amazed how Fisher was able to make her subject interesting in each essay. Luckily I love oysters!
I've been intending to read MFK Fisher for a while. This was a great, great place to start. I could read this over and over again, but luckily there is so much more of hers I can read first.
Everything you would ever want to know about oysters including how to cook and eat them by one of America's greatest food writers.
My first foray in to MFK Fisher after hearing so much for so long. Thoroughly enjoyable book - a simple and straightforward subject, with compelling and descriptive narrative.
After reading this book, I had two thoughts: MFK Fisher is a crazy, snobby old loon; and would I ever love to sit next to her at a dinner party. Her writing is witty, knowledgeable and from a different era. There are great recipes; the one on oyster loaves was the most tantalizing to me. At about 75 pages, this book is an easy read. I would read other stuff by this looney old girl.
Well, it's the best damn book about oysters I've ever read!
Reading this in France was a really good call.
Horrifyingly mouth-watering, if you love oysters.
A classic amongst food realted books.
A modest, concise book that will make you very hungry. Even if you're not a seafood fan, you'll want to try some oysters after this.
This was the Christmas family book club selection this year; chosen by Dad. This is the first time I've read MFK Fisher. She's got a singular and witty voice. I learned a lot about oysters!
As is usually the case with Ms. Fisher, "Consider the Oyster" is more song in praise than simple prose essay. Includes recipes.
Slim, precise, perfect.
A wonderful summer read to be savored on a hot porch with a glass of white wine and some oysters close at hand.
This small book of essays lives up to its name. It made me want to try oyster stew. (May 18, 2006)
Mandatory reading for the ostriavore. Includes colorful recipes, polemics and oysterlore.
Everything you'd ever care to know about oysters. Fisher is a lot of fun.
ahh beautiful read - is there anything as single and solitary as the oyster?
Maybe there has been better oyster-related writing, but I doubt it.
I was never much into food writing until I read this. Awesome voice.
MFK is the reason I eat oysters. Pity I needed a reason.
For those who love 'em.
May 22, 2013
Arielle
marked it as to-read
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Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was a prolific and well-respected writer, writing more than 20 books during her lifetime and also publishing two volumes of journals and correspondence shortly before her death in 1992. Her first book, Serve it Forth, was published in 1937. Her books deal primarily with food, considering it from many aspects: preparation, natural history, culture, and philosophy. Fisher...more
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May 02, 2013 11:51am