Espousing on history via related foods and recipes always seems like a great concept for a book, but it has proven to be more difficult to do successfully than one might assume.

Theoretically, the concept is brilliant. It’s a fun way to tie culinary history to broader social history, and should cater well to audiences that may not enjoy the drier side of history books.

In practice, unfortunately, it generally doesn’t work too well. This book is better than most in this sub-sub-genre, but it too loses its way at times and struggles to convincingly carry the theme through from start to finish.

One thing that puts this one a cut above the rest is its humor. The author is terrifically entertaining, which makes the book fun and high on readability while still imparting the intended information. And I actually thought the overall concept worked pretty well for the first 50-60% of the book.

The trouble begins when the latter chapters struggle to find purchase in significant American history. It’s not that the topics addressed don’t matter (they absolutely do), it’s that the pie tie-ins feel forced and it makes the whole lot feel performative in a way that doesn’t occur in the earlier chapters when the author is speaking about cultural diversity and historically marginalized populations. Also, is a quiche even a pie? Ehhh.

But enough of the book is well done that it’s well worth a read, and the humor and tone make even the less successful chapters palatable.

3.5/5 Pie as a medium to examine American social history? A curious premise but it worked.

Pies cut across tastes, regions, and economic classes and often have ties to our memories and gatherings, and has come through our antecedents in other countries and cultures. Interesting tidbits abound, like how and when the crust began to be eaten along with the filling rather than it just being a receptacle or the causation between canning, branding, Karo corn syrup, and pecan pie.

The tone is a little too conversational for me. If it had been tightened up a I wouldn’t have found myself getting bored in certain chapters and having to come back to it. Some chapters were more cohesive than others and some are a bit of a stretch. Overall, it’s a charming read.

Very informative and very well researched historical facts plus great recipes.
I didn’t get to cook everything yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

A wonderful look at the history of America through my favorite dessert: pie. This book was fantastic and I learned SO MUCH.

This was really delightful! A history of the United States via pie. Plus, there's a related recipe for each type of pie at the end of each chapter. From apple and pumpkin pies to quiche and tofu cream pie, the author keeps a conversational, informative tone whether discussing the history of pumpkins in the 'new world' or the patriarchy's war on quiche in the 80s. It's a fun and interesting book. I really loved it. This is one of the ARCs I'm going to buy in actual book form!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A wonderful book a delicious read pies history ,stories.This is a book allpie lovers will delight in full of humor yummy pies a really enjoyable read.#netgalley #abramsbooks

Sweet Land of Liberty is a tasty, educational read! The edition of pie recipes along with the history was clever of the author. It was also nice to see both recipe and the history of Sweet Potato Pie. It's a dessert made frequently in my family, and it was wonderful to learn even more about it.

I would like to read a sequel to this book, with more pie recipes and history. I would also be nice to see photos of the pies as well. Overall, pie lovers, food historians, and others will enjoy reading this book! My thanks to Abrams Press and NetGallery for a digital early copy of this book for my review!

A charming book, filled to the brim with interesting history and delicious food. I loved in particular the authors sense of humour throughout, as well as their commitment to presenting a history flavoured with social justice.

What’s better than pie? A little history with your pie! This book delivers on both fronts. Did you know the original name for pie crust? The symbolism of certain pies throughout history? If not, then you’re in for a delicious treat. Being a bit of a trivia hound, this is an excellent book for nuggets I’ve not heard elsewhere.

Intriguing history to top off the delicious pies. It doesn’t get better than this…unless you top off said pie with ice cream while reading the history. A great read for culinary and history lovers.