At first, the title of the book caught my attention. I thought I would read a book where I could find different baklava recipes from the Middle East. Ironically, there was only one recipe which the author called Poetic Baklava. So where are the baklava recipes, I wondered? If there is only one baklava recipe, what is this book about? However, after reading the book, the answer was revealed to me and I started putting it all together. Surprisingly, the title of the book and its contents make sense. The Language of Baklava is a pleasant book to read. It can be read repeatedly for the stories, the memories, the recipes, and obviously for the baklava. In fact, it is a story of the writer's life peppered with recipes that Bud and other family members shared with her over the years, written in a unique and flavorful way . The book is also full of Middle Eastern cooking methods and recipes. Although most of the recipes in the book are Middle Eastern, it still contains instructions on how to prepare other types of foods. For example, on page 86 we can find an Italian recipe she calls Mrs. Manarelli's Civilized Panna Cotta. Dishes from its American culture have relaxing names such as Comforting Grilled Velveeta Sandwiches and The Tenderest Angel Food Cake, while dishes from its Jordanian culture have nostalgic names such as Nostalgic Chicken Livers and "Forget Me Not" Sambusik. Cookies. This reflects the writer's multicultural origin and his search for his identity. The Language of Baklava is not a cookbook for those looking for a traditional cookbook, nor for those looking for a cookbook in which they can find many recipes of traditional cuisine. ...... middle of paper ...... significant impact in Diana's life. However, for Diana, the relationship with food is different from that of her father. For Bud, food is a way to identify with his way of life: “…he cooks and sings in Arabic to the sound of liver and fried onions songs about missing the one you love. » For his family, food has always been a reason to feel better and relieve the pressures of life. For Diana, it's a way of finding herself. Additionally, for Diana, and despite all the challenges she has faced, food and cooking are used as a tool in which she expresses herself. A tool to share your good and bad times. She used food as comfort, as a peace offering, and as a way to find herself. Therefore, her simple and enjoyable stories to read became a wonderful mix between her life story and culinary recipes. Especially for those who view food as more than something to eat..