Sophia C. reviewed on 8/15/2010 + 289 more book reviews

The Zen of Fish: the story of sushi, from samurai to supermarket is an informative read about what Americans consider quintessential Japanese food. Trevor Corson touches on its history, chemistry, preparation, and introduction into America through the lens of a sushi chef course at the California Sushi Academy. Focusing on Kate, an inept student at first, the author initiates the reader into American sushi restaurant culture. Unfortunately, similar to Kate's sushi knives initially, his presentation is not as sharp as one would hope for a non-fiction book on an interesting subject in popular culture. Much of the text is too situation-specific to Kate and her classmates' experience, leaving the more interesting parts about the sushi—arguably what drew the reader to the material—seeming like filler afterthoughts. The chemistry of taste is explained in dumbed-down metaphors. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and want to learn more about sushi, which is not what the Japanese eat at every meal.

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