THE TABLE OF LIFE

Vincent offers a thoughtful mix of memoir, self-help, and family recipes.

In the introduction, the author shares, “I learned how to cook, love, and pray in Eggert’s Crossing Village in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.” Vincent establishes a consistent structure early: Each chapter opens with quotes from luminaries like Maya Angelou, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Melinda Gates, follows these with portions of the author’s life story that move discursively across time, and concludes with recipes, including classic punch bowl, deviled eggs with candied bacon, smashed red potato salad, and sweet potato pie. Though it is not told linearly, readers learn Vincent’s history as it relates to each recipe, and it can make for some difficult reading. The author had a baby at 12, witnessed violence as a 3-year-old when “a relative of [hers] who was naked and had blood covering her face” appeared in her doorway, and entered a cycle in which she endured physical and mental abuse before consciously deciding to break the pattern. Her life began to turn around at Temple University, where she met her future husband (and NFL player), Troy, who helped her to accept love and see an approach to living a new life. Her troubles did not disappear, however, as she reflects later in the book that even after having five children and raising them in a loving home, she still battled depression and feelings of failure. Vincent’s frank recounting of her journey demonstrates how pain and misfortune can be turned into wisdom and strength. Her voice mixes vulnerability with grit and a belief in the power of God to help all overcome obstacles (she asserts that “Acknowledging that life is hard helps you prepare and adjust for the journey ahead”). The memoir succeeds in showing that, like rice, life “does not have to be bland” when properly seasoned with courage, faith, and the determination to break destructive cycles.

Wise and powerful, with good recipes, too.