So many chocolate books to review, so little time. There are a lot of books I would like to read, but haven’t gotten around to yet. Lots of chocolate books are really big and really expensive, *sigh* but I guess it costs more to have all those luscious photos of chocolate.
Chocolate Books Reviews for Grown-Up Kids
Candy Freak
by Steve Almond
Hilarious and engaging, Steve Almond takes us on “a journey through the chocolate underbelly of America” and introduces us to the last of the ‘little guy’ candy makers. I laughed out loud – often – and left craving more chocolate.
Our rating: 5 of 5 bon bons
The Great Book of Chocolate
by David Lebovitz
A compact guide to all things chocolate, which includes yummy photos, concise explanations, fun anecdotes, and some scrumptious recipes. David Lebovitz is an American chef living in Paris, and his chocolate advice is dead on.
Our rating: 5 of 5 bon bons
The True History of Chocolate
by Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe
The definitive work on the history of chocolate. Perfect for history buffs and chocolate lovers alike, this book is a thorough history of all aspects of chocolate, from its origins in Central America to the confection we know and love today. A must for any true chocoholic.
Our rating: 5 of 5 bon bons
Chocolate: Cooking with the world’s best ingredient
Christine McFadden & Christine France
This is a beautiful coffee-table style chocolate cookbook that includes over 200 delicious recipes. It begins with a very thorough introduction to chocolate, including history, tasting tips, processing methods, and chocolates around the world. The recipes are illustrated with excellent photographs that instruct you step-by-step. Best of all is that many of the recipes are simple, and none seem beyond the grasp of the average home baker. Unfortunately, I think it’s out of print.
Our rating: 5 of 5 bon bons
The Chocolate Bible
by Christian Teubner
This is another of the large format, coffee table cookbooks. It begins with the standard introduction to chocolate and processing, then gives way to 150 step-by-step recipes. The thing I didn’t like about this book is that many of the recipes are of the very time-consuming, multi-step variety, geared more toward the home chef rather than the home cook. Some, but not all, of the recipes include very helpful step-by-step photographs. There is an excellent explanation of tempering and chocolate candy making. Recommended for the obsessive chocolate cook, especially those who wish to make candies and high end desserts. Alas, I think this chocolate book is out of print and you may have to buy used.
Our rating: 4.5 of 5 bon bons
Chocolate Unwrapped: The Surprising Health Benefits of America’s Favorite Passion
by Rowan Jacobsen
If you ever needed justification for eating chocolate, you’ll find it here. Supports the adage that chocolate is a vegetable, ‘cuz, you know, it kinda IS.
Our rating: 4 of 5 bon bons
The Discovery of Chocolate
by James Runcie
A lovely work of historical fiction that interweaves the history of chocolate with a beautiful love story. A pleasant, easy read of a chocolate book, perfect for pairing with your favorite chocolate bar while you’re snuggled up under the covers.
Our rating: 4 of 5 bon bons
Chocolat
by Joanne Harris
It’s very rare that I like a movie better than its corresponding book, but that was the case here. Maybe I like the way the movie ties everything up into a neat package, somewhat like a fairy tale. The book is far more open ended, and though well-written, I found no sense of closure or substantial growth for the main character. But it’s certainly nice and chocolatey, and definitely worth the read.
Our rating: 4 of 5 bon bons
The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse
by Robert Rankin
I had high hopes for this book because I think the title is hilarious. Let’s be clear, it really has nothing to do with chocolate, but you knew that. It’s about Jack, who sets out for Toy City to make his fortune. There’s a serial killer on the loose offing all the classic nursery rhyme characters. Not a bad premise, but you either love or hate the writing style. I hated it. I made it to page 6. But those who love it really love it, apparently…
Our rating: 1 of 5 bon bons
Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt
by Karen Scalf Linamen
Wow, what a disappointment. I’d seen this title before in relation to chocolate, and thought it would be a great chocolate book. Which isn’t to say it isn’t a perfectly lovely book if you are looking for a Christian woman’s guide to dealing with stress. I wasn’t.
Our rating: unrated
Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul/Spirit/Heart
by Kay Allenbaugh
In the same way that the Chicken Soup series is about neither chicken nor soup, these chocolate books are not about chocolate. Rats, as I was really hoping for some good chocolate tales. But they do contain sweet real-life stories.
Our rating: unrated
Chocolate Books for Kids
Chocolate: Riches from the Rainforest
by Robert Burleigh
A beautifully illustrated history and explanation of chocolate. Highly recommended for chocolate lovers of all ages, if only for the luscious photos alone.
Our rating: 4 of 5 bon bons
Chocolate Fever
by Robert Kimmel Smith
A chocolate book for kids that tells the amusing tale of Henry Green, a boy so addicted to chocolate that he develops what may be the world’s first case of chocolate fever. A fun read for kids, but only the adults most desperate for new chocolate literature need seek it out.
Our rating: 3 of 5 bon bons