Newark Foodies, Book Lovers Unite To Read

NEWARK, CA — Do you love everything about food — from savoring tastes to cherishing traditions? And how about reading — do you intend to read more books for pleasure this year? Here's a great way to combine the two.

Alameda County Reads was launched Monday by the Alameda County Library system, and the Newark library is participating.

The delightful book selected for the program is "Eat Joy: Stories & Comfort Food from 31 Celebrated Writers," edited by Natalie Eve Garrett. The book is a collection of personal, illustrated stories and recipes by American literary writers. It offers insight into how food can provide comfort in hard times—whether the loss of a loved one, homesickness in a new place, or family breakups. The essays are divided into four themes: Growing Pains, Loss, Healing, and Homecoming.

Organizers of the program hope to inspire thousands of community members to read and discuss the same book.

Kelly Vaughan said in Martha Stewart Living, "If you've ever felt a deep, emotional connection to a recipe or been comforted by food during a dark time, you'll fall in love with these stories."

You can sign up online for a discussion and arrange to pick up the book at your local library. Free copies are available while supplies last.

The celebration will continue through April with many book discussion sessions and other special Alameda County Reads programs.

“The vision of AC Library is Kind, Connected Humans,” said Deputy County Librarian Deb Sica. “In our rapidly changing world, we know that it is more important than ever to build both human and humane connections with one another. AC Reads is our first One County, One Book Celebration! Bon livre, bon appétit!”

Eight Alameda County libraries will participate in Alameda County Reads. If your local branch is not participating, you may go to the nearest branch to participate:

Albany Library
1247 Marin Ave
510-526-3720

Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave
510-667-7900

Centerville Library - Fremont
3801 Nicolet Ave, Fremont
510-795-2629

Dublin Library
200 Civic Plaza
925-803-7252

Fremont Main Library
2450 Stevenson Blvd
510-745-1400

Newark Library
6300 Civic Terrace Ave
510-284-0675

San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande
510-284-0640

Union City Library
34007 Alvarado Niles Road
510-745-1464

Alameda County Reads is generously funded by the Alameda County Library Foundation and the Albany, Castro Valley, and Fremont Friends of the Library.

Publishers Weekly gushed about the book, "Delightful . . . Garrett has selected the best kind of culinary writing—unfussy recipes and heartfelt stories that use food as an avenue for reflection. Foodies and fiction readers alike will devour this excellent collection."

Read more about Eat Joy: Stories & Comfort Food from 31 Celebrated Writers.