NPR's Book of the Day: Summary of "Food Person" by Adam Roberts

Episode Title: In debut novel 'Food Person,' a food writer ghostwrites a celebrity cookbook
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong
Author Featured: Adam Roberts

Introduction to "Food Person"

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong introduces Adam Roberts' debut novel, Food Person. The story centers around Isabella Pasternak, a dedicated food writer who faces a professional setback when she disastrously mishandles a chocolate souffle during an Instagram live session. In an effort to recover her reputation, Isabella is offered the unique opportunity to ghostwrite a cookbook for Molly Babcock, a high-profile celebrity known more for her tumultuous behavior than any culinary expertise.

Plot Overview

Adam Roberts provides an engaging synopsis of the novel:

“Her job at an online food magazine when she mucks up a chocolate souffle on Instagram live. On the rebound, she's offered the opportunity to write that is to ghostwrite a cookbook for Molly Babcock, an actor with a reputation for bad behavior and a career in need of a reboot. But does Molly have any recipes for food or for life?”
— Adam Roberts [01:25]

Isabella's passion for food starkly contrasts with Molly's indifference, setting the stage for an intriguing collaborative dynamic.

Character Development: Isabella and Molly

Roberts delves into the complexities of his main characters, striving to avoid the cliché of a superficial celebrity devoid of depth.

“I try to push past the idea of the shallow celebrity who doesn't eat and doesn't like food. I wanted to understand why does this character Molly resist the idea of actually cooking and eating?”
— Adam Roberts [02:44]

A pivotal moment in the novel reveals that Molly's aversion to food stems from her mother's legacy as a passionate home cook. This revelation adds layers to Molly's character and enriches the narrative.

“Family recipes can open family histories and that can be complicated, can't it?”
— Adam Roberts [03:11]

Themes Explored in "Food Person"

The novel intertwines the love for food with deeper emotional and psychological themes:

• Food as a Connection: Cooking serves as a medium through which Isabella and Molly bridge their differences and form an unexpected bond.

  “Food has a way of unlocking us and can open us up to each other, doesn't it?”
  — Adam Roberts [05:56]

• Emotional Stories Behind Recipes: Roberts emphasizes that great food writing goes beyond mere recipes, offering glimpses into personal lives and histories.

  “Even when you go to a restaurant and they describe a dish and they say this dish comes from the chef's grandmother who escaped World War II, it makes it taste different to hear the story before you eat it.”
  — Adam Roberts [05:10]

• Intimacy of Sharing Meals: The act of eating together is portrayed as a vulnerable and intimate experience that fosters deep connections.

  “We're vulnerable when we're eating. It's a bodily thing. You know, you're putting food into your body. It's very intimate.”
  — Adam Roberts [05:56]

Author's Influences and Inspirations

Adam Roberts shares his admiration for renowned food writers who have shaped his approach to storytelling:

“First and foremost, I would say Calvin Trillin. Actually he wrote a book a couple years ago called Feeding a Yin. And that was the first food book I ever read where it was really funny. And I thought, wow, you can be funny about food because so much food writing is self serious.”
— Adam Roberts [03:53]

Roberts also praises other literary figures like Ruth Reichl and M.F.K. Fisher for their ability to weave personal narratives with culinary delights.

Culinary Insights and Personal Touches

As a nod to his culinary passion, Roberts shares his favorite recipe, reflecting the personal nature of food in his writing:

“My favorite recipe comes from Lidia Bastianich and it's cavatappi with sun dried tomatoes and cannellini beans. And you make it by sauteing garlic and sun dried tomatoes in olive oil with chili flakes. Then you drop cavatappi into a pot of boiling salted water. Then you take the pasta water and you add it to the pan with the tomatoes and the garlic and it kind of makes a sauce. And then you add white beans to that and then you add the pasta and parmesan cheese. And it's truly. I mean, I make it all the time. It's my favorite pasta dish.”
— Adam Roberts [06:36]

This inclusion underscores how food serves as a central theme in both his life and his writing.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Food Person emerges as a heartfelt exploration of how food intertwines with personal identity, relationships, and emotional healing. Through Isabella and Molly's journey, Roberts illustrates that even the most unlikely collaborations can lead to profound personal growth and understanding.

“And I really tried to build the story so that the kitchen was the locus of all that change.”
— Adam Roberts [05:28]

Roberts' debut novel promises to resonate with readers who appreciate nuanced character development and the rich storytelling possibilities that food offers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Adam Roberts on Character Depth:
  “I try to push past the idea of the shallow celebrity who doesn't eat and doesn't like food.” [02:44]

• On Family Recipes:
  “Family recipes can open family histories and that can be complicated, can't it?” [03:11]

• On Food and Intimacy:
  “We're vulnerable when we're eating. It's a bodily thing. You know, you're putting food into your body. It's very intimate.” [05:56]

• On Food Writing:
  “Even when you go to a restaurant and they describe a dish and they say this dish comes from the chef's grandmother who escaped World War II, it makes it taste different to hear the story before you eat it.” [05:10]

• Favorite Recipe Share:
  “I make it all the time. It's my favorite pasta dish.” [06:36]

Adam Roberts' "Food Person" promises a delectable blend of culinary passion and emotional storytelling, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of both food and richly woven narratives.