Cakewalk

Author: Kate Moses
Stars: 5
Review by: patco81

Memoir of dysfunctional family, similar to The Glass Castle but on a different socioeconomic scale. Cissy (later known as Kate), the middle child, the only girl, escapes her mother's neediness and her father's icy indifference by retreating into the comfort of food, particularly baking. Adolescence brings new coping mechanisms: Kate's creative talents are channeled into writing, traveling and developing her own voice.  This book provides a look at California's arts community in the 1960's, with glimpses of such celebrated personalities as M.F.K. Fisher, Kay Boyle and the elusive/reclusive Samuel Beckett in Italy.  Interspersed within this wonderful narrative are elaborate, mouth-watering recipes. An enjoyable book on so many levels.