Age Level: Adult
Format: Book
In this quirky memoir, Ben Ryder Howe recounts his adventures co-owning a deli with his in-laws, Korean immigrants. One day, Howe’s wife Gab decides to honor her mother’s self-sacrifice by purchasing a store for her in Brooklyn. For Howe and his wife, this means using their savings and living with Howe’s in-laws. Howe can only begin to imagine what it takes to own a store, operate the store’s evening hours, and maintain his day job as a senior editor for The Paris Review.
Howe includes both funny anecdotes and serious reflections about his life during this time period. Anyone looking for just a dialogue about owning a deli will be in for a surprise, for Howe also discusses his day job and his relationship with his boss, the famous George Plimpton. The balance of funny and serious really adds to the book, in my opinion – the experience leaves him with a changed perception about himself and the world, while providing a bunch of fun memories. Plus, Howe discusses some Korean customs and traditions, which I found very interesting.
Readers of humorous memoirs will appreciate this book, as well as those who have ever wondered what it is like to own a convenience store. I enjoyed this!
Reviewed by Jessica
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