Tomorrow Bookstore is an independent, general interest bookstore on Mass Ave—Indianapolis’ premier retail corridor. Founded by Julia Breakey and Jake Budler, Tomorrow is a majority woman-owned bookstore focused on human-centric global stories. This Mass Ave gem curates stories—about ourselves and the world around us—to create a stronger community and a better tomorrow.
In honor of Tomorrow Bookstore’s grand opening on April 15 and PATTERN’s upcoming launch of Volume 23—the Food Issue—of our print magazine, we had Jake and Julia curate a list of food-centric reads. Check out the list below, and be sure to stop by Tomorrow Bookstore’s grand opening on April 15th to support a local, independently-owned business!
Crying in H Mart
Author: Michelle Zauner
Type: Non-Fiction – Memoir
Blurb: Michelle Zauner has proven she can sing – and that she can write (she’s working on a film next – what can’t she do?) Her critically-acclaimed memoir delves into how food has shaped her life and identity—and how H Mart trips helped her deal with the aftermath of her mother’s death.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Type: Fiction
Blurb: A low-key coffee shop that’s never full and always the right temperature—what’s not to love? Throw in a single chair that facilitates time travel, but with some complicated rules… This beautiful novel (the first in a critically acclaimed trilogy) is gripping, original, and just a touch magical.
After Tonight, Everything Will Be Different by Adam Gnade
Author: Adam Gnade
Type: Fiction – Literary
Blurb: Gnade’s self-proclaimed “food novel” frames each chapter around a meal. As his youthful characters navigate life at the end of the last century, their triumphs, pains, and joys, are all borne witness by the likes of deli sandwiches, eggplant parms, and box brownies.
In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain
Author: Tom Vitale
Type: Non-Fiction – Memoir
Blurb: As the longtime producer for Anthony Bourdain’s shows, almost no one had a front-seat view as good as Tom Vitale. But this memoir isn’t just the highlight reel—Tom shares the wild stories while expertly painting the complex, confusing, and often difficult rollercoaster that was Anthony Bourdain and his orbit.
Have You Eaten Yet: Stories from Chinese Restaurants Around the World
Author: Cheuk Kwan
Type: Non-fiction
Blurb: Despite the ubiquity of Chineses restaurants across the world, few people pause to learn their stories. From Cape Town to Canada, Cheuk Kwan finds the most delicious Chinese cuisine, exploring the people and stories behind the food.
Your Table is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'
Author: Michael Cecchi-Azzolina
Type: Non-fiction – Memoir
Blurb: Most people who have a run-in with a New York City mobster don’t get to tell the tale. Luckily, Michael Cecchi-Azzolina tells that story and many more from his exceptional career leading front-of-house at high-end New York restaurants. Spoiler: all you need is $100 cash to get your party a decent table.
Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America
Author: Mayukh Sen
Type: Non-fiction
Blurb: The term “chef” too often connotes a man. Mayukh Sen overturns this stereotyping – profiling incredible women from around the world who all have had a unique and profound impact on American cooking. If you’re in the market for a new cookbook – read this book first.
A Certain Hunger
Author: Chelsea G. Summers
Type: Fiction – Literary
Blurb: Dorothy Daniels is a masterly food critic with immense passion for the culinary arts. She’s also obsessed with sex—and when she eventually embraces her superiority over her unlucky lovers, Summers’ hilarious novel morphs into a gory, camp satire about foodieism and the trappings of gender.
Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
Author: Ken Forkish
Type: Cookbook
Blurb: Portland-based baker Ken Forkish is obsessed with dough, and this meticulously detailed cookbook is the bread and pizza cookbook in professional kitchens. But don’t let it intimidate you – Flour Water Salt Yeast contains recipes for total beginners and sourdough experts alike.
Arsenic and Adobo
Author: Mia P. Manansala
Type: Fiction – Mystery
Blurb: Manansala’s cozy culinary mystery follows Lila Macapagal, a recently single woman who is wrongfully suspected of killing her ex-boyfriend, a particularly nasty food critic. Aided by her nosy Filipino aunties, Lila has no choice but to solve the mystery and clear her name.
Setting the Table
Author: Danny Meyer
Type: Non-fiction – Business
Blurb: Not only did Danny Meyer turn a hot dog stand into a global burger joint, he also created stunning restaurant concepts like Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern. This book skews more business – Danny shares his wisdom on humanizing hospitality and providing exceptional service.
Modern Cape Malay Cooking: Comfort Food Inspired by My Cape Malay Heritage
Author: Cariema Isaacs
Type: Cookbook
Blurb: One of the most ethnically-diverse communities in the world, the Cape Malay people also have some of the most phenomenal food. In her fourth cookbook, Isaacs recognizes the Millennial generation’s influence on modern food – her recipes span pastas and quick-stir fries, while keeping things simple, approachable, and true to Cape Malay heritage.
A Magic Steeped in Poison
Author: Judy I. Lin
Type: Fiction – Young Adult Fantasy
Blurb: Ning has entered a competition to find the kingdom’s greatest shennong-shi – masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. She needs to win the competition to save her sister whom she accidentally poisoned, but first she must navigate the bloody court politics, the backstabbing, and a beautiful boy with a shocking secret.
