The Measure of Her Powers: An M.F.K. Fisher Reader by M.F.K. Fisher

The Measure of Her Powers: An M.F.K. Fisher Reader Reviews

• 
  Jeankil

  Always wise; always a graceful writer.
• 
  Leah

  Full disclosure: I read to page 262 and gave up.
  
  I picked up this book about reading several times about how MFK Fisher was the mother of food writing, brillant, etc. I figured the set up of this book: chapters and excerpts from her larger books, would be a good intorduction. Unfortunately, the format proved distracting, if anything, as there seemed to be no real order to the selections.
  
  I had high hopes for Ms. Fisher and found myself dissapointed, less by the quality of her writing, which is a tad repetitive, and more by the character of Fisher herself, who is central to all of her writing. There is an upper-class quality to Ms. Fisher, who rides in first class and thinks that all waiters have a special fondness for her that grew increasingly destestable to me. I find it hard to stomach a woman writing about defeating the "wolf" of starvation, while, in her own words, drinking a second glass of wine.
  
  Despite the medical issues of her children and husbands, Fisher seems to be able to live wherever she wants in whatever style she so chooses and instead of making me feel that anyone can appreciate the wonders of food, Fisher unintentionally leads this reader to feel that it is only for those of her quality.
  
• 
  Deirdre Keating

  I've only finished half, most from The Gastronomical Me, our latest book club pick. I'd heard about Fisher for years, and now I can't understand why I waited so long to read her. I chose this anthology because of mixed reviews that made her sound indulgent or snobby---and she is both at times, but she is also straight-forward and hilarious.
  
  I'm reviewing it now because I imagine I'll dip back and forth in it until I finish while reading other books this summer. I'd love to read a biography of her---any recommendations?
• 
  Jamie

  Ugh. Really bad title. But I got it anyway to replace this lovely old M.F.K. Fisher collection that I pilfered from my mom's shelf and then, in a fit of largesse, gave to my girlfriend, figuring I could always get it back. Well, she split and I never saw it again. So I've got this three dollar copy with a bad title, a funky font and some of the best food writing ever.
• 
  Rosminah

  A collection of MFK Fisher correspondence. I've peck away at this book every now and then. It gets more granular on events in her life that aren't described well in her Art of Eating stories, such as the suicide death of her brother, and family and friend relationships.
• 
  Karen

  There is something about M.F. K. Fisher's writing that appeals to me - besides the subject of food, of course. Straightforward, honest, no nonsense writing. I think her writing is overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Anyone who appreciates memoirs by a food writer would appreciate this book.
• 
  haley

  One of the most amazing food(as well as prose) writers that ever lived. A fascinating lady who lived an incredibly interesting life, and I pretty much like everything she ever does.
• 
  Sue

  This anthology is leading me into all the other feasts by this author
• 
  Amber

  MFK Fisher is the best food writer out there...but don't read her books on an empty stomach. You were warned.
• 
  Karin

  
  My favorite book of the year. Poetry in motion, poignant, an amazing voice. I was lost when I finished it.
• 
  Valerie

  funny, tragic, witty, insightful...wonderful!