I love books about food. Mostly because I love actual food. But the way people write about it makes it sound like such a magical experience. Robin Sloan is no exception. She did, however, put a more scientific spin on it.

Lois Clary is a robot programmer from Michigan trying to make a living in San Francisco. She befriends two brothers who make food she loves including sourdough bread. When the brothers leave, they gift Lois with their sourdough starter. So begins Lois’ journey in finding herself within the sourdough. Is she a robot programmer? Is she a baker? Turns out she’s both.

In the most basic explanation, the book is a coming-of-age story, but it’s one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Sloan really captured what our generation is like in one beautiful quote: “we are the children of Hogwarts, and more than anything, we just want to be sorted.” This quote lingered in my mind through reading the book, resonated with me on an emotional level. Probably due to the fact that I am a huge Potterhead (Ravenclaw thank you very much), but also because of its truth. We want to know where we belong. We want to be told where we need to be. Even if it is an undesirable place.

So, read Sourdough.

Join Lois on her journey.

Go on one of your own.

Love something like some people love bread.