Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter, by Angela Hui (Trapeze Books, 2022)

An autobiography, focusing on childhood and adolescence as the daughter of Chinese takeaway owners in 00s South Wales. An engaging account, addressing stressful family relationships, the mechanics of independent fast food, being an outsider in an insular community, experiencing racism, and reconciling multiple identities. Plus recipes, both family and commercial. Plenty to appreciate and to think on, basically.

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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.

Of Mice and Minestrone: Hap and Leonard – the Early Years, by Joe R Lansdale (Tachyon Publications, 2020)

Five stories featuring the young Hap Collins and Leonard Pine. Perhaps for completists and series fans only, but this is still great stuff. Tall tales of East Texas rambunctiousness and formative experiences, delivered in Lansdale’s effortless economic style. The book even features a few recipes from the yarns, contributed (in character) by Lansdale’s daughter Kasey. Recommended.

My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.