Introduction
At Goodley Living, my goal is to help you navigate the wonderful world of cookbooks. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner guide, a deep dive into baking, or inspiration for simple living, I strive to provide thoughtful and honest reviews to make your cookbook selection easier. As a cookbook enthusiast with a love for turning recipes into cherished memories, I want to share what makes each book special—and whether it’s a fit for your kitchen.
Review Philosophy
I approach cookbook reviews from the perspective of a home cook who values simplicity, practicality, and creativity. My blog’s focus on “simple living for busy people” guides my choices. I look for cookbooks that offer clear instructions, doable recipes, and thoughtful design, ensuring they align with the everyday realities of cooking at home. Whether it’s a book that sparks joy through storytelling or one that delivers reliable weeknight meals, my reviews aim to balance professional critique with the perspective of someone who just loves cooking.
Cookbooks I’ve Cooked From
When I’ve cooked from a cookbook, my review includes personal insights on the recipes I’ve tried. I focus on key aspects like:
- Ease of following instructions.
- How the finished dish turned out.
- Ingredient accessibility.
- Overall enjoyment of the cooking process. These hands-on experiences allow me to highlight standout recipes, note any challenges, and share tips for making the most of the book.
Cookbooks I Haven’t Cooked From
For cookbooks I haven’t cooked from, I rely on extensive research to evaluate their strengths. This includes:
- Reading through recipes to assess clarity and creativity.
- Evaluating the book’s design, including photos, layout, and organization.
- Considering the author’s expertise and mission for the book.
- Exploring feedback from other readers and cooks. While I can’t speak to every recipe’s performance, my goal is to provide a well-rounded overview to help you decide if it’s worth exploring.
Cookbook Lists: How Things Make the Cut
My curated cookbook lists are designed to showcase the best of the best for specific themes, like holiday baking, sushi, or healthy cooking. To make the cut, books must:
- Fit the list’s theme and purpose.
- Stand out for quality, creativity, or uniqueness.
- Be highly rated by other readers or trusted in the food community. These lists are a blend of personal favorites and highly recommended titles, ensuring a diverse selection for every type of cook.
What Makes a Great Cookbook
When evaluating a cookbook, I look for several key qualities:
- Clarity: Are the instructions easy to follow? Are measurements and steps clearly laid out?
- Variety: Does the book offer enough variety to keep it interesting?
- Creativity: Does it bring something fresh to the table, whether through unique recipes, techniques, or stories?
- Accessibility: Are the ingredients easy to find? Are the techniques manageable for the target audience?
- Design: Are the photos, layout, and organization inspiring and functional? A great cookbook doesn’t need to check every box, but it should shine in the areas that matter most to its intended audience.
Transparency Statement
Honesty and transparency are at the heart of my reviews. Here’s what you can expect:
- Some cookbooks are purchased by me, while others are gifted or provided as review copies. I always disclose when a book has been gifted.
- I include affiliate links to help support my blog. Using these links costs you nothing extra but helps me continue creating content.
- Regardless of how I acquire a book, my reviews are always honest and based on my genuine impressions.
If you’re interested in how I choose books for review from publishers, check out my book review policy.
FAQ
How do you decide which cookbooks to review? I focus on cookbooks that align with my blog’s themes: simple living, practical cooking, and cookbook inspiration. I also consider reader requests and trending topics in the food world.
How do you rate or rank cookbooks? I don’t assign numerical ratings. Instead, I provide detailed feedback to help readers understand what makes the book worth considering.
Do you always cook from the books you review? Not always. When I don’t cook from a book, I’ll be upfront about it and focus on a thorough evaluation of its content and design.
Your Turn
Have a cookbook you’d love to see reviewed? Drop me a suggestion, and it might just make it onto Goodley Living! Send me an email with Karina [at] goodleyliving.com to chat more. Thank you for trusting me to be part of your kitchen journey.