Kristen Wilson

K. Renée’s memoir, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater: And Other Life Lessons from Nonna’s Kitchen, is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of family, food, love, grief and sacrifice. Through a series of vivid, heartfelt vignettes, Renée weaves together her Italian heritage, childhood memories, and the complex relationships that shaped her life. ​ The narrative is both intimate and universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own familial bonds and the ways in which food serves as a metaphor for connection, care, and identity. ​

Renée’s prose is evocative, painting scenes of her childhood with sensory detail that brings her memories to life. From the olive tree in her front yard to the strawberries she sliced for her father, each anecdote is filled with emotion and meaning. ​ The recurring theme of food—whether it’s Nonna’s insistence on clean plates, the strawberries sold by farm workers, or the meals shared with loved ones—serves as a thread that ties the narrative together, symbolizing nourishment in both the physical and emotional sense. ​

Renée does not shy away from the darker aspects of her family’s history, including abuse, loss, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. ​ Yet, she balances these moments with humor, warmth, and a deep sense of gratitude for the resilience of the women in her family. ​ The stories of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother reveal a legacy of strength and endurance, even in the face of hardship. ​

Ultimately, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater is a celebration of life’s messy, imperfect beauty. It reminds us that the act of feeding—whether it’s a meal, a memory, or a moment of comfort—is an expression of love. ​

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: Renée’s memoir is a heartfelt tribute to the power of food to connect us to our past, our loved ones, and ourselves. ​