Title:	Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora
	Author:	Reem Assil
	Published:	April 19, 2022, Ten Speed Press
	No. of Pages:	304
	Cover Price:	$35.00 Hardcover, $14.99 Kindle

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For foodies, a good cookbook is not a list of recipes; rather, a good cookbook includes several important elements: background, stories and vignettes that humanize the author, beautiful photographs, how-to instructions, and mouthwatering recipes. Foodies like to curl up and read a cookbook before starting cooking, and Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora definitely includes all of these elements. The author, Reem Assil, is a celebrated chef who owns Arab bakeries in California. She knows her stuff, and has excellent writing skills so that those of us who want to enjoy and learn will love her book.

Those who are interested in the Arab culture will want to pick up this book. The background information, as well as cooking information and ingredient lists are helpful, and the recipes are truly mouthwatering. Not only are there dozens of familiar Arab recipes, but also some unusual ones that will tempt even the pickiest of eaters.

The recipes are written in the traditional manner so they are easy to follow for everyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks. There are photographs of most of the recipes, and they are beautiful. The variety of recipes covers appetizers, snacks, main dishes, mezze, vegetables, salads, and desserts. Most call for ingredients that are available at larger grocery stores, so there will be little need to seek out an Arab grocery.

Anyone who reads this cookbook will fall in love with the Arab culture and especially Arab food. This will be an asset to any cookbook shelf.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.