Beyond Hummus and Falafel: Social and Political Aspects of Palestinian Food in Israel (California Studies in Food and Culture) (Volume 40) Paperback – October 22, 2012

This book deserves to have something said in its favor...lest the one-star diatribe posted now on Amazon carry the day. It appears that the one-star writer can't get beyond anything having to do with the Palestinian people, least of all their rights to self-determination and to sit in peace around the dinner table with family members and friends enjoying the richness of Palestinian cuisine (beyond hummus and falafel!).

Its an interesting book, but far from perfect. I got the feeling that she is trying to push too much politics in the book. If something is unites the nations in Israel, one thing for sure is the food. For example, I think the situation in Israel is far more complicated then looking at Palestinian-citizen-of-Israel foods as a food of a minority group and because of that its considered unhealthy, unclean, and even- devoid of test[!] and therefore its price is lower, etc (pg 14). (Those in Israel who do not like Arabs, are yet eating their food..). I think, when its come to food (and in other aspects), the cultures are intertwined and influencing each other, like it or not. Even the languages are mixed now. I'd give it 3.5 stars. One half more then the politics did.