A delightful and rewarding book for anybody... For the even mildly curious, Swallowing Clouds is almost essential foreplay, not just to one but to a lifetime of good Chinese meals. -- James Barber, The Urban Peasant
Physics professor Zee writes about how to understand the menus in Chinese restaurants, explaining the characters, what they mean, and the colorful stories behind the names of various dishes. Anne Tyler (in the Washington Post) called Swallowing Clouds "a study of the very nature of Chinese culture. Zee has a quirky, personal style that draws the reader in."
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"In this lyrical work, theoretical physicist Zee steps outside his specialty to write about his true loves—Chinese cooking, language, and culture. Zee’s format is elegant: he takes a common food on the menu of any Chinese American restaurant, explicates the Chinese characters designating the food, and relates charming anecdotes and history associated with the food."
" - Kirkus Reviews
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"Charming. . . . A study of the very nature of Chinese culture. Zee has a quirky, personal style that draws the reader in."
" - Washington Post Book World
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"The most delightful food book of the year, . . . a happy blending of instruction and amusement in the language, culture, and cuisine of China."
" - Minneapolis Star-Tribune
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"Interesting and unique. . . . Family anecdotes, folklore, and good sketches help the author present a new understanding and meaning behind this rich and complex cuisine."
" - Christian Science Monitor
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"A truly delightful literary compendium of wit, wisdom, and how-to."
" - Newsday
