Bishara, owner of Tanoreen Restaurant in Brooklyn, was born in Nazareth to a food-loving family that produced its own jams, vinegars, and cheeses. In Arabic her name means "storyteller," and, aptly, her debut is an engrossing tale told in words, photographs, and spicy Middle Eastern recipes (e.g., roasted fish, pickled stuffed bell peppers, rolled date cookies). Thanks in part to the popularity of Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi's Jerusalem: A Cookbook, specialty ingredients such as freekeh and za'atar are easier to find, but they'll still elude some readers. VERDICT Themes of food, family, and personal growth flow throughout this gorgeous cookbook, which balances both simple and challenging recipes.

Bishara, owner of Tanoreen Restaurant in Brooklyn, was born in Nazareth to a food-loving family that produced its own jams, vinegars, and cheeses. In Arabic her name means "storyteller," and, aptly, her debut is an engrossing tale told in words, photographs, and spicy Middle Eastern recipes (e.g., roasted fish, pickled stuffed bell peppers, rolled date cookies). (LJ 3/15/14)