If you love New Orleans, and if you love food, and in particular, if you love Noo Awlins food, you will enjoy Gumbo Tales by Sara Roahen. This autobiographic story is about Ms. Roahen's transformation from a midwesterner to a born-again YAT. Its written in a breezy, conversational manner that is an easy read and great for the beach. If you have any interest in gumbo (of course), sno-balls, red gravy, sazeracs, oysters, red beans, smothered vegetables, etc. Its not a cookbook and there are no recipes, but you will want to visit the ACME after you've read a chapter or two. 