Welcome to Revise and Resubmit, where we break down ideas, one book at a time. This is Weekend Book Review, and today, we’re diving into a book that blends the aroma of spices with the rigor of economics—Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society by Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee.
Banerjee is no stranger to deep thinking. As an economist, he has reshaped how we understand poverty. But in Chhaunk, he sets aside academic jargon and steps into the kitchen, weaving personal stories, recipes, and economic insights into a delightful, thought-provoking feast. From the simple act of seasoning food to the complex layers of social structures, Banerjee makes surprising connections—why does a shami kebab teach us about savings? How does a Bengali ghanto reveal the history of women’s liberation?
This book is not just about food; it’s about how we live, how we share, and how economics shapes our everyday choices. So, is cooking just a matter of taste, or is it an act of economics, politics, and memory all rolled into one?
A huge thanks to Abhijit Banerjee and illustrator Cheyenne Olivier for this deliciously insightful read. Don’t forget to subscribe to Revise and Resubmit on Spotify and check out Weekend Researcher on YouTube. You can also find us on Amazon Prime Music and Apple Podcasts. Until next time—what does your plate say about the world you live in?
Reference
Banerjee, A. (2024). Chhaunk on food, economics and society. Juggernaut, ISBN: 9789353452421 https://www.amazon.in/Chhaunk-Economics-Society-Abhijit-Banerjee-ebook/dp/B0DMP79NH3
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