A memoir‑cookbook that understands low‑spoon days better than anything I have read.
There are books that whisper a quiet reminder that you deserve to be cared for, even when life feels impossibly heavy. Depression Cooking is that kind of companion, Sonali Menezes’ book.
I purchased this with the expectation of a traditional cookbook, but it is so much more personal. It combines memoir, illustration and cooking advice in a way that feels personal and comforting. Menezes is open about her experiences with mental illness, disordered eating and exhaustion and shares the meals that got her through those times. Throughout the book, dal, ramen, toast, rice and macaroni appear, not as perfect dishes, but as simple ways to stay nourished when everything feels hard.
https://sonali-menezes.com/depression-cooking
What I loved the most was the gentle way of cooking. The recipes are forgiving and adaptable, not strict instructions but suggestions.
Menezes encourages readers to adapt, simplify, and skip steps according to how energetic they are. She even ranks each recipe based on the spoon level and number of dishes, which is super considerate if you’ve ever experienced low motivation or executive dysfunction.
The memoir portions are raw and truthful. Menezes isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of her story, but she writes with a softness that makes the book feel safe even when the topics are heavy. Her meditations on healing, community and the solace of food are beautifully written. I found myself stopping often to sit with her words.
https://sonali-menezes.com/depression-cooking
The illustrations are warm and personable (although I wanted more illustrations) and the tone is just so sweet. And you can eat right out of the pot. That’s totally acceptable. Dinner: a slice of toast is ok. It doesn’t have to be pretty or healthy to be a meal. The message is simple and powerful. Even the smallest act of feeding yourself can be an act of love.
Readers who love food memoirs, gentle self-help, mental health stories, cosy cooking or books that help make the everyday feel more manageable.
This is not your average cookbook. It is a companion for those sad, exhausted or overwhelmed days. It is comforting, relatable and quietly hopeful. I am glad this book found its way into my hands.
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for this eARC.
Pub Date: Oct 13 2026
Follow the author here: https://www.instagram.com/sonaleeeeeee
