We are often nostalgic for the time when the world moved a little more slowly and family dinner was a daily event. But the reality often is a catch-as-catch can dinner, sometimes eaten standing, and often with different members of the family eating at different times. Enter Laurie David’s “The Family Dinner”, a luscious book which is at once a cookbook and a research-based call-out to the importance -- and joy -- of sitting down to dinner as a family. David, who produced the Academy Award-winning documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”, combines a treasure trove of recipes with latest findings that confirms another important truth -- taking the time to sit down with your children truly does impact their well-being. Tucked into this cornucopia of great eats and great ideas are fun things to do at the table, great conversation starters, and words of wisdom on food and family from the likes of Alice Waters, Mario Batali, Nora Ephron, Maya Angelou and Mark Bittman. I loved everything about this book -- how easy, approachable and delicious the recipes look, the way it underscores an old idea in a very new way, and it being the perfect gift for a son or daughter this holiday -- a book which is way more than just a book.

This book has lots of fun ideas and is worth reading while your family is young.

While I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, I am solely basing my opinion on this book based on the wonderful ideas it provides on how to make the Family dinner more enjoyable. This is thoughtfully researched book that I could not put down due to all of the inspiration that it provides and the lovely pictures that accompany the text. If the recipes prove to be keepers, this will be a book that I would highly recommend. Even if they don't measure up the beginning of this book with it's wonderful ideas is worth the entire purchase of this book!