Bee Wilson’s work of nonfiction is part memoir, part history lessons and part psychological interpretations. The basic premise is that kitchen “things”-cake pans, cork screws, fine china and melon ballers-can be more than just objects. Many items we find in our kitchens remind us of people, places and events that are important in our lives. Bee Wilson’s discussion of these objects also help us learn about her life and the lives of others.

I was interested in The Heart-Shaped Tin because I have enjoyed reading Bee Wilson’s columns in The Wall Street Journal. They are about food, and like this book, about much more. If you thoroughly enjoy eating and/or cooking, I highly recommend Bee Wilson’s newest work.