Giving Grace

Before every meal we should be thanking the forces that be and grateful for our full tables.Saying grace though  is hard. What to say . especially at a multireligious holiday table can cause problems. However there's a new book out this month that solves that dilemma. Thanks to Bless This Food,  every group, from Muslim to Orthodox, from Christian to Wiccan can offer prayers of thanksgiving.

I normally wouldn't review a book like this but I was so impressed with it , that I felt it has to be given its' due. This surprisingly slim book was written and compiled by Adrian Butash and  published by New World Library  out of Novato, California.Mr Btash has even gotten two Pulitzer Prize winners to contribute.Every section of this book is interesting. I like the different ways of saying grace in all languages including American Sign Language. The introduction shows us how the world's religions say thanks for a bountiful table along with the customs involved.

One would think a book about saying grace would be solely religious. Mr. Butash includes William Shakespeare and Robert Burns along with the indigenous chief Tecumsah Gandhi is also quoted as  is St Francis .Everyone is given an equal amount of credit. The prayers are not only to thank our respective Gods but also to be grateful for breaking bread with friends as well as  for the bountiful crops that supply us. Even the non religious or nature worshippers are mentioned in Wiccan  prayers and indigenous  blessings from North American and Mexican tribes.

Bless This Food is the perfect gift for any foodie, regardless of their beliefs. It is a thoughtful and interesting compilation of different graces.It should be within reach of any table anywhere in the world.