Written by a chef, Squash the Beef is artfully written and engaging. The formatting is so darn clever. The way the author weaves food into his personal story and adds a flavorful life lesson onto the plate is masterful. In chapter one, for example, the author notes that just as every ingredient in a recipe has a “unique and distinct profile,” so does every person’s unique personality and qualities. In Lean on Me, the author writes, “We had each other’s back like biscuits.” He explains that laying biscuits on a sheet pan so they’re touching side-by-side causes them to rise their highest. (Who knew?) This is used as a bridge to explain that during life’s trials, friends and families must stand back-to-back and shoulder-to-shoulder to “rise and stand our tallest.” And just as biscuits require closeness, cookies require space. This segues into the importance of personal space and setting up boundaries. Additional chapters include: -It’s Gravy -How to fix a broken gravy or repair broken relationships. -Better in Thyme -How friendships get better in time, like leftover spaghetti. -Jell-O -The importance of allowing relationships to gel. The writing style is warm and friendly. It’s like you and your next-door neighbor just chatting over a glass of wine. Gently faith-flavored, the homespun wisdom, relational skills, and life lessons imparted offer plenty of food for thought. The food idioms toward the end will make you smile. Get ready to sink your teeth into a book that's as DELICIOUS as it is inspirational, charming, and captivating. Squash the Beef serves up a recipe for life that’s all heart. You'll love!