The Mermaid Handbook: A Guide to the Mermaid Way of Life, Including Recipes, Folklore, and More

“A Guide to the Mermaid Way of Life, Including Recipes, Folklore, and More” is just that...more! Tap into your inner mermaid with Taylor Widrig’s “The Mermaid Handbook.” She has gone well beyond a traditional cookbook with a unique selection of recipes to bring a fascinating look at stories of mermaids from different cultures, the way of a mermaid, and insights in the health benefits of seaweed. Don’t ignore the “Author’s Notes” that, from her perspective as a mermaid, Widrig provides insights into the oldest “superfood” sea vegetables, importance of living like a mermaid, and hoping to inspire people to do so. I got my mermaid on!The word “mer” comes from the French word for sea, and “Mermaid Folklore” Widrig interprets eight centuries-old legends of “seafolk” from Brazil to Africa, Medieval Europe to Canada, Japan to the Arctic, and from Ireland and Scotland to the Middle East. The legends may be set in different environments, north to south and east to west, with a wave of unique cultures, but the spirit of the merfolk seem basically similar: strong, protective, and magically inclined. I enjoyed the story of Mélusine who, upon marrying a King and granting him wealth and power, she requested one day a week for herself, only herself. Saturdays. Oh, what I would give for one day a week to myself!To “cultivate” joy is “The Mermaid Way.” Just like any creature including humans, “no two merfolk are the same,” and every merperson has a special ability, so contemplate what is yours? Widrig continues with delightful insights into “Cultivating Joy,” “Demonstrating Kindness,” and ideas for “Enjoying Your Ocean Home: Sailing Ships and Beach Trips” from Beach Etiquette to activism, from avoiding products harmful to the ocean to choosing sustainable seafood. The one section “Eating Healthy” was very interesting focusing on the Healthy Benefits of Seaweed.This section is an excellent source of information with “An Introduction to the Seaweed Kingdom,” and along with “Historical Uses of Seaweed in the Maritimes,” one gets an excellent overview of the health benefits, sustainability, and the types of “sea vegetables” available. I’m not a big seaweed fan, other than wrapped in my California roll, but I am adventurous, and plan to explore online and at my local health food for those products, like dulse flakes and sugar kelp, with this section as my guide.Last, the recipes...“Mermaid Recipes!” I am a cookbook fanatic, but an amateur cook, so I reviewed the varied recipes starting with Snacks and Appetizers, then Sushi 101, Salads and Soups, Mains and Sides, and topping off with Desserts. I chose a meal of recipes to try looking closely at whether the recipe is easy to follow and ingredients are easy to come by. Each recipe starts with a nice intro including background, suggestions, and insights, complete ingredient list, and directions an level of cook can understand.Snack: Cranberry Ocean Bars; cranberries, almonds, coconut, and...dulse flakes? That ingredient was not at my local market, but I called my health food store, and with contactless pick-up, I was able to use it. Taste? Not bad. It was a great snack!Sushi 101: Sushi Pizza; pizza! Using shari (recipe included), avocado, crab, and Sweet Thai Chili sauce (recipe included) made for a unique, but delicious lunch.Mains: Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers; a nice alternative to a regular Big Mac. Great seasonings. Add dulse bacon (recipe included), but romaine lettuce as the “bun” was not for me. I found a nice whole wheat bun...toasted was the way!Desserts: Raw Kiwi Coconut Lime Tart; It was a refreshing treat, and yes, reminiscent of a Key Lime Pie. I found spirulina at the health food store, too.Beyond setting a healthy table, I was excited about the “Mermaid Hair and Body” recipes. I made three small jars of Mermaid Bath Salts; one for me (loved it with lavender essential oil), one for my neighbor (lemon), and one for a friend (rose). My inner Mélusine loved my Saturday soaks.I don’t have a pet, but “For Our Furry Friends” recipes for Beach-Dog Snacks and Doggie Treats seem delightfully fun!“The Mermaid Handbook” is a unique, clever, delightful cookbook to add to my collection. I was fascinated with the mermaid lore, insights into seaweed, and healthy “sea vegetable” versions of recipes. Although many recipes are well worth my attention, I am not sure how often I’ll incorporate the seaweed ingredients, it may not be me. I know that’s the premise of the book, but alternate ingredient suggestions would have been well received. A few “Fun Facts” are added with delightful “Did you know-s.”Disclosure: I received an eBook ARC from Nimbus Publishing thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

I got this as a birthday gift and loved it, decided I'll be gifting it to some folks for christmas. Local folklore + great recipes and information. beautiful art and font type too.