A friend of mine has made a habit of choosing a totally unfamiliar topic for every fourth book he reads. It’s a clever way to expand your knowledge and keep you abreast of new information.

That’s one reason I chose to read Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson. I know nothing about cooking, other than the not so brilliant insight that my wife is an amazing cook. When I clean up after dinner I’m always amazed at the curious shapes and sizes of various utensils, pots, pans, bowls and so forth. But I have no idea how to use any of them.

After reading this book, well, I still don’t. But I do understand a bit more about the differences between ceramic and plastic bowls. Or between cast iron and teflon coated pans.

Is that information useful? Yes, if you are a chef or love to cook. Yes, if you are interested in the way innovation is shaped and formed. But not really if you just want a good meal for dinner.

Still, the book allows me to learn new things and explore new idea. Though a sometimes resident in the kitchen, I will never be a native. At least now I know a bit of the local language.