SKU: 39946922616

Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression

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Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic DepressionA FINALIST FOR THE NEW ENGLAND BOOK AWARD FOR NON FICTION A PASTE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR ONE OF TIMEOUT NEW YORK'S BEST SUMMER BEACH READS OF 2017 ONE OF REAL SIMPLE'S 25 FATHER'S DAY BOOKS THAT COVER ALL OF DAD'S INTERESTS The stunning and long awaited memoir from the beloved founder of the James Beard Award winning website Leite's Culinaria a candid, courageous, and at times laugh out loud funny story of family, food, mental illness, and sexual

A FINALIST FOR THE NEW ENGLAND BOOK AWARD FOR NON FICTION

A PASTE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

ONE OF TIMEOUT NEW YORK'S BEST SUMMER BEACH READS OF 2017

ONE OF REAL SIMPLE'S 25 FATHER'S DAY BOOKS THAT COVER ALL OF DAD'S INTERESTS

The stunning and long-awaited memoir from the beloved founder of the James Beard Award-winning website Leite's Culinaria--a candid, courageous, and at times laugh-out-loud funny story of family, food, mental illness, and sexual identity.

Born into a family of Azorean immigrants, David Leite grew up in the 1960s in a devoutly Catholic, blue-collar, food-crazed Portuguese home in Fall River, Massachusetts. A clever and determined dreamer with a vivid imagination and a flair for the dramatic, "Banana" as his mother endearingly called him, yearned to live in a middle-class house with a swinging kitchen door just like the ones on television, and fell in love with everything French, thanks to his Portuguese and French-Canadian godmother. But David also struggled with the emotional devastation of manic depression. Until he was diagnosed in his mid-thirties, David found relief from his wild mood swings in learning about food, watching Julia Child, and cooking for others.

Notes on a Banana is his heartfelt, unflinchingly honest, yet tender memoir of growing up, accepting himself, and turning his love of food into an award-winning career. Reminiscing about the people and events that shaped him, David looks back at the highs and lows of his life: from his rejection of being gay and his attempt to "turn straight" through Aesthetic Realism, a cult in downtown Manhattan, to becoming a writer, cookbook author, and web publisher, to his twenty-four-year relationship with Alan, known to millions of David's readers as "The One," which began with (what else?) food. Throughout the journey, David returns to his stoves and tables, and those of his family, as a way of grounding himself.

A blend of Kay Redfield Jamison's An Unquiet Mind, the food memoirs by Ruth Reichl, Anthony Bourdain, and Gabrielle Hamilton, and the character-rich storytelling of Augusten Burroughs, David Sedaris, and Jenny Lawson, Notes on a Banana is a feast that dazzles, delights, and, ultimately, heals.

--No Real Simple, 25 Father's Day Books That Cover All of Dad's Interests Real Simple, 25 Father's Day Books That Cover All of Dad's Interests

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Published: 01/16/2018
ISBN: 9780062414380
Pages: 384
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.30w x 1.10d
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SKU: 39946922616

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Katiethemomlady
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
5 star coffee experience from your home
Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3)
The Nespresso Vertuo pods are absolutely worth it! The coffee is rich, smooth, and full of flavor every single time. I love how consistent the quality is — whether I’m making a bold morning cup or a lighter afternoon coffee, it always tastes fresh and perfectly brewed. The crema on top is such a nice touch and makes it feel like I’m drinking coffee from a café at home. There’s also a great variety of flavors and intensities, so it’s easy to switch things up depending on my mood. They’re super convenient, brew quickly, and the quality is unbeatable. If you have a Vertuo machine, these pods are a must-have. Definitely a 5-star coffee experience!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2026
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SarahSays
Massapequa, US
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Great flavors! Quick shipment - why not?!
Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3), Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3)
I love these flavors! I'm new to Nespresso and these flavors do not disappoint! I love sweet cream in coffee so I still use that, but really not a big need. I heat up the creamer in the microwave first, then fill my cup with nespresso, the result - is a super yummy, flavorful, coffee. wow! I can't wait to try more flavors!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Jannesa Fernandez
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Absolute perfection these are now my daily cup instead of coffee shops now
Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3)
I finally picked up the Nespresso Vertuo Barista Flavored Pack, and I have to say, these are the perfect coffee flavors. They arrived in the original Nespresso boxes, (I’ve been duped before) which ensures freshness and quality right out of the gate. The pack includes three fantastic varieties: Sweet Vanilla, Golden Caramel, and Roasted Hazelnut. Each one brews a smooth 7.8oz cup with that signature, velvety crema on top. The Sweet Vanilla is subtle and it adds a gentle sweetness without being artificial or overpowering . The Golden Caramel is rich with those lovely biscuity flavors, making it feel like a treat every morning . The Roasted Hazelnut is probably my favorite; the nutty flavor is perfect with a little milk and honey, and it smells incredible while brewing . I love that they are a medium roast, so they have enough body to stand up to a splash of milk or cream, but they are also smooth enough to drink black. Knowing the capsules are fully recyclable is a nice bonus, too . If you are looking to elevate your coffee routine without leaving the house, this variety pack is a must try. Highly recommended I’ve bought it a few time already and it beats spending $8 on a mediocre coffee at a coffee shop where the barista hates making coffee for people who love coffee.
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Laura Rodriguez
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
So delicious and full of flavor. Love the variety pack
Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3)
I love the variety! They all taste delicious and I love that they are color coded and easy to distinguish what is what. You definitely only need one or two cups. Very good coffee. I used to drink a pot of coffee. With these it is 2 cups. Plenty of caffeine for an energetic day. Will buy more
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momrf
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Good Coffee
Flavor Name: Barista Flavored Pack, Size: 10 Count (Pack of 3)
We have bought this many times. The coffee has a nice flavor, and I appreciate the multiple flavors and price.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026

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