Judith Newton is an emerita professor in Women and Gender Studies at U.C. Davis, whose scholarly work has focused on 19th-century British women writers, feminist criticism, and women's history. Her food memoir has garnered significant critical acclaim, including a starred review from Publisher's Weekly and a first prize from the London Book Festival. She has authored and co-edited five works of nonfiction. Newton is currently working on a screenplay and tends her garden in California.
Exploring the intersection of cooking and personal growth, the narrative unfolds through Judith Newton's life, organized by the influential cookbooks of each decade. It delves into her emotional journey, including her marriage to a gay man, highlighting how culinary experiences foster healing, intimacy, and a sense of community. The book emphasizes the transformative power of food in shaping relationships and self-discovery.
"From Panthers to Promise Keepers" explores the men's movement from 1950 to 2000, highlighting the importance of male networks in promoting social justice. It argues that achieving gender equality requires not only structural change but also addressing men's feelings and unconscious fears.