After reading a food book a week this year for this column, I've compiled a list of my 10 very favorites. They range from memoir to novel, including a few non-fiction books that help us understand the agricultural and food production crisis. Some contain recipes but aren't necessarily cookbooks. All of the titles are primarily discussions of the cultural, personal, and political importance of food.

I hope you can find inspiration for stocking stuffers, or perhaps a thing or two to add to your own Amazon wish list. See them all in the slideshow » (or click to each below)

The Dirty Life »
Blood, Bones, and Butter »
My Korean Deli »
Life, on the Line »
The Bake-Off »
Lunch in Paris »
Tomatoland »
Fair Food »
Making Supper Safe »
Weighing In »

About the Author: A student in Providence, Rhode Island, Leah Douglas loves learning about, talking about, reading about, and consuming food. Her work is also featured in Rhode Island Monthly Magazine.