Welcome to The Reading Table! This is a cozy corner where stories and flavors come together. Whether you’re here to discover book recommendations, dive into literary musings, or explore delicious recipes, there’s something for everyone to savor. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of your favorite drink, and let’s share the joy of reading and cooking together.
The Origins of
The Reading Table
The Reading Table began as a dream on a rainy morning, inspired by Pinar’s reflection on the challenges of university life. Balancing academics, cooking, praying, reading, sleeping, working out, and other responsibilities seemed overwhelming. She wondered, “Is this what adulting looks like?” This moment of realization planted the seed for The Reading Table, a platform dedicated to sharing book recommendations and recipes to make life a little more manageable and enjoyable.
Pinar’s love for books began at the age of 12, when she would read late into the night, often sacrificing sleep to finish just one more chapter. She wrote book reports on Google Docs, in rather atrocious formats. Between the ages of 12 and 18, her passion for reading got stronger and weaker at times. Despite joining book clubs, community groups, and attempting to read with friends, nothing seemed to bring back her enthusiasm. That is, until she discovered her ultimate “cheat code”: reading first thing in the morning, before bed, or even procrastinating on other tasks by diving into a book (though she doesn’t officially recommend this last method).
Pinar’s journey with cooking began even earlier, at the age of 11. Starting with simple dishes like sunny-side-up eggs, she learned from her Anne (mother in Turkish), who shared generational recipes and involved Pinar in the process. This early exposure cultivated her love for cooking and baking, which remains a cherished escape even amid the demands of university life.
The Reading Table aims to be a welcoming platform for diverse audiences—from gym enthusiasts to busy students seeking quick and easy recipes, to those craving hearty cultural comfort meals. Looking ahead, the blog aspires to collaborate with fellow writers, book lovers, chefs, and bakers, inviting them to contribute their recipes and stories, with full credit given. Pinar’s vision is to create a space that brings together the joys of literature and cuisine, offering inspiration and connection for all who visit.
Mission
Our mission at The Reading Table is to celebrate the harmony of literature and cuisine. We strive to inspire our readers by sharing thoughtfully paired book recommendations and recipes, encouraging exploration, creativity, and a love for storytelling. Through every post, we aim to cultivate a warm and welcoming space where readers can find nourishment for both their minds and their taste buds.
Vision
At The Reading Table, our vision is to create a cozy and inspiring corner where stories and flavors come to life. We aim to blend the joy of reading with the art of cooking, offering a unique space for book lovers and food enthusiasts alike. By pairing carefully curated book recommendations with delightful recipes, we hope to spark meaningful conversations and foster a sense of community around shared passions. Our ultimate goal is to nourish both the mind and the soul, one page and one plate at a time.
