This is a book you get for the stories at least as much as for the recipes, good as they may sometimes be.
The elation mixed with fear of moving out and being able to eat what you want - if you first cook it yourself. The relief of an occasional single meal with hardworking family men/women. And of course, the systematic single meals of the single, divorced or widowed. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes awful, sometimes just plain weird. It'll make you remember those weird concoctions you used to consume yourself - I suddenly wanted to make my "penne with purple sauce" again.
And there are recipes in there too. Sometimes little more than ideas, sometimes quite elaborate, always easy, usually tasty. And it will explain some basics as well.
All in all, a lovely book that I keep browsing in.