This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Joanne Brouard is a French-Canadian author, artist, and former journalist living in Magog, Quebec. With a background in media and publishing, she now uses her creative voice to support those living with swallowing challenges. Her new book, Give Me a Solid: Rediscovering Food and Joy When Chewing or Swallowing Proves Difficult, combines her personal journey with original recipes and artwork. Inspired by her experience with Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD), Brouard’s hopes to bring comfort to those living with swallowing challenges.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Give Me a Solid: Rediscovering Food and Joy When Chewing or Swallowing Proves Difficult by Joanne Brouard outlines her experience living with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), detailing how she adapted her lifestyle and diet to manage dysphagia. She discusses strategies like posture adjustments, vocal cord vibration techniques, and mindful routines to improve swallowing and reduce throat discomfort. Brouard emphasizes nutrition through texture-modified meals and introduces tools like immersion blenders and conical strainers. Her cookbook features a wide range of recipes—soups, main dishes, sides, desserts, and beverages—specifically designed for ease of chewing and swallowing. Ingredients are selected for nutritional value and smooth texture, with guidance on freezing and reheating. Meals include puréed soups, soft proteins, flans, mousse, and nutrient-dense smoothies. Brouard’s work is a practical guide for individuals with swallowing difficulties, focusing on accessible preparation methods, nutrition, and consistency in managing a progressive condition.
Give Me a Solid: Rediscovering Food and Joy When Chewing or Swallowing Proves Difficult by Joanne Brouard is a thoughtful and well-constructed book that balances practical guidance with heartfelt writing. Brouard’s anecdotes and recipes are comfortably presented and accessible, offering clear explanations without a lot of medical jargon. Her cookbook section stands out for its variety, with recipes that range in flavor, and all of which are totally appealing. The inclusion of preparation and storage techniques shows careful consideration of readers’ day-to-day needs beyond just cooking. Brouard’s attention to texture, nutrition, and ease of preparation results in meals that are manageable and satisfying. The book’s structure allows readers to move easily between personal experience and practical advice. For me, the most incredibly unique aspect of this book is the absolutely gorgeous original artwork that Brouard includes, which is her own ink-on-paper creations. This is a useful resource for those seeking manageable ways to maintain enjoyment in eating while accommodating swallowing or chewing limitations.
