The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman

Inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, The Cookbook Collector is the story of the Bach (Dashwood) sisters who work and reside in pre 9/11 Silicon Valley.

Emily (Elinore) is the CEO of a tech company, and her younger sister, Jessamine, (Marianne) is a graduate student.

Emily dates Jonathan (Edward), while Jessamine has two admirers, tree- hugger Leon (Mr. Willoughby) and George (Col Brandon), a wealthy bookstore owner.

If you know the plot of SS, I do not need to tell you more, but The Cookbook Collector holds its own against its classic predecessor. In addition to social norms, Stern explores  a wide range of subjects, Judaism, environmentalism, bibliophilia, philosophy, and IPO’s, but it all comes together beautifully.  A charming love (life) story.