Hot, Hot Chicken: A Nashville Story

A fascinating view of history and race relations in one Southern town, through the lens of a culinary phenomenon. Nashville Hot Chicken has existed for over 150 years, but it was only after white entrepreneurs “discovered” the dish that he became a worldwide phenomenon. As a frequent visitor to Nashville (in the Before Times!) I really enjoyed this look at the fraught lives of two historically-divided Nashville communities, with a chicken dish as the tie that binds the worlds together. A charming, sobering, and ultimately enlightening read.

As someone who moved to Nashville only three years ago, this book was especially helpful and interesting. I learned a great deal from Martin's narrative about the history of segregation in the city and how well-meaning whites (which I consider myself to be) have worsened conditions for Black residents. I enjoyed Martin's way of nesting local concerns within national issues and trends, and of using the personal lives of a few families to illustrate the effects of policy on communities of color.