Will This Make You Happy: Stories & Recipes from a Year of Baking

For fans of Nora Ephron and Nigel Slater, this hybrid memoir and cookbook brings together over fifty inventive baking recipes with a lyrical coming—of—age story about desire and dessert. Perfect for home cooks, lovers of literature, and anyone who finds comfort in the kitchen.

Named a Best Cookbook of Winter 2026 by Bon Appétit and Epicurious, and a Lit Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2026

“Beautiful—smart, funny and effortlessly lyrical.” —Ruby Tandoh, bestselling author of Cook As You Are

“This is an entirely different kind of cookbook, one that makes you want to curl up and read cover to cover. I loved it.”—Sohla El—Waylly, James Beard Award winner and author of the bestselling cookbook Start Here

Tanya Bush is adrift in the uncertainty of her early twenties—unemployed, uninspired, and stuck in a long—term relationship that's lost its spark. One day, just to do something, she decides to bake a cake. It's gooey in the center, woefully underbaked, an absolute disaster—but it also reminds her of the pleasures of baking: sugar crystals under her fingernails, flour in her hair, and the hard—earned satisfaction of following the steps of a recipe to the end.

Over the course of a year, Tanya embarks on a journey that carries her from her tiny apartment to the sunlit kitchens of an Italian agriturismo to the basement of a bustling Brooklyn bakery, where she rediscovers her appetite for pleasure, indulgence, and meaningful work.

A culinary memoir and love story, interwoven with over fifty innovative and approachable baking recipes, Will This Make You Happy is for readers and bakers looking for something messier, more experimental, and honest than the typical aspirational cookbook.

COMPELLING NARRATIVE: From the co—founder of the James Beard—nominated literary magazine Cake Zine, pastry chef at Little Egg, and contributing writer for the New York Times T Magazine, this part propulsive and witty coming—of—age story, part baking book is as satisfying to read as it is to cook from. It’s meant to be devoured curled up on the couch or with the mixer whirring in the kitchen.

FLEXIBLE RECIPES: The recipes in the book are designed to be mixed, matched, and adapted to the season. Whether you’re a new baker or an improvisational one, Will This Make You Happy encourages play and experimentation. Featuring recipes for Neapolitan Pavlova, Hojicha Tiramisu, Blueberry Jam Corn Muffins, Dark Chocolate and Toasted Coconut Birthday Cake, Cardamom Crullers, and more.

A BEAUTIFUL GIFT: With lush full—color illustrations by Forsyth Harmon and striking photographs, this book lives equally well on the kitchen counter, nightstand, or coffee table.

Perfect for:

• Fans of food—themed books and memoirs
• Dessert lovers
• First—time bakers and seasoned bakers
• Readers of contemporary literature and personal narrative