A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts: A collection of Deliciously Frightening Tales

And this book was on the shelf of ghost stories. What a wonderful read! I ripped through it in a couple of hours.The background on the Chinese culture, history, and customs involved in each story followed each creepy tale, along with a recipe for the story title food. I loved it! For example, the story "Steamed Dumplings" tells of an angry and hungry ghost who returns to haunt the inn where he was killed as a (very bad) cook during the building of the Great Wall of China. People have to set dumplings outside the inn to placate him... but oh, when there's a mistake in the recipe...The story is followed by a short history of the building of the Great Wall, and the legend of hungry ghosts, and then by an absolutely great dumpling recipe that I want to make.Truly, I haven't been as pleased by a collection of short stories in a long time as I have been by this one.OK, I'm dragging out a wok and sesame oil now.

First of all, I couldn't wait to receive this book, and it came today, so I am extra excited to get into it. :) The cover art is awesome, and I've been fascinated by Hungry Ghosts and Hungry Ghost Month since I found out about, which was several years ago. My children have seen it arrive to our home today, and they are excited to hear me read the stories in it to them. I know this is going to be a real treat, and I am so glad I found this book here on Amazon. :D I thank the author very very much for putting her time, efforts, and traditions into this book.

I solely read this book based on research purposes and all 8 stories were very enjoyable to read. Despite it being a children’s story, it did have it gruesome moments but nothing to neglect your child to read .. Each moment was treated with grace and elegance and just enough to dictate what has happened

Loved reading Ying's ghost stories. YCC's writing is as beautifully orchestrated as the ingredients that come together in her recipes. Thank you for sharing a piece of your culture, both in story and food. As the daughter of a Chinese chef who became my real life hungry ghost, I devoured the stories. Now to the kitchen, to try some of the recipes!

My 12 year old daughter loved this book - she thought it was not too scary and really interesting. She especially loved the recipes at the end of each story and wants to make all 8. Happy reading.

Perfect AR reading book for older kids

It was a quaint read with fun stories and even better recipes. The writing is fine and projects an Asian flavor.

What a wonderful book to read and enjoy. Not only has Miss Compestine used her own experiences and memories from her youth to help spin these delightful tales, she has also included Chinese history and fables and a delicious selection of Chinese influenced recipes. The stories were fun and had the right tone for young adults. And I loved how each story ended with a comparison to actual history in China and a recipe. I can't wait to try the recipes myself! They all seemed easy and delicious.