Candyfreak

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Candyfreak

Candyfreak: A Journey through the Chocolate Underbelly of America is a memoir by Steve Almond, published in 2004. The book explores the author's lifelong obsession with candy and his travels across the United States to visit small, independent candy manufacturers.

Summary

The book is a combination of memoir and travelogue, detailing Almond's childhood memories of candy and his quest to find and document the stories behind some of America's lesser-known candy companies. Almond visits several candy factories, including those that produce Twin Bing, Valomilk, and Goo Goo Cluster. Throughout his journey, he reflects on the cultural and personal significance of candy.

Themes

Candyfreak delves into themes such as nostalgia, the industrialization of food production, and the decline of small businesses in the face of corporate consolidation. Almond's narrative is both humorous and poignant, offering insights into the emotional connections people have with their favorite sweets.

Reception

The book received positive reviews for its engaging and witty prose. Critics praised Almond's ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader social commentary. Candyfreak was a finalist for the Quill Award and won the American Library Association's Alex Award.

Author

Steve Almond is an American author known for his works of fiction and non-fiction. In addition to Candyfreak, he has written several other books, including My Life in Heavy Metal and Against Football: One Fan's Reluctant Manifesto.

Related Pages

• Steve Almond
• Twin Bing
• Valomilk
• Goo Goo Cluster
• Quill Award
• American Library Association