Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

This classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy. While still in her mother's womb, her daughter-to-be weeps so violently she causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef, using cooking to express herself. She even shares recipes with readers along the way.

About Laura Esquivel: Laura Esquivel is the award-winning author of Like Water for Chocolate, which has sold more than 4.5-million copies around the world in 35 languages, as well as The Law of Love, and most recently, Between Two Fires. She lives in Mexico City.