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MoonPie: Biography Of An Out-of-This-World Snack

From Library Journal: As he's done in the past, freelance journalist Magee (columnist for Chattanooga Times Free Press and author of The John Deere Way) has brought to life a cultural icon: the chocolate-covered marshmallow and graham cracker sandwich confection familiar to many of us from our childhood or ongoing snacking days!

This is the story of that true American product and the Chattanooga bakery that produced it. Tracing the history of this treat from its beginnings as a regional snack for the coal miners of Kentucky and Tennessee in 1917 to a favorite product of retail magnate Sam Walton in the 1980s, Magee thoughtfully and whimsically records the life of the MoonPie, skillfully mixing in quotes and recipes from MoonPie fans, thus adding further personal touches to the story. This is also the emblematic tale of a family-owned business and its struggle to survive and prosper.

Librarians should not conclude from its title that this is a frivolous book: Magee's work is an important addition to the study of food in the American memory and is also fun and informative. Essential reading; recommended for all libraries-and snack-food fans.

– Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib.,
Lister Hill Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Reviews of this book

"Delicious read."
–– Southern Living

"A self-described MoonPie addict, Magee shares MoonPie memories and takes readers back in time on the production line." – The Charlotte Observer

"Essential reading; recommended for all libraries – and snack-food fans."
– Library Journal

"As whimsical as a banana MoonPie . . . a very sweet tribute to a sweet treat."
– Southern Food & Beverage Museum Newsletter

"Like the MoonPie itself . . . filling and satisfying." – INK 19

"The same blend of mystique and marketing, of consumers and company, that has characterized [Magee's] books about other American icons."
– Chattanooga Times Free Press