(This column is dedicated to Carole at Huddle House in McDonough. When it comes to waitressing, she wrote the book.)

  For me, the most difficult part of self-quarantining is giving up restaurants. We spoiled Americans love restaurants, not only for the food, but also for the social interaction, something made impossible under the constraints of social distancing. So maybe I’m about to make it worse by recommending some books set in or around the food service industry.

  In “Kitchens of the Great Midwest,” first time author J. Ryan Stradel follows his main character, Eva Thorvald, from babyhood through various stages of her life as a gourmet cook. As she moves from one restaurant experience to another – ultimately to create her own business – we see her exposed to other foodies who help or hinder her efforts. This book illustrates the ways in which food provides us with both comfort and community. It even includes a few tips and recipes. It’s too good to miss.

  “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant” by Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Tyler is a family story in every sense of the word. The New York Times called it “beautiful, funny, heart-hammering and wise.” The story begins at the end, where Pearl is on her deathbed. Her three children gather for her funeral, which triggers memories of their father’s abandonment when they were very young. The chapters alternate among the viewpoints of each of the offspring, showing how people can share a common experience and yet be affected by it in completely different ways. Oddly enough, it also demonstrates that a person’s attitude toward food can reflect his personality. A very thought-provoking read. You can’t go wrong with anything from Anne Tyler.

  Dorothea Benton Frank, a native of Sullivan’s Island, is in love with the South Carolina Lowcountry. And it really shows in “Shem Creek,” a story about second chances. Heroine Linda returns to the South after her marriage falls apart and finds herself the manager of a restaurant. Just let me say that a good restaurant manager must feel like they’re keeping fifty balls in the air at one time. Linda has this new job to learn, plus she’s finding a place to live and riding herd on two teenage daughters. Does she have any time for a personal life too? No, but somehow that happens also. This is a light, cutesy weekend read, something to take you away from too much real life.

  I have several other other food service- centered books to recommend, notably “The Blue Bistro” by Elin Hilderbrand, “Empire Falls” by Richard Russo, “In the Kitchen” by Monica Ali, and “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan – but instead allow me to sermonize: The phrase “We  are all in this together” has never held more meaning than right now. Keep in mind that self-isolating is the only way to slow down the spread of a virus. The more of us who can do it, the sooner the worst is over, and we can get back to normal lives. And then we’ll be flocking to those restaurants! Until then, order as much takeout as you can to keep them afloat. When times are better, show the servers your appreciation by tipping generously. But for now, stay home as much as possible – and happy reading!