Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Not since the Shalowitz brothers were challenged to come up with the perfect ice cream accompaniment to specific meals in a faux gastro-duel in City Slickers, have I thought of the frozen diary treat as being anything more than fertilizer for my hips and butt.

Steff Deschenes has found a new application for the evil-creamy goodness in her 2009 book, The Ice Cream Theory. As a rule of thumb, we try to bring current books to the forefront, but Steff’s book seems to have a shelf-life and continues to be recognized, having won ten awards so far; including the 2010 Reader Views Choice Award.

Culminating from her extensive travels and own life experiences, The Ice Cream Theory draws parallels between a favorite treat and the people who resemble it. Such is the case of one very relatable example: Steff loves nuts, but put them in even her favorite ice cream and she’s done. Although some nuts can be picked out, it’s time consuming and you never quite get them all; leaving you with a bad aftertaste, despite the creamy delight of the ice cream itself.

Having once dated a boy she really cared for, Steff found things she couldn’t overlook (the nuts). Similar to her multiple attempts to enjoy a creamed hazelnut ice cream, Steff tried to focus on all the other wonderful things about him. However, just as with the ice cream, the grittiness of the nuts overpowered the good stuff and she ultimately had to let go.

The Ice Cream Theory isn’t just devoted to relationships with men; it’s really about relationships in general, whether it be with your family or new acquaintances. Though the book doesn’t have any mind-blowing revelations that will instantly change your life, it will give you a couple of aha-moments and more than a few laughs.

Steff Deschenes does a good job of putting life experiences into a dairy-esque perspective. Like the time she met a girl in culinary college who was the human equivalent of “Sneaky Squirrel” ice cream. What does that mean? I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

For more fun and info, check out Steff’s blog http://www.steffdeschenes.com to see what she’s having for dinner; and while you’re there, find out what a donation to her book fund will get you.
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Paperback: 282 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (July 14, 2009)
ISBN-13: 978-1439230053