Praise from beta readers.
In mid-December, I sent parts of the manuscript to over 300 beta readers. Reading through their feedback has been one of my best experiences of 2024.
“This beautiful chapter made me laugh, cry, and feel intensely proud to be Assyrian.”
“This book transported me entirely into the lives of our ancestors, immersing me in their traditions, culture, and daily practices. The vivid storytelling and detailed reconstruction of ancient Mesopotamian cuisine allowed me to experience their world in a way I never thought possible.”
“I enjoyed the adventure of walking the streets of Nineveh and experiencing some of the atmosphere. I look forward to reading these chapters while the smells of the past transport my kitchen back 5,000 years.”
“I have been in Iraq multiple times, but sadly I never made it to Nineveh, until now.”
“I Love how you add so much history into your writing. You present it in a light casual way, but I know that countless hours were put into the research. I think your readers, if they are not already obsessed with ancient history, will find a love for the ancient Near East.”
“So much more than a recipe book.”
“I found the deeply personal nature of the narrative in the introduction compelling. A few moments I actually laughed out loud-- to the surprise of my girlfriend who was working in the other room and was startled by my normally quiet self making the laugh I did.”
“I'm very impressed, it is quite an enjoyable read.”
“You offered me information that was missing in my own cultivated knowledge of Assyrian culture, including language and history. I appreciate the information that has been thoughtfully gathered.”
“Fascinating topic. Not something that I was interested in, but now I am. Can't wait to get a copy.”
“The immersive descriptions make history come alive, and your meticulous research adds depth and credibility. Whether someone is a food lover, history enthusiast, or interested in cultural identity, this chapter offers an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. It’s a celebration of food as a bridge to the past and a reminder of the power of heritage in shaping who we are.”
“Wow! I was expecting a good experience. But Wow, just Wow.”
“History becomes alive, I am transported to those cities and markets, i hear the sounds, smell the smells.... You have a rare gift.”
“Your text is amazing and far beyond my expectations. It’s truly unique how you combine history, geography, food, and personal stories in such a structured, scientifically solid, and tested way, while still keeping it entertaining!”
“There was enough history and intrigue with the recipes to make me feel like I was reawakening the gods if I were to make any of the recipes.”
“Reading the chapter (I would have liked more!) I was impressed with the degree of preparation, testing, research - including physical research, consultation and the degree of feedback you obtained from specialists.”
“Not even kidding, I excitedly squealed a couple pages into reading it. Your book is how to reach people who would otherwise turn their noses up at reading about history.”
Looking back at 2024
We had 142 recipe testers try the recipes 283 times and offer invaluable feedback.
We completed all 63 recipes in the book.
We shot 50 new food photographs in the studio (we now have 90 food photographs in total).
I signed with a design studio after reaching out to 28 companies and meeting 12 of them.
Our YouTube channel grew to 11,288 subscribers.
Our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X) grew to a total of 36,203 followers.
We published 222 videos and reached 1,226,010 views on YouTube. Even Jamie Oliver liked one of our reels on Instagram!
I traveled to the British Museum to plan for a book release, which I’m still unsure about (read why here).
The book’s waitlist on tableofgods.com grew to 5,611 people.
I (sort of) completed the manuscript and had several scholars fact-check it, professional editors edit it, and beta readers read it.
We got a publishing deal (which I humbly declined—read why here).
Looking ahead
2025 will be the year we finish Table of Gods and start pre-selling the book. I want to conclude this year’s last progress update with two words: thank you. Or as we say in Assyrian: towdi/basima.
Happy New Year!
/Arim
PS: Who can compare with humility?
— Sumerian proverb