On this edition of ST, an interesting discussion with Matthew Gavin Frank, a Michigan-based writer and creative writing teacher whose past books include "Preparing the Ghost," "Pot Farm," "Barolo (At Table)," and "Sagittarius Agitprop." He joins us to discuss his newest book, a collection of fifty essays that, all in all, offers a full-fledged culinary tour of the United States, with a "signature dish" for each state being described in fascinating and far-reaching detail. It's a "surprising, entertaining look at what Americans eat and why" (Kirkus Reviews) that also has many points to make about nation's our history, politics, traditions, religions, geography, culture, economy, and so on. And further, per a book critic for Entertainment Weekly: "Never has a country-spanning food romp felt this subversive. Frank's essays -- which dissect signature dishes from all 50 states -- are nothing short of brilliant.... [As] an exploration of humanity, life, and tastes, the book is delicious."