As a fellow candyfreak, I have to give Mr. Almond credit for his hilarious descriptions of tours in the candy factories. He is not afraid to confess about his strong urges to eat the ingredients he encounters in his exploration of unique candy from some of the smaller companies still in business. Two thumbs up for this laugh-out-loud detailing of how these sweet treats are made. Loved it and would highly recommend. P.S. I do not know the author and he is not paying me for this either!

This book made me think very hard about local businesses vs. big national ones. I had no idea the world of candy bars was so controlled by huge companies, and that little companies can't even get a bar displayed in most stores. It's a sad thing to think of, especially when you read this book and get desperate to try a Valomilk or an Idaho Spud or the like.

I really enjoyed the style of writing Almond has also. He never hesitates to stray a bit from the topic and discuss his own life or thoughts, but not in such a way that it ever takes you too far from the main subject, just enough so you are craving to hear a little more about why he didn't seem to get along with his brothers or why his love life has been a disappointment so far!

The description of people and of places here is very well done also. I can picture each candy company owner and each semi-small city that Almond visits on his trip to vanishing candy worlds that composes much of the book.

I hope Steve Almond does a lot more writing.

O.M.G!! This book is fantastic. I myself have a major sweet tooth and love love love chocolate. I stumbled across this book by accident and I'm so glad I did. I can't believe the writers name is Steve Almond. He has visited many many candy factories across the country and learned things about long forgotten candy brands and products. It's actually surprisingly interesting and really enjoyable, especially if you're also into chocolate and candy. Although I didn't grow up in America and so don't know many of these products, the fact that I enjoyed reading this just the same, is proof that it's a great read and should have appeal to anyone who loves sugar.

Caution: This book resulted in a several pound gain caused by a Twin Bings, a few Idaho Spuds, and a box of Old Faithfuls (wonderful!). All in all, a very expensive and hazardous book!

What do you picture as a candy freak? In the biography "Candy Freak" by Steve Almond, Steve Almond is a candy freak. Steve Almond has eaten at least one piece of candy every day of his life. He visits many different candy factories over the course of the book. Steve Almond is the main character. I dont really think that he likes sour candy as much as chocholate because in the text, he does not go to a candy factory that manufactures sour candy. I think this book is best suited for late middle school to early high school students.

Now ask yourself, who do you think is the candy freak?