The Slog is a myth. Savor these books in spite of their occasional flaws. They are as important to the overall tale as any others; they are just presented in a slightly different manner.

Bittman’s not the only one who’s slogging away: Seattle’s The Stranger has had a slog since 2006, and Chowhound co-founder (and trombonist!) Jim Leff also has one that’s called ...