In the first sentence of his first book, Duff Goldman writes that "Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes" isn't a cookbook or a how-to manual.

It's a comical yet serious celebration of the Charm City Cakes business that's grown to be not only a successful bakery, but also a part of the popular Food Network show "Ace of Cakes."

Goldman starts by giving readers an intense overview of how and why the bakery developed from scratch.

This Baltimore bakery isn't just full of bakers -- it's got sculptors and artists who team up to construct unique and flavorful cakes that are typically made for special holidays.

"Ace of Cakes" tends to focus on what goes on in the bakery itself, but the book also takes a deeper look into the past before Charm City Cakes existed.

Goldman himself has a humorous and intriguing history. This book shines a light onto the chef and his past experiences with X-Acto knives, graffiti and secretly baking cakes in his house. His story takes the label of "entrepreneur" to a new level, and after reading his story, no one will look at him on television the same way.

There are also photos throughout the book. It may be fascinating to read about a large cake that looks like an owl, but in the end, people have to see it to believe it. Luckily, the book shows a photograph of every cake made during the first seven years of the bakery's existence. Some photos are more complex than others, showing not just the end result but also the sketch of the design and the first steps of baking.

"Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes" is far from a typical cookbook. Goldman feels very present throughout the novel, and those who have watched the show can practically hear him talking. The book also features frequently asked questions, cake stories and disasters ("What happens when a cake doesn't fit into the car transporting it to its final destination?"), tips from the staff ("Clean hands make a clean cake!") and information on the different departments in the bakery. The down-to-earth narrating in the book makes every word more theatrical.

Since viewers of the "Ace of Cakes" show see only 22 minutes of what is actually dozens of hours of work, staffers end up making the job look effortless. The personal stories are what make the occupation of a baker, sculptor and artist appear more challenging and legitimate. Those who heat up Lean Cuisine for dinner may find themselves with a whole new opinion on those that spend their days in a kitchen.

With every detail presented, it is understandable why readers may be craving chocolate cake by the end; they may even find themselves spooning out chocolate from a Betty Crocker icing tub as they read the final page.

Grade: A-