elanak's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
theabee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
whitmc's review
5.0
Oh gosh. This book is so good. And not at all what I expected after reading the back, the first chapter, and even after meeting the author and listening to him describe the book and read the first chapter.
"It's the story of a woman and her mother" is what the author said. And the story is told through the stories of other people; the story is not told by other people, but through their lives. Which means you get to know a lot of people along the way.
And there's food. People may jump to say it's a book about a woman chef, but the food is the backdrop for the stories. A great backdrop that is used to highlight and give shape to Eva's story.
You know how when you read a book series, and each book in the series is about another character that was a minor person in the earlier book, and suddenly you learn all about them, but still get glimpses of your favorite people from the previous books in the series? The chapters in this book feel like that. And it's done in a way that puts you on high alert as the book progresses.
So well done. I can't wait for Stradal's next book.
"It's the story of a woman and her mother" is what the author said. And the story is told through the stories of other people; the story is not told by other people, but through their lives. Which means you get to know a lot of people along the way.
And there's food. People may jump to say it's a book about a woman chef, but the food is the backdrop for the stories. A great backdrop that is used to highlight and give shape to Eva's story.
You know how when you read a book series, and each book in the series is about another character that was a minor person in the earlier book, and suddenly you learn all about them, but still get glimpses of your favorite people from the previous books in the series? The chapters in this book feel like that. And it's done in a way that puts you on high alert as the book progresses.
So well done. I can't wait for Stradal's next book.
vfreeman2000's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
rebbemcc's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this. I usually love books with alternating narrators and I was intrigued in the beginning. This is less a story about the "main character" Eva, and more about all the people in her periphery. The ending is abrupt and the last chapter is a little too pat.
kelseymn18's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
The book follows the life of famous chef Eva, but told through vignettes from others who interacted with and influenced her. Each chapter introduces a new character and POV, and they all weave together to tell Eva's story. While I appreciated the unique structure, it made it hard to truly connect to the story. Just when I would start to get invested in a character and their storyline, the chapter would end and I'd have to start over with someone new.
I enjoyed the messy family dynamics and exploring how different moments can impact our lives, from big events to short interactions. I loved the Minnesota settings and references. Lutefisk, Blue Ribbon baking contests, county fairs and the State Fair, church ladies... I laughed out loud many times. The author did a fantastic job portraying Minnesota culture, in a way that didn't feel over the top or mocking. However, some of the audiobook narrations, mostly in the beginning, were downright cruel by using the stereotypical Minnesotan accent and were hard to listen to.
I enjoyed the messy family dynamics and exploring how different moments can impact our lives, from big events to short interactions. I loved the Minnesota settings and references. Lutefisk, Blue Ribbon baking contests, county fairs and the State Fair, church ladies... I laughed out loud many times. The author did a fantastic job portraying Minnesota culture, in a way that didn't feel over the top or mocking. However, some of the audiobook narrations, mostly in the beginning, were downright cruel by using the stereotypical Minnesotan accent and were hard to listen to.
whatjillreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
sher7's review against another edition
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
megpro7's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0