erinreadsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Death of parent, Sexual violence, Car accident, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Vomit
mybluebookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
brittbroadwood's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death and Vomit
Minor: Cannibalism, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
r_clark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death and Sexism
Moderate: Rape and Child abuse
Minor: Child death
gracegawn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Death
Minor: Child abuse, Car accident, and Death of parent
jaduhluhdabooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Car accident, Death, and Death of parent
avadore's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Grief, Sexual assault, Death, Misogyny, Suicide, and Child abuse
sineadherself's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Much like the food Elizabeth makes, you will find nothing fancy here, but it gets the job done.
For those who like a bit more nuance in their writing they may find this story laid down with too blunt of an edge.
Character: The main character, Elizabeth Zott, remains consistent throughout and she will remain a fixture in your mind for a time after you've finished the last page.
However, some core supporting characters seemingly undergo personality transformations half way through and then, a little later, revert back to their original selves. No explanation is given for this and so it is quite jarring.
Plot: A woman in the 1950s & 1960s trying to exist in a world that doesn't understand her all while she continues to strive to be taken seriously.
Reading Experience: Ultimately, a pleasant read that leaves a lasting impression.
Overall: A decent book not without some problems but one that will ultimately entertain and possibly intrigue the reader.
Stars: 3.5 ⭐
Graphic: Misogyny, Ableism, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide, and Child abuse
It's never mentioned in the book but if you know what you are looking at, Elizabeth, Calvin, & Madeline all read very much as autistic. The way Elizabeth talks about chemistry and illustrates how it is the prism through which she understands life is honestly beautiful. However, the way those around Elizabeth (and Madeline) treat them may be difficult to read for some autistic people. It reminded me of nothing more than the assessment for autism diagnosis. That is to say, a litany of all the ways being autistic has annoyed, angered, and otherwise bothered OTHER people. If you aren't in a place to read that kind of content, I'd skip this.lindsayst's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexism
Moderate: Suicide and Rape
Minor: Child abuse
signeskov's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexism
Moderate: Suicide, Homophobia, and Child abuse