Reviews

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal

emekay's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

amberhayward's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This is the second book by J Ryan Stradal I’ve read this year. Are they all basically the same book? Because if so, I will read the other one and anything else he writes because they’ve bewitched me.

heidilreads's review against another edition

4.0

Might need a good knowledge of Minnesota to feel at home with this story... Lutefisk is the first chapter and, later, there's a chapter on bars... The kind you eat.

thejessiejoy's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jennympl's review against another edition

5.0

Where do I even start? I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this wild ride!
*4/5 stars*
This winding tale of differing perspectives all revolving around the central character, Eva Thorvald- an ordinary woman with an extraordinary palate and talent with food, is an adventure that sweeps readers through the Midwest on an emotional and culinary journey. This well researched and lushly written first novel by J. Ryan Stradal, tells so many stories and shows just how interconnected small town life can be, and reveals the impact that a seemingly normal and insignificant person has on the people around them, no matter how big or small. We experience love, loss, jealousy, friendship, connection, and the importance of family, whether it's the family you choose or the one you're born into.

mwmakar's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

4.0

Fun! Things fit together really nicely, I enjoyed Will’s chapter a lot (esp the voice and distinctness), and definitely felt attached by the end.  I’d call it a sitcom version of Ohio. 

alliegray's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bmatsko's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

berkls2's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sumsunalli's review against another edition

5.0

I love love love Stradal’s writing style. He did such a good job of introducing characters, giving them their own voice, and then intertwining them so they’re all connected in some respect. My Minnesota heart is so happy.