jtferdon's review against another edition
4.0
2015 Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
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This book has been on my TBR for a few years and I was happy that it was selected as book club read. The book follows the life story of Eva, a culinary genius. From a young age she is mentored by many chefs in restaurants. They claim she has a “once in a lifetime palette”.
•
Eva’s story is told through small vignettes or short stories of characters in her life. I loved the food Tie-in to different characters or stories.
•
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
•
4 Stars
•
This book has been on my TBR for a few years and I was happy that it was selected as book club read. The book follows the life story of Eva, a culinary genius. From a young age she is mentored by many chefs in restaurants. They claim she has a “once in a lifetime palette”.
•
Eva’s story is told through small vignettes or short stories of characters in her life. I loved the food Tie-in to different characters or stories.
•
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
•
4 Stars
taylorziegler's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
bookishbab's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
A five star read for me simply because it felt like I was reading something from my own life. So familiar and full of love. Not the best prose or most amazing plot of all time, but an incredible comfort and lovely cast of characters that felt true and fully human. Couldn’t wait to keep reading and what a quietly moving end. Loved.
emilybohannan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
kjodice's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
Wasn't quite sure what the objective of all the seemingly random stories were at the beginning, but the way they end up weaving together was so fun & I really enjoyed it! the central theme of food & community was lovely. however the pacing was a little off for me and some of the characters' stories struggled to keep my interest. I loved the ending, heartbreaking but thoughtful & beautiful - a satisfying conclusion
emhiram's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t love the structure of this book. Each chapter is like a short story told from the perspective of someone who is somehow related to or knows of the main character Eva, often very peripherally. I just wanted to know more about her life. I did like the food descriptions and the talk of specific varieties of tomatoes and corn.
taylorgordenstein's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0