Reviews

The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu

pinkupengu's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

3.75

raebrock's review

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3.0

What I liked: The general plot, the family dynamics and the insecurities the protagonists had to overcome

What I didn’t like: The protagonists were new adults but this read like YA. But most of all, the characters didn’t really have any personality which made it hard to connect to them or care much about their journey.

Overall, I liked it, didn’t love it.

vs2018's review

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3.0

This book was a cute, sweet read. The storyline pushed a lot on the family dynamic and the culture of the characters. This was both informative and refreshing to read about. I left with a lot of insight into a different way of growing up. The romantic aspect of the book fell flat for me. I ended up not particularly liking the love interest by the end of the story. All in all it was a fast and light hearted read. Exactly what I was looking for.

allithebookgiraffe_'s review

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3.0

I enjoyed a lot about The Donut Trap, but in the end, was left wanting more. It felt like I read a book in the middle of a series. There were quite a few interesting topics touched on, but none were really delved into. I really loved Jasmine and all the other characters, but I need more of them and more of an actual plot.

proseplease's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

michellezeng's review

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funny lighthearted

4.0

dairling's review against another edition

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3.0

Listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed the familial relationships and the doughnut shop life (of course I really want a doughnut now…) and I liked that Jasmine felt a bit lost and didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. I also liked her designated night activities, it was cute. The relationship is where the book lost me, it didn’t give me the warm fuzzy feelings and honestly, I don’t feel like enough time was spent with them.

crafty_reader's review

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hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

michelleann_xo's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

nikkihrose's review against another edition

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4.0

After graduating from college, Jasmine finds herself moving home to help her parents run their donut shop. But what she thought was a temporary gig turns into something she can’t find her way out of – and not because her parents aren’t supportive, but because she can’t think of a single marketable skill she has to offer another job.

Throughout this book, Jasmine reconnects with old friendships from high school, is formally introduced to her crush from college, and is forced to figure out what she’s doing with her life.

If you ask me, that’s a lot to take on within a year let alone a few months. And yet, Jasmine does. Don’t get me wrong, there are PLENTY of bumps along the way: her parents need her help, her crush from college is far from perfect, and her ex-boyfriend might still be interested in her, which she doesn’t truly figure out until it’s nearly too late.

That being said, this book is filled with donut puns, caring family members, and a chance to rediscover yourself. I also love the message that’s conveyed in the fact that you don’t have to know what you want to do with your life immediately after, during, or even before attending college.

I liked the dynamic between Jasmine and Alex, but sometimes they just felt off. I wanted more from them. There were a lot of issues they both needed to work out that seemed to be easily avoidable, and yet they kept coming up against one obstacle after the next with little reprieve between them. Made for a lot of emotional baggage to say the least.

Overall, this is a cute read, and I’d recommend it if you have no problem walking away craving some donuts.