A review by charmaineac
North of Happy by Adi Alsaid
3.0
This book was okay. I think in general, Adi Alsaid books have an interesting premise, and he is undoubtedly a strong writer. However, the stories never fully draw me in, almost because the characters are a little too improbable, quirky, and flat. Carlos is immature, and it takes something incredibly drastic for him to realize the important things in his life.
He hadn't moved on with his life after Felix's death, and that was pretty uncomfortable to read about. He filled his life with some distractions (looking at you, Emma), but that really wasn't fair to them. He ignored his parents and his friends. It was practically like he was having a midlife crisis, but way too early in his life.
I did like the "nasty chef" bits though. Gordon Ramsay popularized this trope, but taking Carlos under her wing and making him chop onions for weeks was splendid. I want to try some of these dishes!
He hadn't moved on with his life after Felix's death, and that was pretty uncomfortable to read about. He filled his life with some distractions (looking at you, Emma), but that really wasn't fair to them. He ignored his parents and his friends. It was practically like he was having a midlife crisis, but way too early in his life.
I did like the "nasty chef" bits though. Gordon Ramsay popularized this trope, but taking Carlos under her wing and making him chop onions for weeks was splendid. I want to try some of these dishes!