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kballetbeauty's review
4.0
4/5 stars
Received this book via First Reads by Amazon in December.
Many people are saying this is a "coming of age" book, but I see it more as finally discovering yourself as most people don't do that until they are around 30, the same age as Preeti (the main character).
This is a great book about Indian culture and finding yourself stuck between being a POC in America and India and their cultures.
First time in a while not reading a fantasy book so I had no idea if I would continue reading, but the pacing of the story was great.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
Received this book via First Reads by Amazon in December.
Many people are saying this is a "coming of age" book, but I see it more as finally discovering yourself as most people don't do that until they are around 30, the same age as Preeti (the main character).
This is a great book about Indian culture and finding yourself stuck between being a POC in America and India and their cultures.
First time in a while not reading a fantasy book so I had no idea if I would continue reading, but the pacing of the story was great.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
littletaiko's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sammerp219's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
squiggidy's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
4.0
The Taste of Ginger by Mansi Shah
This debut novel delves into one woman’s experiences grappling with her views and values regarding family, duty, sense of self, love and culture. The book opens with Preeti, a 30 year-old lawyer, Indian American, and self-professed workaholic, attending her sister-in-law’s baby shower at her parents’ house back in her home state. She’s less than thrilled to be there for a number of reasons, and soon enough she finds herself getting on a plane to India to visit family amidst a crisis. From there we follow Preeti on an emotional journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
There’s a lot to love about this story. The author skillfully shows nuances in Preeti’s culture and her family’s beliefs surrounding romantic versus familial love, duty and what happiness can look like. The discourse on Preeti’s immediate family’s varying experiences with immigration and assimilation was eye-opening. The portrayal Preeti’s relationship with her mother was also well done. I loved learning about Ahmedabad, and the kite festival in particular!
Some of the writing came across repetitive and stiff to me. There is a lot of telling as opposed to showing, ie with Preeti’s frequent ruminating that at times felt better suited to a YA reader; her immaturity at times was a bit cloying. The story does move along and is very readable.
I think there are many readers who will enjoy this one. I will be thinking about many of the concepts explored in this thoughtful debut novel for quite some time. Many thanks to @amazonpublishing and @letstalkbookspromo and to Netgalley for a free e-copy of this book. The Taste of Ginger is available now!
3.5⭐️
This debut novel delves into one woman’s experiences grappling with her views and values regarding family, duty, sense of self, love and culture. The book opens with Preeti, a 30 year-old lawyer, Indian American, and self-professed workaholic, attending her sister-in-law’s baby shower at her parents’ house back in her home state. She’s less than thrilled to be there for a number of reasons, and soon enough she finds herself getting on a plane to India to visit family amidst a crisis. From there we follow Preeti on an emotional journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
There’s a lot to love about this story. The author skillfully shows nuances in Preeti’s culture and her family’s beliefs surrounding romantic versus familial love, duty and what happiness can look like. The discourse on Preeti’s immediate family’s varying experiences with immigration and assimilation was eye-opening. The portrayal Preeti’s relationship with her mother was also well done. I loved learning about Ahmedabad, and the kite festival in particular!
Some of the writing came across repetitive and stiff to me. There is a lot of telling as opposed to showing, ie with Preeti’s frequent ruminating that at times felt better suited to a YA reader; her immaturity at times was a bit cloying. The story does move along and is very readable.
I think there are many readers who will enjoy this one. I will be thinking about many of the concepts explored in this thoughtful debut novel for quite some time. Many thanks to @amazonpublishing and @letstalkbookspromo and to Netgalley for a free e-copy of this book. The Taste of Ginger is available now!
3.5⭐️
rdebner's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
atenelli's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
liseminger's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
crystal_curls_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.5
I loved the main character and her honesty about her conflicts with her identity, relationships and motivations.