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almeeraizel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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? No
3.75
aus's review against another edition
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jmariecapdem's review against another edition
3.0
In addition to my great love for food and cooking, I am always fascinated by the origin of herbs and spices and how to prepare them as well which got me into reading this book.
Like Water For Chocolate is a mix of romance, drama, and magical realism. It is written in a diary form which gives you an experience of the main and side dishes prepared by the main character Tita on a monthly basis on every occasion at their household, in addition to her encounters in life. Interestingly, I have also discovered a few cultures in Mexico or Latin America when it comes to marriage. Now a fair warning for all: this has plenty of drama and romance which is also a little too explicit for young adult readers so if you are not comfortable with cooking and steamy scenes then you will not be able to enjoy this.
Tita even though could be over dramatic, still plays a great character here. She represents a strong woman who is also practical and vulnerable when it comes to love not only for Pedro but her family members. I also liked how the other characters are developed including Tita’s assistants, Dr. John, his granny, and the feisty Gertrudis despite the hilarious scandal she had, lastly I hated Tita’s mother and Rosaura. I think the author had a good job in creating like a whole family telenovela in this one.
However, the reason I only gave it 3 stars was because like I said above, it can get over the top emotional which compensated for the flat, dragging parts. This can get tiring and boring from time to time because there are not much new events happening. The dishes on the hand are cool and I am not sure if the amount of ingredients stated is feasible for a banquet in real life but those were the better parts.
Overall, I still enjoyed it and it represented lessons in life so I hope the other aspiring chef bookworms out there will give this a try.
Like Water For Chocolate is a mix of romance, drama, and magical realism. It is written in a diary form which gives you an experience of the main and side dishes prepared by the main character Tita on a monthly basis on every occasion at their household, in addition to her encounters in life. Interestingly, I have also discovered a few cultures in Mexico or Latin America when it comes to marriage. Now a fair warning for all: this has plenty of drama and romance which is also a little too explicit for young adult readers so if you are not comfortable with cooking and steamy scenes then you will not be able to enjoy this.
Tita even though could be over dramatic, still plays a great character here. She represents a strong woman who is also practical and vulnerable when it comes to love not only for Pedro but her family members. I also liked how the other characters are developed including Tita’s assistants, Dr. John, his granny, and the feisty Gertrudis despite the hilarious scandal she had, lastly I hated Tita’s mother and Rosaura. I think the author had a good job in creating like a whole family telenovela in this one.
However, the reason I only gave it 3 stars was because like I said above, it can get over the top emotional which compensated for the flat, dragging parts. This can get tiring and boring from time to time because there are not much new events happening. The dishes on the hand are cool and I am not sure if the amount of ingredients stated is feasible for a banquet in real life but those were the better parts.
Overall, I still enjoyed it and it represented lessons in life so I hope the other aspiring chef bookworms out there will give this a try.
monkymarzipan's review against another edition
4.0
I tore through this book in one sitting. I loved the way the story was juxtaposed with recipes
bhalstead04's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute story. Loved they way it all revovled around the kitchen and the recipes.
rebquirks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fantastic book, a must read for Hispanic women, but also touches on a universality for all women. Also fucking hilarious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
poppy_dandybee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Would be 5 stars but the sisters deserved better... ESPECIALLY ROSAURA. Otherwise I loved it. A creative way to tell a story.. and super dramatic like a telenovela with lots of magical realism.
shessiejeep's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lindsey_gonzalez's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I reread this with my students after picking it up for the first time when I was in high school. Boy is it a wild ride! My students described it as "Mexican Bridgerton," which I think is adorable and very on point.
manadabomb's review against another edition
2.0
This quick read is a romantic fable centered around a traditional Mexican family. Fables are generally great exaggerations that are meant to tell how things come to be. This is no exception.
Tita, the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, is destined to never marry and to take care of her mother until she dies. This is the tradition of the family. Tita ends up finding love in Pedro, but is forbidden to marry him. Pedro instead marries Tita's older sister so he can stay close. A complicated mess, but somehow it works out.
Tita is a gifted cook and, through some fable-y magic, imbues her moods into her cooking. When she is happy and passionate, her food makes everyone passionate. When she is sad, everyone eating her food ends up crying and upset.
This isn't the type of book I normally enjoy and while it was entertaining, it's not in my top books. I appreciate the recipes given but they appeared right in the middle of the stories and just seemed odd.
Tita, the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, is destined to never marry and to take care of her mother until she dies. This is the tradition of the family. Tita ends up finding love in Pedro, but is forbidden to marry him. Pedro instead marries Tita's older sister so he can stay close. A complicated mess, but somehow it works out.
Tita is a gifted cook and, through some fable-y magic, imbues her moods into her cooking. When she is happy and passionate, her food makes everyone passionate. When she is sad, everyone eating her food ends up crying and upset.
This isn't the type of book I normally enjoy and while it was entertaining, it's not in my top books. I appreciate the recipes given but they appeared right in the middle of the stories and just seemed odd.