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tmpucylo's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.25
whalesharkandme's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
howse's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
gg1213's review against another edition
4.0
While a cute story, it isn't the type of book I would find myself reaching for typically, however in February Sterling & Kupfer publishing house released a "blind date line" of books for Valentine's Day. Each book was wrapped to cover all the information about the book, leaving only a short description about what type of reader or story it was- and I was pleasantly surprised.
I enjoyed this book, but I did notice a few things that made me less excited to read it (in fact, it took me over a month to finish and I had to put it down to read something else multiple times until I got around a third of the way through).
Right away Mark's character was off-putting. He was a jerk. I don't know if he was intended to come across like that or not- but it made believing Meg was utterly in love with him difficult.
If Meg's life was that out there the way she was described, someone would have noticed and done something/understood why a young girl believes imaginary events to be true whole-heartedly the way Meg is said to have.
Meg's grudge over something that happened to her in the 5th grade feels a little far-fetched, and as a scientist, she should know the difference between "impossible" and "improbable".
Meg as a character wasn't too likable. She came across as rude and condescending while also lacking common sense she thinks she has.
This is a light read that shouldn't be analyzed too much, because then you notice all these little things that bring the book down some. I think this is a good summery read that has enough heart to pull at your emotions, but isn't life changing.
I enjoyed this book, but I did notice a few things that made me less excited to read it (in fact, it took me over a month to finish and I had to put it down to read something else multiple times until I got around a third of the way through).
Right away Mark's character was off-putting. He was a jerk. I don't know if he was intended to come across like that or not- but it made believing Meg was utterly in love with him difficult.
If Meg's life was that out there the way she was described, someone would have noticed and done something/understood why a young girl believes imaginary events to be true whole-heartedly the way Meg is said to have.
Meg's grudge over something that happened to her in the 5th grade feels a little far-fetched, and as a scientist, she should know the difference between "impossible" and "improbable".
Meg as a character wasn't too likable. She came across as rude and condescending while also lacking common sense she thinks she has.
This is a light read that shouldn't be analyzed too much, because then you notice all these little things that bring the book down some. I think this is a good summery read that has enough heart to pull at your emotions, but isn't life changing.
peaches1951's review against another edition
2.0
Several readers in my book group enjoyed this book, but I found it to be predictable chick-lit, and not particularly well-written. There was enough material here to write a short story, but not enough to form a novel. Skip it.
machadofam8's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this - the way she pulled it all together with all the fabulous stories, and the Greek mythology. Lovely to read and hard to put down.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I tend to form friendships with the books I read; some are acquaintances, some pass through friends and others are keepers. This book is a keeper. Unfortunately, because of that it's harder to write a review without sounding overly gushy. But if I have to sing the praises of a book then this one is it.
First, the pacing and atmosphere of this book is spot on. Goodin begins the book with what feels like magical realism and weaves it all the way through her narrative, making it an integral part of her main character. The pacing is slow without being boring, like the walk you take the first day of Spring soaking up the sun and flowers.
I immediately identified with and sympathized with Meg as she tried to balance the truth and fiction about her childhood. She struggles to accept the stories her mother tells while trying to feed her need for truth.
One of the strongest parts of From The Kitchen of Half Truths is the love story. Not the traditional boy/girl love story but it's exploration of mother daughter relationships and their complexity. I truly felt for these two women and wanted them to come together before it was too late. The underlying romantic love story was a slow build and rang true. However, I did find Mark's condescending artifice a bit heavy handed.
I can tell you of you are expecting one of those quaint stories with recipes this is not the book, although good does play an integral part. The characters, are well drawn and "feel" very real. From The Kitchen of Half Truths is well worth the time it takes to get into the story and know the characters.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
First, the pacing and atmosphere of this book is spot on. Goodin begins the book with what feels like magical realism and weaves it all the way through her narrative, making it an integral part of her main character. The pacing is slow without being boring, like the walk you take the first day of Spring soaking up the sun and flowers.
I immediately identified with and sympathized with Meg as she tried to balance the truth and fiction about her childhood. She struggles to accept the stories her mother tells while trying to feed her need for truth.
One of the strongest parts of From The Kitchen of Half Truths is the love story. Not the traditional boy/girl love story but it's exploration of mother daughter relationships and their complexity. I truly felt for these two women and wanted them to come together before it was too late. The underlying romantic love story was a slow build and rang true. However, I did find Mark's condescending artifice a bit heavy handed.
I can tell you of you are expecting one of those quaint stories with recipes this is not the book, although good does play an integral part. The characters, are well drawn and "feel" very real. From The Kitchen of Half Truths is well worth the time it takes to get into the story and know the characters.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
donitaluz's review against another edition
5.0
I've read this book a long time ago. I just couldn't write a proper review that I think is suited with this book's awesomeness. I hope my 5 star rating was enough. :)
impybelle's review against another edition
4.0
This one took awhile to read, partly because for awhile there you just want to shake Meg and partly because I think the day after I started it, I began coming down with the flu without realizing it. So I read the book in bits and pieces, and I'll confess to that most horrible of things: I peeked ahead to see whether Meg became more tolerable. I mean, I figured she had to, but at some point in my fever I gave up hope and just had to know.
She does, btw. The truth behind her mother's stories is heartbreaking and I cried both times I read Val's death and the aftermath. I loved Val's funeral, though as someone who experienced pretty much the exact opposite for a loved one (Meg fears no one will show and a ton of people do. I thought more people would show and they did not) I also completely understand her fears and apprehension about the funeral in general.
I love the way Val's stories about Meg's childhood are written as they are simply magical. I think Digger steals the show and overall I enjoyed the book.
She does, btw. The truth behind her mother's stories is heartbreaking and I cried both times I read Val's death and the aftermath. I loved Val's funeral, though as someone who experienced pretty much the exact opposite for a loved one (Meg fears no one will show and a ton of people do. I thought more people would show and they did not) I also completely understand her fears and apprehension about the funeral in general.
I love the way Val's stories about Meg's childhood are written as they are simply magical. I think Digger steals the show and overall I enjoyed the book.