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drusmilford's review against another edition
4.0
The book grew on me as I read it. Fun read. The epilogue tells the history. My only disappointment is that the recipes were not included in the book. However, I plan on researching the "actual" cookbook listed in the epilogue.
A lot of great quotes -
While age may start to wither you, it cannot diminish your appetite for life.
You broke every rule in the book. Why do you want to teach? When I told her I didn't, she looked pained. It's rare I discover a true teacher, someone who can bring light in, and when I do, she can't wait to leave. It's an unjust world. (I do not totally agree with the next to last statement, teachers love what they do helping children with every ounce of their being but deal with a lot of extra stuff. However, it was very different at the time when Cecily was teaching,)
A good life is about the books we read, the things we care about, the friends we love and the care with which we love them. And a good life is also about how we choose to treat ourselves.
Male or female, that cat will be named Cecily because all carts are like Cecily - contrary, exquisitely standoffish, fussy about food - and sometimes they pretend they don't need you or love you even though they do.
A lot of great quotes -
While age may start to wither you, it cannot diminish your appetite for life.
You broke every rule in the book. Why do you want to teach? When I told her I didn't, she looked pained. It's rare I discover a true teacher, someone who can bring light in, and when I do, she can't wait to leave. It's an unjust world. (I do not totally agree with the next to last statement, teachers love what they do helping children with every ounce of their being but deal with a lot of extra stuff. However, it was very different at the time when Cecily was teaching,)
A good life is about the books we read, the things we care about, the friends we love and the care with which we love them. And a good life is also about how we choose to treat ourselves.
Male or female, that cat will be named Cecily because all carts are like Cecily - contrary, exquisitely standoffish, fussy about food - and sometimes they pretend they don't need you or love you even though they do.
susannagledhillrecommends's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rebelkiss's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing and makes me want to pursue dreams and change my life. Currently I don’t have dreams but I can try to find some
cherylstephenson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
tracyksmith_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a great book that ended up making me feel inspired like Miss Cecily inspired Kate. Kate starts out very unhappy and unsatisfied with her life. Her love life is a mess and she's been stuck at the same job in a grocery store for 20 years. When she decides to volunteer at a retirement home as a distraction, she meets the wonderful Miss Cecily who doesn't appear to be wonderful at all, at first. Cecily seems to be a cranky, miserable 97-year-old lady but Kate quickly learns that Cecily has lots to offer through her stories about her life and her unwelcome opinions. Their friendship is sparked by their shared love of exquisite food and its effect on different situations in life.
Cecily inspires and motivates Kate by expecting more from Kate than Kate believes is possible. This book is a great reminder of the importance of having good people in our lives. It also serves to remind us of where true happiness can be found.
I highly recommend this book and as a word of warning, do not read this book on an empty stomach. It will surely make you hungry!
Cecily inspires and motivates Kate by expecting more from Kate than Kate believes is possible. This book is a great reminder of the importance of having good people in our lives. It also serves to remind us of where true happiness can be found.
I highly recommend this book and as a word of warning, do not read this book on an empty stomach. It will surely make you hungry!
margot4b's review against another edition
5.0
Food can soothe a broken heart and crushed spirit! Excellent read.
gabfat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
While this was a comfy read, the main character felt like the friend who keeps making bad decisions even though you advise her not to. The best parts of the book were the food descriptions.
julieclair's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
I loved this heartwarming story about the transformative power of an unlikely friendship. I didn’t like either of the main characters at first, one was arrogant, grumpy and rude, and the other was weak and spineless. But as their friendship grew, they each also grew in positive and satisfying ways. By the end, I was cheering for both of them. Tip - Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
jmlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5