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kaicifer07's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cute and short graphic novel that I finished in one evening instead of doing dishes :)).
Yarrow is an amazing and ambitious character, What's not to love?
I love how she never gives up on her dreams, which is an amazing message in a YA book. Even when The chef, Chanda doubts her, she still goes strong. This wouldn't have been possible without the love interest Milani ofc.
This was a great read and I recommend!
Yarrow is an amazing and ambitious character, What's not to love?
I love how she never gives up on her dreams, which is an amazing message in a YA book. Even when The chef, Chanda doubts her, she still goes strong. This wouldn't have been possible without the love interest Milani ofc.
This was a great read and I recommend!
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Yarrow dreams of working with a chef who hopes to bring entomophagy to the masses. After making a bad first impression, she learns that, with a little help from her friends, she can make her culinary dreams come true.
danileighta's review against another edition
5.0
Before reading this book, I really had not thought about eating insects. I mean, I thought about the mealworm I ate in high school in my science class and cringed a bit, but I never considered what it might be like to actually eat insects for my protein intake. And, the fact that I cringed over something so basic and normal in other cultures really bothers me and has encouraged me to do what any good librarian likes to do: research! The fact that eating these bugs and larvae could keep folks from going hungry is incredibly important to remember and, though the book did not discuss this, it is likely a good alternative for those who are meat eaters in terms of lessening their carbon footprint.
Thought-provoking, super diverse, and pretty developed characters/relationships. This was a great little graphic novel with a message.
Thought-provoking, super diverse, and pretty developed characters/relationships. This was a great little graphic novel with a message.
geekwayne's review against another edition
3.0
'Meal' by Blue Delliquanti and Soleil Ho is a graphic novel about diversity in life and food. I found the story to be charming and informative.
Yarrow moves to a new town to work for a new restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of entomophagy. Entomophagy is insect-based cuising, and Yarrow has experience by growing her own mealworms. Her first experience with the chef/owner is a bit abrupt and she is sent off to make a simple dish. She wants to do her best but keeps overcomplicating things until she discovers that the important thing is to transport people with her cooking.
There is an interesting essay about cultures that eat insects, and even a recipe. The story is good, but feels a bit preachy more than informative at times. The art is also good, and I liked these characters.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Yarrow moves to a new town to work for a new restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of entomophagy. Entomophagy is insect-based cuising, and Yarrow has experience by growing her own mealworms. Her first experience with the chef/owner is a bit abrupt and she is sent off to make a simple dish. She wants to do her best but keeps overcomplicating things until she discovers that the important thing is to transport people with her cooking.
There is an interesting essay about cultures that eat insects, and even a recipe. The story is good, but feels a bit preachy more than informative at times. The art is also good, and I liked these characters.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
randomfangirl's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
unforth's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.25
I had no idea what this was about beyond being queer and I was a little surprised but it was good. I've only had bugs once - salt-and-vinegar crickets - and this makes me want to try again.
juniper_reads_things's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
Meal is about lesbian-eating bugs. WAIT I meant bug eating lesbians!
Haha.
I won’t lie to you, my skin crawled the whole time I read this graphic novel.
But….
Overall, I liked this book a lot! It introduced the cultures, history and future of Entomophagy (eating bugs) in a unique way, digestible format. I learned a lot from reading this. I really enjoyed the essay and recipes at the very end of this book. I like that the author pointed out that Americans and Western societies tend to view bug eating as a laughable experience, but in many Indigenous cultures, this was a way of life.
I took off a whole star because of the black and white illustrations. I think so much life would be added if the illustrations were in color.
I can’t say I’m interested in experiencing entomophagy… but I wouldn’t say no to Chanda’s and Yarrow’s creations!
Haha.
I won’t lie to you, my skin crawled the whole time I read this graphic novel.
But….
Overall, I liked this book a lot! It introduced the cultures, history and future of Entomophagy (eating bugs) in a unique way, digestible format. I learned a lot from reading this. I really enjoyed the essay and recipes at the very end of this book. I like that the author pointed out that Americans and Western societies tend to view bug eating as a laughable experience, but in many Indigenous cultures, this was a way of life.
I took off a whole star because of the black and white illustrations. I think so much life would be added if the illustrations were in color.
I can’t say I’m interested in experiencing entomophagy… but I wouldn’t say no to Chanda’s and Yarrow’s creations!
theangrystackrat's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
sgksoccer5's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
A short quick graphic novel that explores a young foodie wanting share her love of insect based foods with the world. Yarrow moves to a new town where she hears a insect based restaurant will be opening soon. She interviews with the head chef, but the chef is wary that Yarrow doesn't fully appreciate their food traditions and just wants to exploit it or turn it into a fad. Not only does Yarrow have to win over the chef, she has to win over one of her new neighbors and friends. She's pretty sure sparks are flying between them but what if she's wrong? An interesting look at food, culture, and romance all told through the lens of a short, well illustrated graphic novel.