Reviews

Soy Sauce for Beginners by Kirstin Chen

darcy_clark's review against another edition

emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I think I would have loved this book if it had been twice as long, but it wasn't fleshed out enough to make me feel connected to or invested in any of the characters. Also harps on a character's weight loss which may be triggering to some readers.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, and Fatphobia

karak's review against another edition

3.0

A really fast, interesting read. Gretchen isn't really well fleshed out as a character, but the overall story is good.

lopab94's review against another edition

3.0

I got this book for free through Amazon Prime's Kindle First. I usually love these types of books where the female protagonist is at a crossroad in her life and must decide what to do. Throw in culture from a different part of the world and I'm usually hooked. The first part of this book was very enjoyable. The second half moved too fast. I really liked learning about real soy sauce. It's a quick easy read that I would recommend.

micki1961's review against another edition

2.0

about a girl going back to Singapore to join her family soy sauce company; it was okay

leahrock's review against another edition

3.0

Engaging debut novel from Kirstin Chen. The storyline might have been a little predictable, but there were a few unexpected turns, and enough unusual details to hold my interest. Loved the setting, and the character of Gretchen's Ma. Great descriptions of the crafting of artisanal soy sauce. I never knew there was such a thing, but am eager to try it! Nicely done. Look forward to more work from this author.

leslie99's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I

eloisedoesread's review against another edition

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

4.0

lovleephtogrl's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcoholism

_suppo07's review against another edition

2.0

y did I even read this..
Apparently all u need to find urself is a cheating husband, complicated home-life, surface level friends, pettiness & jealousy and let's not forget a attractive man..
MC really made me feel like either I should smash her head or mine for reading this crap..

fadodido's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5