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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a five for me. I was sad to let the characters go when it ended.
This is a family story told from the perspective of two sisters and their cousin. The family owns a restaurant and for various reasons the three main characters have come back to work or spend time in the restaurant. It takes place in Chicago in 2016/17 so the cubs winning the World Series and trump being elected are talked about often.
I enjoyed the restaurant aspect and the baseball aspect. There were many laugh out loud moments for me as well due to the characters wry observations and dry humour.
This is a family story told from the perspective of two sisters and their cousin. The family owns a restaurant and for various reasons the three main characters have come back to work or spend time in the restaurant. It takes place in Chicago in 2016/17 so the cubs winning the World Series and trump being elected are talked about often.
I enjoyed the restaurant aspect and the baseball aspect. There were many laugh out loud moments for me as well due to the characters wry observations and dry humour.
Start your "novel" with politics and it's a DNF and Do Not Recommend from me.
It's a shame, because the book sounded good from the blurb.
Zero stars if I could.
It's a shame, because the book sounded good from the blurb.
Zero stars if I could.
I think I could have liked this book at a different time, but all the talk of electing a certain president was too much for me.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Marrying the Ketchups is an enjoyable multigenerational family story. The Sullivans own a long standing family restaurant in Chicago and three months in 2016 have been really pivotal for them. Family patriarch Bud dies, their beloved Cubs finally win the World Series, and then there was the Presidential election. Although the novel follows four generations at its core are Bud and Rose’s grandchildren, sisters Gretchen and Jane and their cousin Teddy, who are all dealing with issues of their own. Gretchen’s walked out on her New York band after discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her with another band member, Jane and her husband have different values and seem to be drifting apart plus she suspects him of cheating, while Teddy’s former boyfriend is engaged but the two of them seem to have trouble leaving each other alone. Despite their individual difficulties and interpersonal conflicts the whole family is clearly close and loving and by the end of the book, although more difficulties and challenges arise, everyone seems to be on the path to a better life for themselves. This was warm, engaging and feel good. It went down easy but it lacks the depth or something special needed to make it memorable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Grief