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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
This book felt like a chore to get through. I didn't connect to any of the characters. They didn't feel fleshed out enough for me to care about them, even at the end of the book. The plot felt too slow and the ending was unsatisfying.
The book was character based instead of plot based, but the growth of the characters felt so slow or even nonexistent. Teddy in particular didn't seem to change much over the course of the book. Did he learn anything from his affair with Walter? Because in the end, he didn't even stop the affair for any moral reason. He stopped having the affair because he could no longer sneak around with Walter. It also would have been nice to have some closure on the parents, how Sullivan's was doing, whether Gretchen liked the Dingle brother, how Riley was doing, or just really any other storyline that was brought up.
I also didn't like that Trump was continuously brought up. I agree with all the political statements the author was making but even so, I've already lived through that in real life. I don't need to read about it as well.
The book was character based instead of plot based, but the growth of the characters felt so slow
I also didn't like that Trump was continuously brought up. I agree with all the political statements the author was making but even so, I've already lived through that in real life. I don't need to read about it as well.
If you like big, messy multigenerational family dramas and/or have ever worked in a restaurant this one is for you. Set in the shadow of the 2016 presidential election, the Sullivan family is regrouping after the death of their patriarch. The book centers around a family-owned restaurant in the Chicago suburbs and follows Bud's three grandchildren—all in their 30's—as they figure out what they want in life and where they fit in the family and the restaurant's operations. This book had such rich characters and I felt like the family dynamics and restaurant politics were both spot on! Truly enjoyed this one.
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Loveable characters:
No
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
If this book were set in Philly, I’d really start to think this was written for (or secretly about) me. Actually, that’s maybe wishful thinking 😅. Really lovely story of a complex family dynamic with Irish Catholic undertones and a strong through line of baseball. Found myself absolutely weeping at the later Rose chapters, and basically any description of the feeling of the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016. Food and family are woven together so beautifully throughout, too. I loved it so fricken much. Lots of political mentions, but I happened to feel basically exactly the same way in 2016 and beyond, so I didn’t mind it.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Yes
A beautiful time capsule of a book. Set after the 2016 election, this manages to be a pretty timeless picture of life in 21st century America. I fell in love with this family and their flawed love for each other and their restaurant!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
4.5 stars! I loved this book! As a fan of Jennifer Close’s other novels, I think it’s her best yet. The novel tells the story of the multigenerational Sullivan family and their restaurant in Chicago. It blends two of my great book loves, food and family drama. Through each family member, Close explores many real life issues that families experience. Ultimately, I think there’s something for everyone. For me, it had a bit of a slow start, but it definitely picks up once the reader gets to know the characters. I didn’t want to it to end, and I would love another book with this family. Highly recommend!