Reviews

Sourdough: or, Lois and Her Adventures in the Underground Market by Robin Sloan

kelly_inthe419's review

4.0

This was such a delightful story - clever and witty and imaginative and nothing deep. Just what I needed right now. I thought Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore (by the same author) was okay but I didn’t love it and wasn’t crazy about the end. I found Sourdough much more enjoyable. And while I wouldn’t call it great, or great literature, it was interesting and engaging. Now I’m hungry though, and more than a little tempted to try and make my own starter!

j0nes's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

This was weird but inviting. I liked it.

addimop's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

actually loved loved loved this book! such a fun little read with little twists throughout! loved the descriptions of software engineering (her code broke when she compiled it!!!! shes just like me!!!!) and the journey from soul sucking tech to ??? weird baking tech?? this book felt like what Mexican Gothic was supposed to be. I’m removing half a star for the ending; i kinda hated the last two minutes of the book

she kinda becomes a tech bro?? for what?? but on the other hand i can appreciate the spin that robots/ai/automation arent always bad but personally i think its sad seeing her morph into one of the “wraiths” (just a different genre)

 

the audiobook was excellently done! and also loved the lois club!! 

toc's review against another edition

4.0

I feel a strong urge to bake me some bread. Or ferment me some beans. Or at least make a pizza.

I don't know what this book is. Geek literature? Science Fiction? Fantasy? Pirate story? Apocalyptic vision? Baking fiction? (surely a genre invented by Mr. Sloan)

I don't know what this book is but I surely know that both my wife and I enjoyed it to no end. Mr. Sloan is a master of the language and there's always a flow to his words I enjoy. Mr. Sloan is a master of the subtle puzzle plot. There's a puzzle to be solved and getting there is always a surprise. It's never what you think and never quite what you don't think. This book is really no exception.

And it makes me wish my name was "Lois"…

(p.s. Kudos to Ms. Plummer for her masterful reading of this book. Very clear, very entertaining, and the multiple voice are deftly handled. I'm gonna go look up more of her work.)

brokawkristi's review against another edition

This was delightful, charming, funny, and so easy to read at a hectic time of year. Just what I needed.

cvsuthie's review against another edition

3.0

Noooooooooo.

I was loving it so much. Such a sublime yet quirky story where all of the pieces meshed together so perfectly symbiotically..... And then.....


the ending? wtf
i'm like mad
but anyways

honestly just stop 75% through you'll probably be more satisfied than if you read the whole thing

rotewaffel's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.0

ashleyrich3825's review against another edition

5.0

This is solidly one of my comfort reads.
I don't think I can fully explain why I love it so much; perhaps it's because it details a woman's journey from soul-sucking silicon valley worker to baker and vendor at Mr. Marrow's underground farmer's market. It's a hopeful story that warms my anti-capitalist little heart.
Not to mention there's a bit of friendship and found family wrapped up in it, which was going to win me over from the start.
I suppose Sourdough is, to me, a quirky, strange little story that leaves me feeling hopeful that I can carve out my own little space in our increasingly corporate-dystopian looking world. Its tone is simultaneously warm and a tad uncanny, and it just scratches a particular brain itch.
Also there's sentient sourdough starter, so, take that how you will.

hantasticb's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No

3.0

I really thought I would like this book more, but I found it a little ho hum. The main story didn't really keep me going. I think the thing I liked most was the San Francisco setting. The author does a good job of making you feel like you're in all the different places described. I found the main character to be a bit lackluster. I didn't care much about her, so I didn't feel involved in the story. Maybe it was just timing of when I read this book - I can't quite put my finger on why it didn't jive with me, but others may feel differently.

klhtet's review against another edition

4.0

It was harder to read than Mr. Prenumbra's Bookshop. Maybe the robot factor was farther to my little knowledge than the secret cult-ish book club? It was great nonetheless. I love how the starter was used to show human greed. It was a fascinating read and I'll love to read more of Robin Sloan's curious combination of modern and old-school.