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mbkarapcik 's review for:
Marrying the Ketchups
by Jennifer Close
In Marrying the Ketchups, Jennifer Close's latest novel, she focuses on a handful of items--the Cubs winning the World Series, the Trump election, and Sullivan's, the Chicago-area restaurant run by Bud and the extended Sullivan family. Bud passes away, and the family bands together to keep the restaurant going as per usual.
Gretchen, Jane, and Teddy are all Bud's grandchildren, and the main focus zeroes in on them and their domestic troubles. You'll meet their significant others, see where life has taken them, and how their lives will pan out. They all seem to be at turning points in their lives.
First of all, I thought the title was so clever. When I first encountered the title, I thought, what does that even mean? But you learn through the course of the book. It's such a unique title, and I was surprised by its meaning although I'm assuming anyone who worked in a restaurant may get it right away.
I enjoyed reading about the characters and their various problems. The family dynamic takes center stage in this novel, and I'm always a fan of exploring the nuances of families (one of my book club buddies will like this one).
Although the author wove in the Cubs winning the World Series and Trump winning the election, I didn't really think these were strong enough for the book. I suppose the Cubs winning the Series was akin to the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, but it almost seemed too forced. And reading about that fateful 2016 election was too much. I get it, but I felt like I've heard enough about this already ad nauseum.
But the characters feel so fully formed and believable except for the matriarch of the family. For some reason, I thought her past history didn't match what I expected from that character. I like all the fresh takes on the storylines regarding the three grandchildren and associated characters, though.
If you read We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange, it's very reminiscent of this book. That is a plus in my book because I really loved that one. In fact, these could be companion books. I would welcome a sequel of either one.
I've read all of Jennifer Close's novels and think this may be her strongest novel yet. I savored the book in many parts and thought it wrapped up the stories well with the opportunity to explore these characters in the future.
Gretchen, Jane, and Teddy are all Bud's grandchildren, and the main focus zeroes in on them and their domestic troubles. You'll meet their significant others, see where life has taken them, and how their lives will pan out. They all seem to be at turning points in their lives.
First of all, I thought the title was so clever. When I first encountered the title, I thought, what does that even mean? But you learn through the course of the book. It's such a unique title, and I was surprised by its meaning although I'm assuming anyone who worked in a restaurant may get it right away.
I enjoyed reading about the characters and their various problems. The family dynamic takes center stage in this novel, and I'm always a fan of exploring the nuances of families (one of my book club buddies will like this one).
Although the author wove in the Cubs winning the World Series and Trump winning the election, I didn't really think these were strong enough for the book. I suppose the Cubs winning the Series was akin to the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, but it almost seemed too forced. And reading about that fateful 2016 election was too much. I get it, but I felt like I've heard enough about this already ad nauseum.
But the characters feel so fully formed and believable except for the matriarch of the family. For some reason, I thought her past history didn't match what I expected from that character. I like all the fresh takes on the storylines regarding the three grandchildren and associated characters, though.
If you read We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange, it's very reminiscent of this book. That is a plus in my book because I really loved that one. In fact, these could be companion books. I would welcome a sequel of either one.
I've read all of Jennifer Close's novels and think this may be her strongest novel yet. I savored the book in many parts and thought it wrapped up the stories well with the opportunity to explore these characters in the future.