josiemi's reviews
65 reviews

The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu by Dan Jurafsky

informative slow-paced

3.75

Found this book really intriguing and I loved the incorporation of recipes. I got a little bored with the format as each chapter seemed a bit repetitive in structure (not in content). I think it touches on some awesome cultural points.

Multicultural Magic of Cafe Japon by Miyoko Honma

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

This is a no frills cookbook. I’m a fan of café Japon that used to be on Liberty in my hometown of Ann Arbor. My mom and I would frequent the shop when I was a child and I adored the pastries. My grandmother was dying during this time and didn’t have much of an appetite, however, she loved any of the treats we would bring her. I’m thrilled that I now have a book to help me bring these recipes to life in my own kitchen and remember the flavors of my childhood. 

Kung Food by Jon Kung

informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Kung’s voice is loud and clear throughout this cookbook. It is wonderful hear Kung’s voice walk us through their own personal history, the backgrounds of these dishes and what it means to be a third culture kid. I think this book takes on a greater meaning of “you are what you eat.”

Mooncakes and Milk Bread: Sweet and Savory Recipes Inspired by Chinese Bakeries by Kristina Cho

informative inspiring slow-paced

4.75

This cookbook is so beautiful and contains wonderful stories. It is such a stunning representation of Chinese and Asian-America. Multiple things can exist at the same time together. I wouldn’t say this is the most accessible cookbook in terms of tools; some of these recipes require investments in time and equipment but are absolutely worth it! 

Mrs. Warren's Profession by George Bernard Shaw

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

This play is delight to read! It’s funny, I love the female characters, however, it’s definitely of its time. Personally, I find it to be a wonderful period piece, although I understand how it would feel distant to a modern audience and/or reader.

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

2.5

I wanted to like this book, but I found the character and plot development to be on the weaker side. I like the premise of a complicated mother daughter relationship tied in with witchcraft, however, I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the relationships. All of the characters felt somewhat surface level and unmotivated. I really enjoyed the darkness of this book and the overall plot, however, the chapter povs were confusing at times, and it was unclear to me that the book took place in Chicago until around halfway through. I would have loved more context of the world of witchcraft this book lives in and I see the potential for a series considering the vague ending. 

Crumb: The Baking Book by Ruby Tandoh

informative medium-paced

4.25

I really enjoyed Ruby Tandoh’s voice in this cookbook and what each recipe meant to her. I found the instructions easy to follow, accessible, and adaptable to circumstances, different kitchens, and whatever I had in the cupboard.

My Name Is Rachel Corrie by Rachel Corrie

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This play is so beautifully tragic. There’s something about hearing words directly from someone’s own journal and notes on life that give us insight to them in no other way and understand how they see the world and it maybe spurs a change in how we see it.

99 Histories by Julia Cho

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.75

Some really beautiful buds, roses, and thorns of love. Cho has written an astounding piece on the complexities of love, motherhood, relationships and Chung 정.

Bfe by Julia Cho

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This isn’t my favorite Julia Cho play, however, I thinks it’s quick, witty, dark, and makes some really great points about loneliness, adolescence, etc.