Saturday, November 7, 2015

Two Short Book Reviews: Eight Hundred Grapes and Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Goodreads Summary:

There are secrets you share, and secrets you hide…

Growing up on her family’s Sonoma vineyard, Georgia Ford learned some important secrets. The secret number of grapes it takes to make a bottle of wine: eight hundred. The secret ingredient in her mother’s lasagna: chocolate. The secret behind ending a fight: hold hands.

But just a week before her wedding, thirty-year-old Georgia discovers her beloved fiancé has been keeping a secret so explosive, it will change their lives forever.

Georgia does what she’s always done: she returns to the family vineyard, expecting the comfort of her long-married parents, and her brothers, and everything familiar. But it turns out her fiancé is not the only one who’s been keeping secrets…

My Thoughts:


Whew, this book was full of confused characters, not knowing what they wanted or wanting something they maybe couldn't have. It was a good read - a very balanced blend, if you will. Not too intense, yet not too light. The characters were interesting, the setting amazing (because who doesn't want to live at a winery?), and it was just complex enough to be unpredictable. This book is best when paired with a rich, flavorful red. And maybe some cheese. 



Goodreads Summary:

When Lars Thorvald’s wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine—and a dashing sommelier—he’s left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He’s determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter—starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva’s journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that’s a testament to her spirit and resilience.


My thoughts:


I loved this book - all the way until the ending. Overall, it didn't affect my opinion of the book that much, but I am a person who wants a concrete cut and dried ending, one way or another. I don't like ambiguous endings, and I felt unsatisfied by this book's ending. Just a personal quirk, I guess. If you take away the ending though, this book was awesome, amazing, I loved it. Written from multiple viewpoints and skip-hops through time, the reader follows the story of Eva, whose life is anything but perfect. The different perspectives are woven together expertly to create a cohesive story line,  like a well-planned meal, full of different flavors yet all complementing one another.  This book was really very well done. (except that ending! but that's just me)





8 comments:

  1. I've been eyeing Kitchens of the Great Midwest at the library, but haven't committed yet. Your review makes it sound like a good one! And I'm intrigued about the ending...

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    1. Oo it was so good! I loved all the different perspectives. I am looking forward to your thoughts on the ending! :) I think I can be kind of picky.

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  2. I agree with you on Eight Hundred Grapes- poor Georgia was way confused! I felt bad for her... and the setting was nice, she did a great job with that. Wine and cheese, that would go well with that book. :)

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    1. I have to say, Laura Dave kept me guessing until the end!! I had no idea how it was going to end up for Georgia. Lol. I love when that happens.

      It was a great book, I really enjoyed it! I am glad I spotted it over on your blog!

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  3. Thanks for the warning about the ending of Kitchens of the Great Midwest. Good to know ahead of time! I have a copy to read for review and I also need to read Eight Hundred Grapes. Seems to be very popular with readers this year. Nice reviews!

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    1. Thanks!!

      I am not a fan of the open ending, which is what it was. :( However, I did still really love the book!

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  4. "Hmmm..." is my reaction to your reaction on the ending. I had added this book to my TBR b/c of you, but I think it'll stay on. Like Katherine, I'm curious.

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    1. I would definitely encourage you to still read it! I am not a fan of open endings - I like closure and certainty. I did still really love this book though, and would name it among my short list of books that were the best I have read so far this year. :)

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I love hearing from people, don't be shy! I would love to hear what you think! I always reply back, although it takes me a bit longer these days due to the little guy.