Tag Archives: Family

The Slender One by Caroline Tung Richmond

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Slender One
Author: Caroline Tung Richmond
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that throughout this short story, Charlie is trying to figure out how his school and personal life fit together. He also has the added challenges of racism to contend with and people’s assumptions. And there’s a bit of a paranormal aspect that he also has to figure out how to balance.

In his journey to figure out how to move in the world, I love that Charlie’s attention switches from racist Helen to lovely Andie. I also love that Andie is not only interested in engaging with his family and culture, but also that she just jumps onboard the supernatural train and tries to help him.

The Slender One is not just about growing up and figuring out your own identity, there is also the spirits of the departed an dhow they try to move on to the next life. I love that in this it’s food which is a vessel for comfort and happiness. And using this, those who have left this world with unfinished business are able to move on.

<- Moments to ReturnGimme Some Sugar ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Lemming Factor by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Lemming Factor
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

Something about this short story made it feel like everyone was just… charging towards their death. Which kind of makes sense, since its a story called The Lemming Factor. And even, with the uncertain ending to this, I still felt like the majority had literally been running towards their death.

The Lemming highlights how damaging it can be to only look out for yourself. And how the great importance of loyalty and family is what often carries us through. I love that one of those who was thought to be the ‘winners’ of the race, was more focused on their family.

I felt like there were so many meanings to this story. And many possible interpretations. But, even if you’re not trying to unravel the hidden meanings, the very simple act of running after the pied piper provided and entertaining read.

<- The BeastThe Monster Game ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Gimme Some Sugar by Jay Coles

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Gimme Some Sugar
Author: Jay Coles
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this short story is all about soul food made from the soul. It’s also about family and love. And the ways in which food reminds us of who we are. Leo’s love for his family and the catharsis of cooking his love for them is beautiful and drew me in from the very beginning.

Even though this story focuses on a cooking competition, I wasn’t’ convinced that Leo would actually win in the end. It was fun spending the whole time trying to figure out if Leo’s food would actually win the day, or if he would just find a way to be closer to his mother and grandma.

Although this was a fairly simple and enjoyable story, I also enjoyed the fact that there was a little commentary about the cost of life and medical care in the US. It hit a little close to home as I currently have a parent fighting cancer, but, unlike in the US, I live in a country that makes it a lot more affordable to live.

The Hungry Heart Row cooking competition, quite honestly, just sounds delicious. And it definitely made me salivate while I read this.

<- The Slender OneThe Missing Ingredient ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bad Bridesmaid by Portia MacIntosh

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bad Bridesmaid
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

The reason I marked this kind of low in the star factor is that, even though I enjoyed this story, I had some serious issues with some of the family dynamics throughout. I mean, it’s obvious that MacIntosh wants to create a story about a dysfunctional family. But what she created wasn’t dysfunctional. It was downright abusive. And honestly, the bit that made me drastically rate down a book that I otherwise enjoyed was that I was seriously pissed off that in the end, everything was forgiven. There was a lot that shouldn’t have been forgiven.

Mia, as the lead, is kind of sympathetic in the fact that, like I said, her family is filled with arseholes. But, that excuse kind of gets a bit old. I mean, aspects of her personality are sympathetic, but I also found her really whiney and kind of boring at times. There was so much potential for growth in her, and I loved that for the first half. But then, she didn’t really have all that much growth. I did love her she floundered from one epic fail to the other though. It was kind of hilarious if I’m being honest.

Then there was Leo. He was actually kind of sweet, and a lot of what I’m generally looking for in a lead male of a good romance. But, again, there were a few issues. He spends the whole time telling Mia that he doesn’t want a relationship, and just wants a good romp in the sheets. But, it’s obvious from the very beginning that he does want a relationship. And then, he actually admits that that’s what he wants. It’s a little bit, annoyingly deceitful. And yet, like with Mia, I still actually liked him.

So there were a lot of serious issues with this story which would normally lead me to DNF this book. Yet, I actually really enjoyed it. There is something very talented about MacIntosh and how beautifully she is able to craft her stories. It turns something that has points to rant and rave about into a story that I would still read again in the future.

<- The Accidental HoneymoonBetter Off Wed ->

Image source: Amazon

Sugar and Spite by Rin Chupeco

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sugar and Spite
Author: Rin Chupeco
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something about the idea of magic being tied up in cooking that I’ve always enjoyed. I mean, cooking is, for me, an act of love and giving, and magic is much the same thing (if you’re looking at white magic that is). Which meant that I was already predisposed to enjoy this story from the very beginning. The fact that it explored another culture was just another moment of joy for me. And nailed that final feeling of joy into my happy, little coffin.

I love that the Lolas in this spend a lot of time subtly trying to teach the difference in vengeance and standing up for oneself. I mean, vengeance for vengeance sake isn’t right. But also, letting yourself be completely run over by others isn’t right either. It’s definitely a fine line, and one I’m sure is easy to blur. But it definitely is one that works.

This story deals wonderfully with the past and the present. Family traditions and modern spins. It’s a great story that is about women, power and striking out on your own. One that I looked forward to diving into again in the future.

<- The Grand Ishq AdventureMoments to Return ->

Image source: Goodreads

Rain by Sangu Mandanna

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rain
Author: Sangu Mandanna
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is a beautiful and touching short story about the grief of losing a loved one. And the long process that people go through to start moving on from that. Father and daughter are constantly struggling to find a way to say goodbye, and to find their way back to one another. And a beautiful change of pace in Hungry Hearts Row is just what they need to get themselves back on track.

Food is a pretty potent love language in my family – it comes from marrying a Maltese man and being a little food obsessed myself. It made the idea of father and daughter reconnecting over their mother / wife’s favourite food all that much more meaningful. I mean, what better way to remember someone? I myself tend to bake cakes and bread when I’m missing my grandfather – it was something that we shared and I still heavily associate with him.

Food is not only a great love language, but it is also great for healing and stirring up memories. It’s nice that in this, the first attempts to get the well-remembered curry right go epically wrong. And it is in slowly getting it right that father and daughter are able to reconnect and begin to talk to one another again. It’s only when they finally start to find laughter again that they also find the secret ingredient to the recipe.

For me, this story was all about food and love and healing. And the power of food in that healing. But, there was also the great symbolism of rain throughout that made me smile. I mean, every key moment throughout this journey is symbolised by rain, and it’s a great metaphor for the overwhelming emotions that are being experienced. Many nuances and moments throughout this that I seriously enjoyed. Definitely an author I will be reading again in the future.

<- Hungry HeartsKings and Queens ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kings and Queens by Elsie Chapman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Kings and Queens
Author: Elsie Chapman
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I really wasn’t expecting this short story to be about gang life to be quite frank. I’m not quite sure what I anticipated. But I think, from the cover of this collection (I know, you should never judge a book by its cover), I was expecting something a little bit more… cuddly. And I love that this wasn’t. I mean, I loved this short story completely. And part of that was because it was such a surprise, but it was also brilliantly written.

One of the things that I loved about this is that it is a story, at the centre, about family. And food, but mostly family. I really enjoyed how the mother manages to get her final revenge, in an incredibly symbolic and surprising way. I figured that this story was going to end in death, but I actually thought that it might be the death of the narrator as she tried to enact her revenge.

Whilst I really enjoyed reading this story, it was also kind of difficult. I can’t imagine the pain of having a brain dead child. Particularly when this brain death was caused by the actions of someone you love and respect. And then you have to look at her killers face and smile… I understand the anger that just seeps out of this storyline.

This is a fairly serious storyline, with a whole lot of anger and death. I love that there was delicious food that acted as a counterpoint to this more serious storyline. In fact, there was a lot of food in this that I kind of want to try my hand at making. Or at least, its inspired a few dishes in my mind…

<- RainThe Grand Ishq Adventure ->

Image source: Goodreads

We Eat Our Daughters by Alexia Arthurs

Book Review, , ,
Overview
How to Love a Jamaican by Alexia Arthurs

Title: We Eat Our Daughters
Author: Alexia Arthurs
In: How to Love a Jamaican (Alexia Arthurs)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I loved this medley of tales. All of which focused on the relationship between mothers and daughters. It’s definitely something that I’ve been thinking of a lot lately as I’ve just had my own daughter, so it was an opportune moment to read this.

This short story made me reflect on the ways in which we can feel cannibalised by our mothers. That tough moment in every woman’s life when she is stepping away from being the child and the “daughter” to being their own independent person. It’s definitely difficult to not feel consumed by the strong women who have raised us.

Although there was that underlying idea of being absorbed in the mother-daughter relationship, this story also looked at the different types of relationships. And the ways in which the transition can be negotiated, some healthy, some not so healthy.

<- On ShelfShirley From a Small Place ->

Image source: Goodreads

Nothing Will Hurt You by David Morrell

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Hauntings: Datlow, Ellen: 9781616960889: Amazon.com: Books

Title: Nothing Will Hurt You
Author: David Morrell
In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Horror
Dates read: 30th June 2021
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Synopsis

Parents are supposed to be able to protect their children. But what happens when they fail?

Thoughts

To start with I had some pretty amazing Edward Scissorhand vibes. I’m not entirely sure why, maybe there’s a reference I picked up subconsciously from my long ago watching of the movie. And honestly, I thought that reference was dark enough…

It got darker. It got more disturbing and I felt quite uncomfortable by the time I’d finished this short story. Which, I suppose makes sense for the fact that it’s in the Hauntings collection. It also left you with a but of a “haunting” feeling when you turned that final page…

I love the idea that a father will do anything to protect his daughter. I also loved how this story took that protective instinct WAY too far. Combined with the haunting by the daughter, a quest for revenge and just the general creepiness of this story… well, I’m still tingling.

<- Delta Sly HoneyThe Ammonite Violin (Murder Ballad No. 4) ->

Image source: Amazon

Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga, #1) by Nora Roberts

Title: Sea Swept
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: Chesapeake Bay Saga #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Dates read: 24th May – 5th June 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: With a laugh, she crouched down, held out a hand.

Synopsis

Cameron Quinn is coming home to say good-bye to the only father he ever loved. And he’ll have to put his fast-paced life on hold to care for the last boy Ray Quinn hoped to save…

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this story. It was one of those gorgeous, heart felt tales that made you just… smile. And I also love that although the couple gets together at the end… there is still that feeling of unfinished business that promises a next, wonderful novel in the series. It provides a great common thread beyond brotherhood and makes me itch to go out and buy the next book.

The fact that this story starts with a death and some tragedy is pretty harsh. But, it works beautifully as a story starter. Plus, how else do you get four brothers back together to start a series? The fact that one of these brothers is new to the clan… Well, it didn’t make me want to get to know Seth any less. He’s just as adorable and wonderful as Cam, Philip and Ethan.

I love that Anna is a social worker. It’s a role kind of similar to my own, with even more heartbreaking scenarios. And, honestly, it’s something I could see myself moving into I the future. The fact that Roberts doesn’t make it into a dreamy and hopeful job all the time. But is honest about the realities of that kind of work? It made Anna a far more appealing character and my first foray into the writing of Nora Roberts seriously enjoyable.

This might be a contemporary romance, but I loved the family aspect to the whole story. It reminds you that family can be who you choose, and who stands by you. And, honestly, I found the story of the four brothers to be an even bigger love story than that of Cam and Anna.

<- More Nora RobertsRising Tides ->

Image source: Goodreads