5 More Reviews

Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (46 of 1294)

Like Water for Chocolate tells the story of Tia, the youngest daughter who must adhere to tradition and care for her mother.  This means she isn't allowed to marry, and her true love, Pedro, marries her sister instead to stay close to Tia.  Tia has a passion for cooking as well, and the book is broken down into twelve monthly chapters, each starting off with a recipe then telling a portion of the story during the book.

There were some things that I liked, and others I didn't like.  It was a good story, and showed Tia's growth as a person, which led to her eventually standing up to her mother.  I thought the ending was good as well, and I didn't mind some of the elements of "magical realism".

The recipes at the beginning of the chapters did nothing for me.  Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather read a cookbook instead.  At times it felt too much like a romance book, and some of the "magical realism" elements were over the top and I felt like I was reading a romance novel, which isn't my thing.

While the book was turned into a movie I really have no intention of seeing it.

My rating: 2 1/2 stars



The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield (47 of 1294)

The Garden Party is a short story that can be found online.  Young Laura Sheridan is preparing for the family's garden party when she hears of a fatal accident down the road where one of their poor neighbors die.  It's a short story, but the topics of death and the differences between the classes of people play a part.

My rating: 3 1/2 stars



The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (48 of 1294)

Another short story, about a women confined to a room by her physician husband because of a "temporary nervous depression".  She becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper hanging on the wall.  In interesting short story about mental health that is well worth reading.

My rating: 4 stars



Candide by Voltaire (49 of 1294)

Another short book which I was a little hesitant to read after reading about it.  I'm always hesitant when a book was published in the 1700's and it's a satire.  They always seem to feel dated, or don't hold up too well.

So I was pleasantly surprised after reading.  It was both brief and rewarding and a humorous book.  After reading Candide experience one tragedy after another, it makes you think at least a little bit.

My rating: 4 stars



Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (50 of 1294)

Great Expectations was another one of the books that I was forced to read in high school.  I probably would like it better now than then, but this was a good book.  Pip, the orphan was the main character in the story, and a memorable character.  The growth of Pip in the book as he learns some of life's important lessons and that living a good life is more important than living a wealthy life.

My rating: 4 stars