First of all: WOW. I knew there were going to be some online reviews of The Kitchen Daughter starting the week it came out (last week) -- but I didn't know there were going to be TWO DOZEN of them in only seven days. And that they would be so warm and generous and beautifully written. And thoughtful and thorough. And -- wow. Just wow, again, some more.
I've tried to round them all up below. It's very possible that I've missed a few. Feel free to add links in the comments if you know of others! I've excerpted a snippet of each; you can read the entire review by clicking on the name of the publication, blog, or site. (Each one will open in a new window.)
Longer reviews:
"If you’re starving for a good book to read, you can’t go wrong with Ms. McHenry’s delicious first novel." New York Journal of Books
"Ginny's relationship with food, how it makes her strong and gives her purpose, is inspiring. Frankly, Ginny herself is inspiring." That’s What She Read
"I give this book 4 1/2 stars and 1 hanky rating." Books and Things
"I truly loved this novel and would strongly recommend this novel to book clubs – and most readers. However, I do not recommend reading this novel on an empty stomach." Book Club Classics
"I will absolutely be thinking about and recommending this book for a long time to come. I'm certain she is a writer we'll be seeing much more from in the future." Bea’s Book Nook
"As I read Ginny’s story – so authentically told in her voice – I ran through a seemingly endless wheel of emotions – empathy, surprise, anger, happiness, sadness, and -ultimately – satisfaction." She Is Too Fond of Books
"I absolutely adored this book and am pretty sure it will be one of my favorite reads of the year." BermudaOnion
"Despite the grief, it is a story of hope, humor and love." Great Thoughts
"It was a real treat to lose myself in this sweet and uplifting debut novel. The author has done an amazing job of creating memorable and endearing characters. " One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
"I fell a little in love with Ginny. And isn't that what one wants to do when reading a great story? My hat is off to the author. I cannot recommend this book highly enough." Mockingbird Hill Cottage
"From tears in my eyes to cheeks that ached from grinning to a belly that grumbled at me from the fabulous descriptions of food and recipes on these pages, there were many different aspects of this book that I enjoyed." Girlichef
"You do not have to know, or care, how to chop an onion to understand The Kitchen Daughter. All you have to know is the way it feels to fear a future without everything you know and love." The Deep Old Desk
"The Kitchen Daughter is one of those books that isn’t only magical while you’re reading, but leaves behind a trail of magic dust that touches you for days to come. Ginny’s character as told through the food she loves and the ways in which she uses it to conquer her fears is endearing and entirely unique." ChickLitReviews
"Although there are a few other main characters out there narrating from their place on the autism spectrum, the premise of this novel is unique and appealing. It is as individual as each person in the world and offers up another perspective on the shifting sands of normal." BookNAround
"I love how McHenry wrote Ginny. She’s not always right, but she’s trying despite the prejudices of other characters who don’t understand her." Stacked
"McHenry's debut is all the more powerful for being told through Ginny's voice. Readers are caught up in her fear and anger. And, it's easy to understand the power that cooking has in her life, power to soothe her, but also the power to change her life." Lesa’s Book Critiques
"Most importantly, to me, is the portrayal of Asperger's syndrome in a female. I think Ms. McHenry has done a fine job... I found Ginny entirely believable and a fine voice for the community of aspies in the real world."" Back to Books
But wait! There's more after the jump...
Shorter reviews:
"At times heartbreaking, others hopeful,The Kitchen Daughter serves up a unique and unforgettable helping of fiction that lingers long after the last word is served." Muse
"The Kitchen Daughter is a refreshing look at what we consider normal, at love and loss, at family ties and at the bonds of sisterhood and friendship. Jael McHenry cooks up such a wonderfully delectable and bittersweet first novel that I cannot wait for seconds." Just Another New Blog
"McHenry's writing is masterful, commanding, and quite vivid, and I eagerly await her next book." Rundpinne
"This is just such an amazing read. It reminded me of a cross between Jodi Picoult and Sarah Addison Allen and a bit of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime." BookHounds
"A very interesting and emotional book... Oh and I LOVED the recipes!" Taking Time For Mommy
"This is actually my favorite kind of book. It's about something relevant but also about something else much more relevant." A Musing Reviews
"It would make for a good summer read for my book club." Bookworm With a View
"Author Jael's love of cooking shines in her writing. Readers are transported to the sights and scents of Ginny's kitchen as she prepares each dish. This book is a culinary lover's delight!" Three Boys and An Old Lady
"The Kitchen Daughter blew me away. After reading the first thirty pages, I was hooked and didn't come up for air." Readaholic
"Really a lovely, lovely story about families, sisters, loss, growth, and cooking. It transfixed me from beginning to end." No More Grumpy Bookseller
(A couple of reviewers noted that I made them cry -- you'll be happy to know that these reviewers have returned the favor! I am absolutely and completely blown away.)
I'm so happy for you!!!!
Posted by: Kari Bonnet | April 21, 2011 at 02:40 PM
I loved this book, it was David's sweet hot chocolate goodness with a dash of Ginny's "This is who I am." sass. I will be pushing for my bookclub to read this one!
Posted by: Jen Erickson | April 23, 2011 at 11:46 AM