KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST by J. Ryan Stradal
An expertly interwoven tapestry of unique perspectives, character development, subtle mystery, and exquisite recipes, KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST is a must read. Stradal has established a steady, even paced plot that brings the main character Eva Thorvald to life amidst the crises of a world that is sure to resonate with all audiences. Readers should appreciate the opportunity to be immersed in the life of Eva Thorvald and all those who leave lasting impacts on her kitchen; their hearts will break with hers and their minds will grow strong with her undeniable determination. In an act of wizardry, the elements of this novel form a world so real that readers will begin to love and care for Eva as if she was a dear childhood friend. What is more, readers will be inspired to continue the pursuit of their wildest ambitions after being part of Eva’s journey. It is recommended that this novel be read with snacks at hand as the mouth-watering descriptions of Eva’s creations are sure to make you hungry! This novel integrates the use of varying perspectives and would prove to be a wonderful opportunity for high school students to analyze how character voice can be a tool to manipulate information provided to readers. It should be noted that issues explored within KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST include loss of a parent and struggles with substance use that may be sensitive to some readers.
Read It Wright 