sydboll's Reviews (662)

Usually I like Jeff Vandermeer but I could not get into this... and it was due back at the library. Maybe ill finish it someday.

Don't let the cover or the blurb fool you--this isn't an easy, breezy rom-com with hints of Jane Austen. Going into Recipe for Persuasion, I had that perception of the book, but what I got instead was much darker. 

Recipe for Persuasion follows the relationship between Ashna, a chef, and Rico, a retired professional soccer player, as they team up to compete on a cooking show. Throughout all of this, we also learn more about their traumatic pasts and get a deep dive on Ashna's mother. 

While the story was interesting, and I was invested, I could not help but feel like there was nothing anchoring the two romantic leads together in a meaningful way. I had little to no investment in their relationship because I was only told about their attraction and connection; it does not play out on the page. Shobi, Ashna's mother, is dynamic and fascininating, defintiely as "scene-stealer" in this novel. 

I think this book is good for the right audience, but you have to know what you're getting into. It was much more serious than I anticipated. 

I think this book is really helpful for anyone who was recently diagnosed with endometriosis AND a newcomer to holistic techniques and treatments. I really appreciated Murnane's voice--it was like having a big sister telling me all I need to know. 

I do think that the endometriosis information was very helpful and made me feel less alone in dealing with condition. However, since I follow many of her suggestions already, I didn't find the managing my endo part as helpful as I would have if I was new to this.

I am glad I read it and am definitely glad to have it as part of my home library, especially if I want to refer back for some of the techniques and recipes.