Books matching: midwestern culture
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, inventive, and heartfelt novel - 'Kitchens of the Great Midwest' is a love letter to food, family, and the quirky bonds that shape a life. Ideal for anyone craving a unique, satisfying, and flavorful read.
'Kitchens of the Great Midwest' by J. Ryan Stradal is a series of interconnected vignettes that follow the life of Eva Thorvald, a renowned chef, from infancy to adulthood. The book delves into Eva's culinary journey, her relationships with family and friends, and the impact she has on those around her. Each chapter is narrated from a different character's perspective, providing a unique insight into Eva's life and the Midwest setting.
The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family, food, and life, capturing the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Stradal's writing style is described as humorous, poignant, and engaging, with colorful and realistic character development that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
Lars Thorvald loved two women. That was it, he thought in passing, while he sat on the cold concrete steps of his apartment building. Perhaps he would’ve loved more than two, but it just didn’t seem l...July 2015•356 pages "Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club" by J. Ryan Stradal follows the lives of four generations of Minnesotans, focusing on Betty, Florence, Mariel, and Julia. The story delves into family dynamics, personal struggles, and the evolution of the Lakeside Supper Club. Readers are taken on a journey through the changing landscape of Midwestern culture, the restaurant business, and the intricate relationships within the family. The narrative weaves together elements of nostalgia, tragedy, romance, and personal growth, creating a rich tapestry of characters and experiences that span generations.
The book's writing style incorporates a back-and-forth timeline, providing insights into different eras and character developments. The author skillfully captures the essence of Midwestern life, from the fading tradition of supper clubs to the complexities of family ties and personal ambitions. Readers are immersed in a world filled with empathy, humor, and poignant moments, as they witness the characters navigate through life's challenges and joys in the backdrop of Northern Minnesota's supper club scene.
Mariel’s quiet, peaceful commute to work had always been her favorite part of the day. From door to door, it took exactly fifty-four seconds—the time it takes to make a perfect old-fashioned—to walk a...April 2023•349 pages- #3
Save:Highly praised and intellectually stimulating, "The Topeka School" is a beautifully written, meditative read - though it may frustrate those who prefer action over analysis. Best suited for readers looking to puzzle out big ideas rather than coast through a breezy plot.
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner is a novel that delves into the lives of a family in Topeka, Kansas, focusing on the son, Adam, and his experiences in high school debate activities. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, toxic masculinity, and the struggles of young adulthood. The writing style of the book is described as challenging, with a non-linear timeline and multiple interrelated characters, creating a complex and layered story that attempts to make sense of contemporary societal issues.
The novel is structured around the family's experiences, including the father's affair, the mother's history of childhood abuse, and Adam's navigation through the pressures of his social environment. Despite the beautiful writing, some readers found the story to be disjointed, with a lack of a cohesive storyline and a narrative that veers off into subplots that may not contribute to the central themes of the book. The Topeka School is praised for its exploration of toxic masculinity, language, and family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a distinct Midwestern city.
Darren pictured shattering the mirror with his metal chair. From TV he knew there might be people behind it in the dark, that they could see him. He believed he felt the pressure of their gazes on his...October 2019•305 pages A sharp, literary memoir about the Vietnam War that's more about the emotional toll and moral dilemmas than guts-and-glory action. Not for everyone, but essential reading for those interested in the human experience of war.
A US soldier's memoir of his tour of duty in the Vietnam conflict is detailed in "If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home" by Tim O'Brien. The author doesn't shy away from portraying the horrors of war and the internal struggles faced by soldiers, including the conflicted feelings towards the war and the impact of combat on their psyche. O'Brien's writing style is described as concise, powerful, and engaging, reminiscent of Hemingway but more intimate, with detailed imagery that transports readers to the realities of the Vietnam War.
It’s incredible, it really is, isn’t it? Ever think you’d be humping along some crazy-ass trail like this, jumping up and down like a goddamn bullfrog, dodging bullets all day? Back in Cleveland, man,...January 1969•225 pages- #5
Save:A thoughtful, heart-squeezing romance rooted in real struggles and warm community, perfect for readers who crave depth, emotional realism, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Not the Marrying Kind by Jae is a heartwarming and compelling story about two women, Ashley and Sasha, who find themselves drawn to each other despite their hesitations and fears. Set in the small town of Fair Oaks, the book explores themes of self-acceptance, coming out, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style is engaging, with realistic dialogues and well-developed characters that make the reader invested in their journey towards love and acceptance.
Sasha pushed through the swinging door connecting the kitchen to the front of the bakery and placed the tray of heart-shaped cupcakes into the glass display case. “That’s the last tray. Who knew my he... - #6
Save:A warmly written journey through kitchens and landscapes, perfect for anyone who loves food, family stories, and armchair travel - just don’t expect a cookbook or a breakneck pace.
Give a Girl a Knife by Amy Thielen is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's experiences in the culinary world, from being a home cook to working in high-end New York City restaurants and eventually returning to her roots. The book intertwines stories of family, food, and personal growth, offering a glimpse into Thielen's exploration of her culinary history and the connections it creates with her past and present.
Thielen's writing style in Give a Girl a Knife is described as engaging, descriptive, and heartfelt. Readers praise the author for her ability to vividly capture the essence of people, food, and nature, making the narrative feel authentic and immersive. Through her storytelling, Thielen shares not only her passion for cooking but also her reflections on identity, memory, and the significance of food in shaping her life's journey.
Aaron was spending his evenings making art; he was on track. I was spending mine reading vintage cookbooks, filling the pages with scratchy marginalia, fishing around in the peach-colored lamplight fo...May 2017•320 pages - #7
Save:A funny, warm, and quietly empowering novel about family, forgiveness, and beer - perfect for anyone craving a feel-good story full of heart and hope.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal is a heartwarming tale that follows the lives of two sisters, Helen and Edith, as they navigate family dynamics, hard work, and the world of beer brewing. Set in Minnesota, the story spans over 50 years, exploring themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the complexities of family relationships. Through multiple perspectives and time periods, the novel delves into the characters' struggles, ambitions, and the bonds that tie them together.
It was July 5, 2003, and Edith Magnusson’s day hadn’t been too bad, so far. She’d just taken a strawberry-rhubarb pie from the oven, and was looking for her favorite tea towel, when she saw a grasshop...July 2019•382 pages - #8
Save:Donald Harstad's 'Eleven Days' is a police procedural set in small town Iowa, starting with a Satanic multiple murder and getting more complicated from there. The first-person narrator, Carl Houseman, deputy sheriff in Nation County, tells the story in a deadpan, occasionally stream of consciousness voice that is original, authentic and engaging. The twists and turns in the plot are satisfying, with just enough action and not an excessive amount of blood in the climax. The writing style is tight overall, with short sentences and fragments appropriate to the situations, although some readers find the inner thoughts of Carl Houseman a bit excessive.
1998•369 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully quiet, slyly funny novel that turns the ordinary into something memorable - perfect for fans of literary, character-rich fiction who don’t mind a leisurely pace.
'The End of Vandalism' by Tom Drury is a beautifully written novel that captures the complexity of rural simplicity, resonating with readers who appreciate narratives set in small towns. The story follows a cast of well-developed characters dealing with everyday joys, sorrows, and absurdities in a midwestern farm life that is slowly fading. Drury's writing style is praised for its ability to draw readers in gradually, combining humor, pathos, and real-life situations that keep the readers engaged till the end.
ONE FALL they held the blood drive in the fire barn at Grafton. Sheriff Dan Norman was there mainly as a gesture of good will, but one of the nurses didn’t make it, so Dan agreed to place the gauze in...1994•353 pages - #10
Save:A warm, accessible collection that finds beauty and meaning in the everyday - perfect for poetry lovers and newcomers alike.
Ted Kooser's 'Splitting an Order' is a collection of poems that delve into the ordinary events and objects of everyday life, capturing the essence of the heartland and the aging process. Kooser's writing style is straightforward and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of moments like a man splitting a sandwich for his wife with trembling hands or two lovers reuniting after years apart.
The book is a reflection on memories, sorrow, and the passage of time, with poems that evoke emotions and contemplation. Kooser's ability to find the profound in the mundane, such as forgotten objects at an estate sale or the fading village of Garrison, Nebraska, adds a layer of depth to his work that resonates with readers.
On the sidewalk in front of the parking garage, a blind man who has fallen is attended by three firemen, a medic, and two policemen, all of whom squat on their heels and by so doing cover the fallen m...2014•98 pages
