What do readers think of The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry? Write your own review.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. I was absolutely fascinated with Ginny. I loved the way she described food with such passion and admired her dogged persistence in trying to uncover the family secrets through wholly unorthodox methods. The story was about her journey into self discovery which is difficult enough for most of us let alone someone with Asperger’s syndrome. This one will stay with me a long time.

This book, about an adult woman with Asperger's syndrome tries to answer the question, "Just what IS "normal" ? From reading the summary on the website, I expected the story to compel me. While I enjoyed the story and the themes, it was never a "can't put it down" kind of book for me. Well-written and insightful though it was, in the end, it seemed predictable, unfinished, and, well, . . "normal"!

Normal is a small town in Illinois. However, that is the question that perplexes Ginny. It seems to be slow in the beginning but gradually I became engaged in Ginny's struggle.
She related to the world around her with fear but also through food and food memories. In cooking recipes, she evokes significant family members. As I read, I had my own food memories and growing experiences. Normal is a spectrum and by the end, Ginny had reached an important understanding of herself and others.

A glance through the book had me dying to read it. After quickly finishing what I was currently reading, I picked up McHenry's book. I can't remember the last time I stayed up late (3:30am) to finish a book. I just could not put it down. I like the way Ginny found comfort in food. The relationship between Ginny and her sister was true to form. I was, however, saddened, that the parent's did not really prepare Ginny for life without them. It was gratifying to watch Ginny grow during the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It would be a great book for a bookclub as there are questions in the back of the book for readers.

A good insight into the mind of a girl with Aspergers Syndrome who is more capable than she or her sister realize. Sheltered by her loving parents, she learns self soothing methods revolving around food and cooking. Part cook , book part Asperger's guide, a fun and inspiring book that is hard to put down. Recommended to those who have family with Austism Spectrum Disorders.

The Kitchen Daughter is a delightful and satisfying read. Ginny is a very compelling character. Her struggle to cope in a sometimes confusing world make the book difficult to put down. Living inside Ginny's head, experiencing the world through Ginny's eyes was powerful. In this book, we don't read about what it's like to have Asperger's Syndrome through distant narrative; we see, feel and experience it as Ginny does. I found solace in Ginny's cooking as much as she did. This book and all the emotions it evoked will stay with me for a long time.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. Mc Henry narrates the entire book from Ginny's, the protagonist, point of view which creates the in depth character development central to the story. Like Alice Hoffman, McHenry uses magic to season the story. And, like Hoffman, is successful at keeping the reader on that thin line between belief and disbelief. The kitchen setting with recipes and cooking provides a setting that is both interesting and instructive. This book has many themes and would be an excellent book club selection.

I liked this book and found it a breezy read. Can't wait to share it with some girlfriends but not before trying at least four of the recipes included at the beginning of some chapters

Ginny is such an original character--I felt great empathy for her. She reveals the importance of always reaching for your best and never judging the actions of others as we often do not know the full story.

Savor this story!