Although this book was long, I truly loved it.

The relationship between Yumi and her father Lloyd was explored in a brilliant way. Amidst the chaos and yet the peace that the seeds of resistance brought, their bond was examined in-depth. It was interesting to see how they interacted and how their relationship evolved throughout the story.

Moreover, all the stuff about GM crops was also extremely fascinating. It was expertly woven into the narrative, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the story. The author did a great job of presenting the topic in an engaging and accessible way, making it easy for the reader to understand the implications and significance of GM crops.

Overall, this book was a great read. It had a compelling story, well-developed characters, and interesting themes. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading science fiction or books that explore complex relationships and social issues.

A typical Ruth Ozeki.

The Idaho farmlands remind me of the Kansas flatlands. They stretch out before me, vast and seemingly endless. The golden fields of wheat sway gently in the breeze, as if whispering secrets of the land.

The sky above is a brilliant blue, unmarred by clouds. It is a sight that fills me with a sense of peace and tranquility.

Ruth Ozeki's presence here is palpable. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

As I walk through these farmlands, I can't help but think about the stories she could tell. The lives of the farmers who have worked this land for generations, the struggles they have faced, and the hopes they have for the future.

Perhaps this is the essence of a typical Ruth Ozeki. To see the beauty and complexity in the simplest of things, and to use her words to bring those stories to life.

I was truly astonished to find that I really disliked this book and nearly all of the characters within it. This came as a great surprise because I had truly loved "My Year of Meats" and "A Tale for the Time Being." So, what exactly was it about this particular book that rubbed me the wrong way?

I absolutely loathed the main character, Yumi "Yummy," who seemed to barely fulfill her parental duties towards her kids. Her actions and lack of responsibility were truly exasperating. Additionally, I couldn't stand her former/current lover/teacher, Elliott. The fact that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with Yumi when she was his student was not only unethical but also made me despise his character.

Even Yumi's best friend, Cass, failed to spark any interest in me. While she appeared to be a decent person, she was also really boring. Her sole desire to get pregnant and her inability to do so made her character seem one-dimensional and uninteresting.

To make matters worse, the revolutionary "Seeds" were as flat as a piece of paper, lacking any depth or complexity. And let's not forget Yumi's pitiful father, Lloyd. The combination of all these unlikable characters made it a real struggle for me to get through the entire book.

I can't believe I actually read the whole thing, and I'm truly sorry that I did. It simply wasn't worth the effort, not even to add it to my yearly book count. I hope my next literary adventure will be more enjoyable and fulfilling.

I embarked on reading this book completely blindly, which implies that I had no preconceived notions or expectations whatsoever. Truly, I never anticipated delving so deeply into the realms of potato farming, seeds, and genetically modified foods. None of these topics should, by all accounts, be as captivating as they are presented in Ruth Ozeki's All Over Creation.

To be honest, although I ultimately found the book interesting, I must confess that it took me some time to reach that point. Ozeki skillfully weaves together multiple story threads, gradually leading to a fully interconnected narrative. It's a storytelling technique that I truly love, yet it does demand a certain amount of patience to piece it all together. And patience is necessary precisely because of the subject matter - potato farming.

This book has the power to both anger and sadden you - and it should do so on numerous occasions and for a variety of very different reasons. The characters, especially Yumi, around whom much of the narrative revolves, may irritate you to the extent that you find it difficult to offer her any sympathy or understanding. However, throughout the entire story, the characters are extremely well-written - fully developed and painfully human. And at the heart of the story lies the most crucial issue that we stubbornly refuse to face - the environmental and health impacts of modern agriculture.

This is such a beautiful story filled with passion and deep meaning.

It offers a very profound and beautiful commentary on the complex relationship that so many daughters share with their 'old school' dads who are firmly stuck in their ways.

Yummy was a character that felt painfully real, with her annoying and dramatic traits. Yet, in a strange way, all of those kids have now come to mean the world to me.

The book was quite long, and there were indeed periods where not much seemed to be happening. However, I wouldn't change a single thing that Ruth Ozeki has done for the world.

Her work is like a precious gem that shines a light on the intricacies of human relationships and the beauty that can be found within the chaos.

It makes us think, feel, and appreciate the complex tapestry of life that we all weave together.

Ruth Ozeki's talent is truly remarkable, and this story will stay with me for a long time to come.

Well, as an Irish woman, how could I not be drawn to a book that delves into the significance of family and the art of farming potatoes? It's like a piece of my cultural heritage on the pages. In 2001, as an undergraduate majoring in Biochemistry, and later completing my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2005, I simply couldn't help but be intrigued by the debates surrounding genetically modified food, especially those specific to the early naughties.

Now, add Ruth Ozeki's remarkable writing into the equation. I have been a devoted fan of hers ever since I listened to her enchanting reading of her novel A Tale for the Time Being on Audible. And indeed, this novel seems as if it was crafted with me in mind.

This book is a rich tapestry that weaves together themes of abortions and infertility, the world of farming and the influence of big pharma, the beauty of old and new friendships, the profound mysteries of birth and death, and the realms of science, philosophy, and religion. But above all, it's about the complex nature of love. How do we express it? What do we do when our love isn't reciprocated? How do teenagers manage to drive their parents to the brink of insanity, and vice versa?

My only gripe? I had a fleeting urge to give the main character, Yumi, a good hard slap. What a thoroughly selfish and idiotic character she was at times!

I "read" this captivating story on Audible, and I would highly recommend the narrator, Anna Fields. Her performance added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the already engaging narrative.

If you want to read this because you have read "A Tale for the Time Being" and you loved it, just stop there and be content.

This wonderful novel has likely touched your heart in many ways. It might have taken you on a journey filled with unique characters, thought-provoking themes, and a narrative that kept you engaged from start to finish.

Perhaps you were captivated by the story's exploration of time, identity, and the power of storytelling. Or maybe it was the author's beautiful prose and the way she brought the setting and the characters to life.

Whatever it was that made you love "A Tale for the Time Being," it's okay to simply soak in that experience and let it remain a precious memory. There's no need to search for something else to compare it to or to try to find another book that will have the same impact.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to appreciate a good book for what it is and to let it stay with us in our hearts and minds. So, if you're reading this because of your love for "A Tale for the Time Being," take a moment to savor that love and be content with the wonderful experience that this novel has given you.

This book is truly awesome.

It is filled with interesting and engaging content that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.

The character development is also excellent. Each character is unique and well-developed, with their own personalities, motives, and backstories.

Overall, this book is just plain fun to read. It is a great escape from reality and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening.

If you are looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!

But maybe that was the trick - to accept the responsibility and forgo the control? To love without expectation?

It is indeed a paradox, yet it brings such a sense of relief.

In rural Idaho, a fourteen-year-old girl makes the bold decision to run away from home. Twenty-five years pass, and she is then summoned back due to her parents' failing health.

Upon her return, a group of environmental activists arrives to meet and learn from her father. The character development and storytelling in this novel are truly its main strengths.

The narration alternates between first-person and second-person, in a way that defies normal deduction. However, one of the most frustrating aspects of the book is the protagonist's lack of responsibility. She frequently acts based on her own selfish impulses, often taking advantage of or simply disregarding those around her.

The book does end rather formulaically, but the story is engaging enough that you can forgive the author for this trope. Overall, it is a solid story that delves into family, farming, and environmentalism.

3.5 stars

This book contains numerous elements that bring Barbara Kingsolver to my mind, and all in the most positive ways.

Just like in "Poisonwood Bible", the shifting points of view here make the story even more captivating. What I truly appreciate when an author employs this technique was evident in this narrative. At times, you get to inhabit the characters' minds, while at other moments, you have to be content with observing them as they navigate through various situations.

The environmental aspect is always a challenging one to handle. Will the author be simply preaching to those who already agree? Will anyone who reads it have their opinions changed? Does it truly make a difference?

Nevertheless, the story was engaging, the plot interesting, and the characters complex enough to be truly creative. Ozaki was quite forthright in addressing the issues of race and culture in a small Idaho potato farming town. I am eagerly anticipating reading more of her works.

I believe that her unique writing style and the depth of her stories will continue to吸引 readers and make a lasting impact.

Probably my least favourite of Ozeki's work. To me, this just feels like a less well-formed rendition of My Year of Meats. The story seems to lack the depth and coherence that I found in her other novels. The characters are not as fully developed, and the plot feels a bit disjointed. I had a hard time getting fully invested in the story and the characters.

I would highly recommend reading My Year of Meats instead. It is a much stronger and more engaging novel. The themes are explored in a more profound way, and the writing is more polished. If you can't get enough of Ozeki's work, then you might want to give this one a try after reading My Year of Meats. But don't expect it to be on the same level.

I suppose Ruth Ozeki had the intention of revealing the evils of GMO foods, and then she crafted some characters around which to construct a story.

The protagonist flees from home at the tender age of fourteen and returns twenty-five years later, accompanied by three children. Regrettably, her fourteen-year-old personality appears to still be in the driver's seat. That personality becomes irritating in certain aspects and, in others, downright idiotic to the extent that I could no longer maintain my suspension of disbelief.

Mix in her mother, who is afflicted with Alzheimer's and yet has occasional profound philosophical insights, despite being so far gone that her husband has labeled common household objects like the lamp and the toaster. This goes against my personal experience with individuals suffering from Alzheimer's, but perhaps I overlooked something.

There are other characters who don't quite hit the mark, leaving the book adrift in sporadic anti-GMO proselytizing that mingles facts and speculations. Is there a happy ending? If you decide to discover that for yourself, good luck to you, and be sure to be prepared to accept some characters who are on the verge and beyond believability.

Overall, while the book may have had good intentions in highlighting the issue of GMO foods, the execution in terms of character development and believability left something to be desired.