I love potatoes!!!

Potatoes are truly amazing. They come in various shapes and sizes, and each variety has its own unique flavor and texture. Whether they are boiled, mashed, fried, or baked, potatoes always manage to satisfy my taste buds.

One of the things I love most about potatoes is their versatility. They can be used in a wide range of dishes, from simple side dishes to elaborate main courses. A classic mashed potato is a comfort food that can warm the heart on a cold day. French fries, on the other hand, are a delicious and addictive snack that pairs well with just about anything.

Potatoes are also a great source of nutrition. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for any meal. So not only do they taste good, but they are also good for you!

In conclusion, I have a deep and abiding love for potatoes. They are a staple in my diet and a source of joy and satisfaction. I can't imagine a world without potatoes, and I look forward to enjoying them in all their delicious forms for many years to come.

I firmly believe that Ruth Ozeki has provided a much-needed modern update to John Steinbeck's East of Eden with her remarkable work, All Over Creation.

This is an extensive family saga that delves deep into the realms of farming, religion, and activism. It is not a light or quick read by any means, yet in my personal opinion, it is truly worthwhile.

The book explores a plethora of themes, such as fertility, abortion, and parenthood, all set against the backdrop of an Idaho farming community. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, but it primarily centers around a fractured father-daughter relationship.

This is an excellent read for adult children of aging parents or for anyone who has a keen interest in organic farming and the ongoing debate over genetically modified organisms. I highly recommend the audiobook version, which is masterfully read by the appropriately named narrator, Anna Fields. Her narration adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making it an even more engaging and immersive experience.

Overall, All Over Creation is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers a unique and contemporary take on classic themes. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys complex family dramas and stories that explore the intersection of personal and social issues.

Oh well. After having such a profound love for A Tale for the Time Being, it is truly a pity that this previous novel by the same author turned out to be so lackluster!

As a brief summary, the story revolves around Yumi Fuller, a Japanese-American woman who returns to her childhood farm in Idaho to take care of her ailing parents. An alternative plot line tracks the journey of a group of hippy activists traveling across the states in a biodiesel van, while staging non-violent protests against GMOs.

My problems with the book were numerous. The execution was overly plot-driven, sacrificing thoughtful writing and character development. Many scenes were dealt with in a rather predictable and sentimental way. Moreover, certain aspects of the narrative were so lacking in believability that they bordered on being parodies. The book ultimately seemed like a means for the author to express her concerns about biotechnology, monoculture, and corporate greed. However, unfortunately, she tackled these issues in a manner that came across as preachy and didactic.

For a topic as politically and emotionally charged as food and GMOs, I believe a more nuanced approach would have been far more effective. Perhaps it could have been presented in the form of an essay collection or a non-fiction piece, rather than this novel that feels like a sermon.

Verdict: Skip this one and read the far superior A Tale for the Time Being instead!

Mood: Preachy

Rating: 5/10

Also on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhOJDygHd...

This was truly interesting!! It was not at all what I had expected. However, I think it really worked for me.

I absolutely loved the complicated characters and relationships. Each character had their own unique traits and motives, which made them feel so real and engaging.

The relationships between them were also full of twists and turns, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Moreover, the unexpected collaborations that took place were truly fascinating. They brought together characters who you would never have thought would work together, and yet, they managed to create something amazing.

Overall, I found this experience to be highly enjoyable and thought-provoking. It made me look at things from a different perspective and appreciate the complexity of human nature.

I can't wait to see what else lies ahead.

This spud was a dud. And it's official - I do not recommend Ozeki's early novels.

In her first novel, I thought I noticed seeds of the good writing I knew was to come later. However, with this follow-up book, it seems she took everything that did NOT work well in her debut novel and amplified it.

For example, the plot was convoluted and hard to follow, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and the writing style was overly verbose and flowery. It was a real struggle to get through this book.

Fortunately, we as readers know that it gets better with A Tale for the Time Being and The Book of Form and Emptiness. These later works showcase Ozeki's true talent and creativity, with engaging plots, complex characters, and beautiful writing.

So, if you're new to Ozeki's work, I would highly recommend skipping her early novels and going straight to the good stuff. You won't be disappointed.

This is not a breathtaking masterpiece that delves profoundly into the textures of society. However, it is a delightfully warm book that held my attention firmly from the moment I began reading.

Recently, I went through the end of a relationship. Amid the chaotic turmoil of emotions that accompany the conclusion of a long-term partnership, I felt adrift and unanchored, acutely longing for a sense of home. I discovered a great deal of solace in "All Over Creation" as its narrative is rich with the hardships and marvels of tilling the land, growing plants, being firmly rooted, and returning. Each of the characters has their own unique blend of unlikeable and likable qualities, and all carry the weight of trauma within them. I initially didn't expect this book to be fulfilling, but I found great comfort in Yumi's journey of returning home. It demonstrated that it is possible to go back and start the process of healing, and that even our most barren seasons can be regenerative.

I found this book to be so warm, constantly evoking the earthy warmth of the soil after a long, sunny day. It has truly touched my heart and provided a source of comfort during a difficult time.

What a hot mess!

It's truly astonishing how in this narrative, all of the supporting characters managed to be far more captivating and engaging than the supposed protagonist. The protagonist, unfortunately, comes across as dreadfully dull and uninteresting, which is quite a letdown considering they are meant to be the central focus of the entire story.

One would expect the main character to have some sort of charm, charisma, or unique qualities that draw the reader in and make them invested in their journey. However, in this case, it seems as if the protagonist lacks any real spark or depth. Their actions and decisions are predictable, and their personality fails to leave any lasting impression.

On the other hand, the secondary characters seem to steal the show with their vivid personalities, interesting backstories, and complex relationships. They bring a sense of life and excitement to the story that the protagonist simply cannot match. It makes one wonder if perhaps the author would have been better off focusing on one of these more interesting characters instead of the lackluster protagonist.

Colossally disappointing when read after My Year of Meats and Tale for a Time-Being. I couldn't help but wonder if Ozeki wrote this manuscript first and only published it after she was committed to her book contract. In comparison to her other remarkable works, this one seems simplistic, almost didactic, and often exhibits a sophomoric quality. The characters are constantly at odds with each other over events that occurred long ago. The protagonist makes a strenuous effort to be original but ultimately gives the impression of being irresponsible. The content aimed at raising consciousness about GMO crops is extremely heavy-handed, with a dedicated cast of characters solely focused on driving the message home. Sadly, the reader is never encouraged to engage and critique based on their own morals or guidelines. Instead, what we are presented with is a tiresome story about an awkward prodigal daughter who reluctantly takes care of her hypervigilant aging parents. It is hardly an original or captivating narrative.

You know it's a truly abysmal book when five days after you've completed reading it, you're still fixated on how much you loathed one of the characters.

When I initially finished this particular book, I confided in my husband that I was extremely disappointed that Yumi hadn't met her demise and lost custody of her children. And here I am, a full five days later, still fervently wishing that she had been the one to perish.

I seldom take the time to review books, but this one managed to evoke such a profound sense of disgust within me that I felt an overwhelming compulsion to do so.

I have the distinct impression that the author was attempting to educate people about GMOs. However, she crafted such a shoddy and unappealing story that, for me at least, it completely overshadowed any valid points she might have had to make regarding GMOs.

It's a real pity that the poor quality of the narrative detracted so significantly from what could have been an important message.

Ruth Ozeki is my absolute favorite author.

Out of all her remarkable works, this was the only book that I had not yet delved into.

I would rank "All Over Creation" third overall among all of her novels.

As always, Ozeki's writing style simply blew me away. Her books are meticulously researched, with each one being a deep exploration of a very specific topic.

I would never have thought to pick up a book centered around potato farming in Idaho, but I had complete trust in Ozeki. And sure enough, the moment I started reading, I was hooked.

Her characters are complex and flawed, and each story gradually weaves into the next, until a complete and brilliant web emerges.

However, I struggled to like Yumi as a character. Despite her growing self-awareness and the numerous wake-up calls she received, she remained an extremely flawed mother, daughter, and friend.

This doesn't mean she should have changed completely for a happier ending. I think she was a great representation of a character haunted by her past and struggling to break free of old habits.

It was just a bit tough to like her when that was the main focus most of the time and we watched her make the same mistakes over and over again.

On the other hand, I loved hearing about Momoko. Her story, unfortunately, seemed to be pushed to the side by the end.

She became an afterthought for Yumi and even for Lloyd and the Seeds once they took over her business.

I wanted to hear more about her life and would have loved a chapter or two from her perspective.

I think her slowly fading mind would have been a fascinating point of view to explore.

"A Tale for the Time Being" is my all-time favorite book, and I've been thinking about "My Year of Meats" ever since I read it a few months ago.

So, I'm excited to find out what parts of "All Over Creation" will stay with me in the coming months.

I can't recommend Ozeki highly enough, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading whatever she does next!

I absolutely adored this book!

From the very first page, it had me completely captivated. The story was so engaging and full of twists and turns that I couldn't put it down. The characters were well-developed and I found myself really caring about what happened to them.

The author's writing style was also very impressive. It was descriptive and vivid, making it easy for me to picture the scenes in my mind. I felt like I was actually a part of the story.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It's one that I will definitely be reading again in the future.

Overall, throughout most of the book, I was truly overwhelmed by a sense of profound sadness and a tinge of pity for all the characters.

Even those who seemed to be rather horrible individuals couldn't escape this feeling within me.

The book also delved into really interesting discussions.

There were in-depth explorations of genetically modified crops, comparing large-scale farming with small-scale farming.

The topic of seed saving was also brought up, especially with gardening season almost upon us.

These discussions added another layer of depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

It made me think about the implications and consequences of different farming methods and the importance of preserving seeds for future generations.

The combination of the emotional connection to the characters and these thought-provoking discussions made the book a truly engaging and memorable read.