Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin & Giveaway (US/Canada)

by

truth

From the Kitchen of Half Truth is the debut novel of Maria Goodin and what a debut it is! I adored this novel and read it in a day as I just could not put it down. I was captivated by this whimsical story from the very first page to the very last. This absolutely beautiful novel is a tale of love, loss, and the stories we tell to hide from the ghosts of our past. It is sad, happy, funny, and quirky – it is fabulous!

What is real and what isn’t? That’s a question that Meg has been asking herself for many years. Meg and her mother Val have been on their own for as long as Meg can remember. Meg’s mother has always been different from other mothers but when Meg was young and would tell her friends all the outlandish stories her mom told her like taking hot dogs out for a walk or the runner beans jogging around the kitchen they liked her for it. As she got older though they started to laugh at her instead and she built very up very strong walls to protect herself. Meg knew that these fantastic stories of her birth and upbringing couldn’t be true but her mother stuck to them. Ultimately Meg decides that she wants no part of a make believe world and she puts her focus on science instead – something concrete – something believable and she never looks back.

That is not until her mother becomes ill and she comes home to care for her. Meg’s mother lives in a fantasy world and has always preferred stories of fairies and such to the rigors of the real world. This has left Meg lost though and not knowing really who she is. She hopes that this time spent with her mother may bring to light the truth of her past so that she can truly know who she is. Her mother refuses to talk though but while rummaging through some of her mother’s things Meg finds something that could quite possibly open some doors that may have been better left closed.

I really liked Meg. From the very beginning you feel drawn to her just because of all the uncertainty she feels over her past. As the novel progresses and she learns more about her mother and they spend this special time together Meg realizes that her mother may have had her best interests at heart all along.

From the Kitchen of Half Truth isn’t a novel that can be easily summarized. It is one you need to experience yourself. It’s beautifully written and you find yourself lost in the vivid descriptions of food and the gardens that Meg’s mother so loves. While at times sad this novel really shows the beauty of the human spirit that some people carry within themselves and it warmed my heart. I laughed at the quirkiness of this novel and I cried at the trying times but one thing is for certain and that is that I loved this book! You know a book is special when you turn that last page and you want to go back to the beginning and experience it all over again. I highly recommend this wonderful debut novel!

Buy at:  Sourcebooks, Amazon, Amazon Canada, and B&N

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)

I have one copy of From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog.  If you already do let me know and I’ll pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • Tweet, like on Facebook, or Blog for 3 entries.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 4/13.  Good luck!

 

Source:  Review copy provided by Sourcebooks via NetGalley.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. This does sound like one I would want to read. Am feeling sorry for both Meg and her mother. Please enter my name in the drawing. ( Maxie mac262(at0me(dot)com)
    I am a follower of your blog and have liked your page on Facebook. This should give me 3 entries. Thanks!

  2. This sounds like a book I enjoy, especially since you liked it so much! Thanks!!

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follow Blog
    +1 Like on Facebook

  7. Thanks for this wonderful novel feature which sounds memorable. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  11. Sounds like a bittersweet, delightful story that I would enjoy reading.
    I follow you via email

  14. I WANT to read this book! I loved your review and can’t wait to get my hands on it. I follow by email and have liked on Facebook.

  15. The book sounds great and I love the title

    Liked you on facebook and also shard this on facebook. Thank you for the give away

  19. I’ve read some mixed reviews about this one, but what all the reviews seem to agree about is this one is unique! I think it sounds wonderful and would love the chance to win a copy. Thanks!

  24. As my family genealogist,I have 5 trees going) I am intrigued. Would love to win this. I follow by email. Thanks for the giveaway.

  28. Oh, I so love debut novels. Love to see an author get published.
    I follow your blog and I tweeted the giveaway.

  29. Your review is telling me to read this novel.
    A wonderful storyline and thanks for the chance to win and read it.

  35. The cover drew me in, but the story sounds good. A bit of mystery. Thanks for the review.

    Feedly follower

  36. What a beautiful cover! I am drawn to the summary you posted and your recommendation for a reader who loves gardens and recipes. It sounds delightful!

    I am an email subscriber to your blog. (riverboat38(at)hotmail(dot)com)

  37. Mentality ill people can be fun and entertaining at times. Living with them is difficult though, especially for a child.
    I follow by email
    I tweeted
    From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin & Giveaway (US/Canada)

  42. That’s a pretty tempting review. thanks for the giveaway. I’m an email follower.
    nanze55(at)hotmail(dot)com

  43. This really sounds quite mesmerizing. Please enter me in this wonderful giveaway. I will post it in my blog’s sidebar. I’m a faithful follower.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thank you, Darlene!

  45. From your review – it sounds like a wonderful read, well written with a story you just can’t quite explain to others in words – you have to read it to appreciate it, I guess.

  46. I’d absolutely LOVE to read “From the Kitchen of Half Truth” after reading your review of Maria Goodin’s debut novel! I lost my mother 12 years ago, but I was fortunate to be able to care for her, with help from my father and brother, during the last years of her life. Since her death, I’ve found comfort in books that focus on the special, unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter.

    P.S. I’m a follower of your blog and have liked it on FB. Thanks!!