Customer Reviews

Blue Plate Special: A Novel of Love, Loss, and Food

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The main character is a food stylist, which is what intrigued my about this book from the beginning. The world of magazines and food photo shoots is hilariously observed, and the book is a comic wonder because of this inspired choice. But what I hadn't expected were the deeply felt and haunting passages on greif and loss - the main character has suffered a recent tragedy and the story is about her struggle to regain emotional level ground. I loved this first novel.

Dear Francie:

I just finished your book. What a wonderful story, full of feeling, wisdom, beauty and hope. I really enjoyed the characters, not to mention that you are an incredibly gifted writer style-wise. I lived the whole trip to Sedona as if I was there. And the end is so sexy, yummy, I love it!! All I can say is, keep writing, girl! And like I said, some day we may see the movie "Blue Plate Special", very attractive title to my ears. Thank you for your gift to the world of readers,

The only reason that I got this book was because the author went to my high school - so I have to admit that my expectations were not that high. But I really, really enjoyed this book, for the reasons stated so eloquently by other reviewers. It was gripping though sad.

Frances Norris' talent is in creating characters with such strong voices that they stay with you long after the novel has ended. You'll want to read this book twice- once for its compelling story, and once for its deeply moving and humorous language.

I loved Julia's story. She finds her inner spark by overcoming her pain, loss, and depression and finding love and forgiveness in unusual ways. The characters are well portrayed and do not lack depth, even the obviously obnoxious figures are seen with irony and compassion at the same time. Highly recommended.

Julia Daniel is stuck in a job as a food stylist for a little known magazine in Los Angeles. An inside joke with her friend Claire at the magazine is that any dish Julia works her magic on is known as a "blue plate special". Her father's death from a plane crash has left her reeling emotionally in its aftermath. She has to deal with her stepsister Constance back home in Kentucky. Julia estranged from her father because of his second marriage, and a constant debate over her dreams to be a photographer, never got the chance to reconcile with him. Being back in Kentucky as part of Constance's family reunion awakens all sorts of feelings and memories. Julia gets sent to Arizona on assignment with Stone another photographer. All sorts of sparks fly during the trip. You laugh, cry and understand how Julia feels. You cheer at the end when she forgives herself and finds love once again.

Okay, so I was on a tight budget and needed a new book...found this in hardcover at the local superstore on the bargain table...what a find! Frances Norris tells a wonderful story of a character coming to grips with the loss of her family, both recently and in the past. The characters are very believable and Norris gives a true feeling of setting without drowning the reader in description. I read this quickly, but still felt satisfied. Very enjoyable read.

Love and food are two of my favorite subjects, so how could I resist this book? I was not disappointed. The loss element keeps the story subtantive so that its not just another piece of fluff. The book has hilarious characters (including an overbearing narcissist in an amoeba jumper), but the author treats all with compassion enough to make them full and true. The food styling scenes bring together Hollywood fakery with a delicious disgustingness (photographing motor oil poured on macshed potatoes to resemble a sundae). You can't help cheering on narrator Julia as she navigates the crazies and searches out her soul in a soul-less city. Buy this book right away and enjoy!