Customer Reviews

The Espressologist

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jane Turner is more than your average people-watcher; as a barista at her local "Wired Joe's" coffee shop, she's made a science out of analyzing people based upon their beverage of choice. She calls is Espressology, and it becomes the basis for a match-making endeavor that becomes the holiday promotion (tons-of-profits-earning, cool-enough-to-be-on-TV promotion) for the coffee shops. Everyone seems to be really happy--especially Jane's best friend Em (a hot chocolate) who was matched up with a cute guy from Jane's English class (a toffee nut latte). Everyone, that is, except Jane. How is it that everyone ends up with true love except for her?

So...I'm just waiting for this book to be turned into a movie, because it is perfect "chick flick" material. The plot, to be honest, isn't very complex (there's about half a subplot); this doesn't make it an astounding piece of literature, but it does make it a great, relaxing read that teenage girls will love. I found myself wishing my Christmas tree were up, so I could snuggle up in a fleece blanket with a cup of hazelnut cappuchino, and read by the tree lights--it was just that cozy. The idea is excellent, the characters are lovable and entertaining, the story is easy-to-read, sweet, and funny.

The Espressologist was adorable. It was such a sweet, fall read. I really needed a light read after some of the darker books I've been reading lately. I loved everything about this book- from the cover, to the plot, to the main character. Jane Turner was a great main character. Anyone could relate to her and she just fit the role so well. Kristina Springer's writing style really draws the reader in, and The Espressologist is short (under 200 pages) that you'll want to finish it in one sitting. The best thing about this book was the unique plot. Espressology is really cool, and I love the matchmaking idea. There were twists in the plot, but everything worked out in the end. I'm not a big coffee drinker so it was cool to read about the different ones people drink. Working at Wired Joe's sounded so fun, I want to be a barista at a coffee shop now!

The quote on the cover, "Get a little love with your latte" was perfect for the book. It was romantic and funny and I really enjoyed reading it. The other characters were great too, although the book mainly focused on Jane and I think some of the characters didn't need to be there. I've been reading a lot of debut novels lately, and I just keeping getting more and more impressed. I'm so glad I've found so many great books to read lately. One of the best things about The Espressologist is that it took a unique idea and made it into something I want to read about again. I'm definitely looking forward to more books by Kristina Springer.

If you haven't seen the cover until know I bet you agree with me that it's so cute. I love the heart in the coffee and all the colors just flow together so well. It will definitely draw in a lot of new readers its so eye catching. If you haven't already I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Espressologist today (it's release date!)

Rating;

Plot: 10/10

Characters: 9.5/10

Ending: 10/10

Enjoyment: 10/10

Cover: 10/10

Overall: 49.5/50= 99%

As a barista at a local Wired Joe's coffee-shop franchise, Jane Turner made it a point to observe her customers and keep notes about their personalities and their favorite drinks. One day it occurred to her that the personality type who drank a medium iced vanilla latte (smart, sweet, gentle, sometimes soft-spoken) formed a perfect match with the personality for a medium dry cappuccino (smart, simple, a good friend). Why not act as matchmaker and introduce these customers to each other? The match made in coffee heaven turned out to become a happy and compatible couple, thus sparking Jane's new role as the Wired Joe's espressologist.

The franchise's manager recognized a good idea when he saw it, and after just a little marketing, Jane's reputation as a talented and unique matchmaker quickly grew. New customers poured into the store and coffee sales ballooned, particularly when the espressologist was in. However, the ultimate challenge of appearing on television wound up rattling Jane's nerves. She would need to confront some of the insecurities and blind spots in her own life, particularly with her attitude about school and relationships, in order to get her mojo back.

Sit back and relax with your favorite mocha drink and enjoy this satisfying novel for young adults. Blended into the fun is a good dose of economics, particularly with the focus on sales and marketing. With the sweet love stories and the substantive lessons, the book makes for a nice, refreshing pick-me-up.

Jane had a crazy idea - she started writing down the types of coffee people ordered and created personality characteristics based on their drink of choice.

At first, it was just something she did in her spare time at the coffee shop where she works. But when a regular customer comes in with news that he's now single, Jane looks through her book of coffee matches to find him the perfect date. When she does the same for her co-worker, Jane realizes that she's found something unique.

Unfortunately, when her boss overhears her and her BFF talking about the results, he forces the truth out of them. Then he realizes Jane's talent will be perfect for their holiday promotion idea. She will set up couples who walk in and order coffee based on their drink choice and one tidbit of information.

Jane's freaked out when she's put on the spot. Will this be the best promotion ever - or will Jane die of humiliation?

THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is a cute romantic tale perfect for the winter season. I love the cover; it grabbed my attention right away. Throw in friendship drama, work issues, and a dash of school with the romance and you've got yourself a fun read with a side of coffee craving.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

What a great and interesting idea! I thought this would surely be right up my alley. But...I just couldn't get into it. The main character seemed kind of self-involved to me and a little too clueless about her own love interest to seem believable. Sure, we often don't see what is right in front of us until much later, but the book is told in first person, and Jane makes observations about her boy that are less than subtle and yet she doesn't see that he likes her. It just doesn't work. Plus, in all her coffee personality research, I found it surprising that no one ever ordered one of the most popular non-coffee drinks on the menu: chai tea. I completely missed the Emma similarities, too--if it truly was supposed to be a modern version, it's pretty far off the mark. The book is wrapped up a little too neatly in the last 15 pages in a quick effort to resolve the conflict and feels wholly insincere.

What an excellent premise for a YA book...and a great way to set people up too! Springer has a flare for capturing the trials, conquests and fun of young adult life while making sure the intelligence and evolving maturity of her characters comes across clearly. Can't wait to read "Just Your Average Princess!"

I fell in love with this book without even realizing it. I was looking for a, easy read to get my mind off of other things and I got a coffee filled adventure of romance. Normally I don't like this type of novel. Every once in a while I will like something that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling but more often than not if it is realistic it might not be my thing, though I am open to reading anything. I ended up really enjoying this and even enjoying the pop culture references. They refer to things that most other novels wouldn't because it isn't what would be considered an important detail but our main character loves those details because they are what got her started with Espressology. This novel kept me laughing and loving it! I am truly impressed with Krinstina Springer's debut!

From my blog: []

This book was absolutely adorable. Jane is a teenage barista for Wired Joe's (a thinly disguised Starbucks) in this cute coffeeshop adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Bored at work, she keeps a notebook of coffee drinks and the types of personalities who order them. When it strikes her that a 'medium iced vanilla latte' (a friend of a friend) would be perfect for a 'medium dry cappuccino (a sexy regular at the shop), her Espressology practice begins. Soon her surly boss makes her a Friday night attraction - but while Jane is busy setting everyone else up, can she find a love of her own?

Yes, of course she can, because this is fluffy 'chick lit.' It's predictable, sweet, and perfectly entertaining. I could practically smell the lattes as Jane described the various drink orders, and I was disappointed to finish at 3am, long after the local Starbucks had closed! Despite the brevity of the novel (184 pages), the characters seem like real people - probably because you recognize them from your own local coffeeshop. The author wrote the book while ensconced in a table at Starbucks, observing the baristas and locals and working them into her narrative. The 'Emma' connection is subtle and never feels forced.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended if you're looking for a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, preferably with coffee drink in hand :)

I have to admit, I was a wee bit hesitant to start The Espressologist because of it's short length. Since short novels and I usually don't mix well. Though The Espressologist ended up being a pleasantly surprising me because while it definitely isn't best of the year material, it still is one yummy, cute, and humorous read that I'm sure will have many readers asking for more...and going to their local coffee shop to get one of the delicious looking drinks mentioned in the book. Well, I know at least I'll be. ;)

Jane Turner is witty and smart. And even though she wasn't that greatly developed, there are still many points that teens can relate to such as the fact that she's worried about her future because of her lack of college founds, loves her friends to death, has embarrassing run-ins with her school's ex-ice princess, and can't seem to get the guy she likes...and even though her true soul-mate may be closer than she thinks; leaving her to be one character I couldn't help but love as she went through the holiday season with not only these problems but being The Espressologist of her local coffee shop. Main goal of said job? To find love for her customers even thoughshe can't seem to get her own love life worked out. I also loved the added characters of Derek, Em, and Cam since they also added to the funny side of the story and constantly had me smiling to myself at their one-liners.

The plot of this was something that was addicting and original but lacking in development. I especially loved reading about Jane's match-ups but I would have loved to seen more of her matches as well as what happened to her matches after their first date. Also her relationship with Cam often left something to be desired since their wasn't much substance to it, much like the rest of the relationships/friendships in the book.

Though with that all being said The Espressologist is still a book I highly suggest you pick up when it comes out in paperback (or at your library if you can't wait) since what it misses in plot holes and character development, it makes up in adorableness and humor.

Grade: B

The Espressologist was an cute, easy read. The premise was enjoyable, especially how Springer incorporated the different 'who goes with what coffee drink' descriptions. I'm not much for coffee, but it was fun to read.

The characters were lacking depth. I didn't really feel any connection to them. One thing I would have like to see was more interaction between Cam and Jane. Its hard to believe they even have a relationship because there are rarely any scenes with the two of them in it together.

Minus a few things, The Espressologist was an enjoyable read. Perfect if you're looking for something light, simple, and quick to read.