Spooning

by Darri Stephens, Megan Desales

Meet Charlotte—a.k.a. Charlie— a recent college grad and newly minted New Yorker, eager to begin her grown-up life. All kinds of “firsts” await her in the big her first real job, first loves, first heartaches, and most important, her first time living on her own. Enter Charlie’s mom, who subtly suggests that her daughter might want to learn some grown-up skills—like cooking—to go with her fifth-floor walk-up.

Together with her friends, Charlie forms a cooking club to convene once a month, to share food and swap recipes, and to gossip about the drama of their new lives.  Charlie has lots to dish about when she lands a job as an assistant to Jane Dough, the domestic diva of daytime television.  As the girls begin to gain some culinary expertise, Charlie decides to use her newfound skills to ensnare the man of her a certain Mr. J. P. Morgan, a roguish investment banker who can charm Charlie with a glance but remains hopelessly aloof. Yet as Charlie becomes ever savvier in the kitchen, she grows savvier about love as well—and begins to realize that even the most delicious-looking package can lack substance and real flavor underneath.

With a sparkling voice that bubbles along like champagne fizz, Spooning is an irresistible tale of food, friendship, and what it takes to find the perfect recipe for romance.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Food

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2006

Reviews

[Toni N · Rating 1 out of 5]

So...I try not to be harsh when reviewing books. I know that authors put a lot of time and effort into their creations. However, this book left so much to be desired that I could not rate it any higher than I did. I kept asking myself, "why is this chick chasing after a guy who CLEARLY does not respect or want her?" And, I could not come up with a good answer. I know that this situation does occur in the real world. But, it still felt ridiculous. And, do you really expect the reader to believe that if J-Lo was at the local farmer's market, the character would not have ambushed her, simply so she could eavesdrop on her conversation? Unrealistic.

I found myself irritated with all of the friends. How does one who cannot dance without knocking over a table decide to move away and become a professional dance competitor? Seriously?! Why is the one-night stand so acceptable and almost trivial? Are these women using protection? I just couldn't get past the "fluff" enough to enjoy anything about this story.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spent most of the book being frustrated with Charlotte for her inability to accept that a guy is not into her, and regardless he's incapable of acting like a decent human being in his interactions, so she should ditch him. And also maybe be a little less shallow/more accepting of the state of her human body. I don't really need to read hundreds of pages of inner monologue of an insecure woman's hate for her own body, I get enough of that sort of message from media and advertising.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spooning Stephens, Darri 3 F a group of NYC women fresh from college find jobs, learn how to cook, be self sufficient & value themselves as are- making sure men do too. They take J. Lo as their role model.- explicit language 2015 3/18/2015

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this in a bookstore and read the description on the back of the book and thought it sounded pretty good so I bought it. Seeing that it was compared to "Like Water for Chocolate" is what really made me want to read it. The only similarity it has to "Like Water for Chocolate" is that it includes recipes. "Like Water for Chocolate" is a great example of magic realism. This book is pure and utter chick lit that is actually somewhat shallow.

I very rarely give up on books, but I almost did on this one. I could not get into the book. The main characters were like the popular girls in school that were rather superficial. I could just never really relate to the characters in the book and at times was just annoyed with them.

By the end of the book I did like the characters a little bit more, but it definitely isn't a book I will reread or probably even keep.

[Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cute, chick-lit book was written by two friends, Darri Stephens and Megan DeSales. Stephens used to work for Martha Stewart (aka Jane Dough), so some of the inside info is interesting knowing who Charlie's bosses character (and drama) is based on. One gets the feeling that these ladies probably lived much of this story, and it is also one that you (at 22) might have lived, and have fun reminiscing about. To boot, there are some really yummy recipes at the beginning of each chapter... I made sure to add a few to my own personal collection!



Light, enjoyable, and just engaging enough to keep you reading until the warm, charming end; this book is great when your brain needs a bit of a vacation, even if you can't physically take one.

(originally posted on www.coconutlibrary.typepad.com)

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I only bought it because of the "better-than-ben-affleck-dessert" that was mentioned on the back. The recipes at the beginning of each chapter are really nice, but the story is not overwhelming. Nice read for a day at the beach though!

[Traci Degan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fun, easy to read chick-lit. The characters, just out of college and trying to make a go of living in New York City, start a cooking club. Creatively, each chapter begins with a recipe. Our bookclub had fun trying several out at our monthly meeting.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

With all the name dropping in this book I felt like the authors were getting paid by all these companies, it got a little better towards the end but it was still annoying. The story itself was pretty boring & pointless, really a waste of my time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another chick lit book compliments of my cousin.....the ideas is cute friends living in New York after college but all the references to J-Lo put me over. It was like every third paragraph. I love some Jenny from the block but you can't write a book around it.

[V · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was an okay chick-lit. Somehow the characters nor the story were really very interesting - this could have been a story about anyone's life, with no added hilarity or intrigue. The recipes were not even really worth trying.

[Rachal T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a different girly book, but worth exploring. I could relate to what Charlotte was going through at times. There is a lot of celebrity names mentioned, which didn't fit the theme but was ok. I copied the recipes and decided to make a few.

[Kshydog · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe a good read for someone in their 20s for just free living fun life in NYC. Too much drinking, guy looks good so must be great, into themselves and jump into bed attitude for me. Funny how Charlie makes fun of her mother's ideas yet that is what saves her and her roommates.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I, apparently, was not a fan. The premise was promising, 5 girls move to NY after college. But it was all downhill from there. This book never would have happened in a million years.

[katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best chick lit I have read in a really long time!

[Alayne Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

a light-hearted read, and I even got some good recipes from the book! Use pineapple rum for the mojitos ;-)

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summer/winter read when you have nothing better to do - nothing wild or crazy to brag about - just a cute read...

[Ashly Nagrant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Kinda cute, but the plot was...well, granted, I'm not familiar with the chick lit genre, but this seemed ridiculously shallow. Some cute recipes, but otherwise: pass.

[Amy Tepfer]

Great silly read, however did not like the ending. Wish it gave you something more.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with the main character. I rooted for her, was sad for her, became frustrated at some of her choices. Great story with the classic happy ending.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a massive Sex and the City fan, maybe this will grab you. Too little substance, too little common sense for my taste.

[Renée Milani walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Not my favorite chic lit book.

[Heather Donavant · Rating 5 out of 5]

its like sex and the city meets rachael ray!