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Ginger Krinkles

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Ginger Krinkles by Dee DeTarsio 'Tis the season to read jolly! Award-winning novel--including the award-winning "Ginger Krinkles" Christmas Cookie recipe, perfect for holiday cookie parties and exchanges! Ginger Krinkles is crossing her fingers that this holiday season will be extra special, for once. She lost her job in San Diego and dreads moving back home to Ennui, Ohio, where she’s convinced she will end up like her mean ol’ grandmother (God rest her soul). Ginger has always been a holiday-hater. But she has a secret. Make that two. If you buy the first one, maybe it will be easier to unwrap the either Ginger is an elf, or there really is magic to be found in an old cookie recipe. Enjoy!

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2014

12 people are currently reading
470 people want to read

About the author

Dee DeTarsio

10 books106 followers
DEE DeTARSIO is an award-winning writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from The Ohio State University she vowed never to be cold again and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a producer/writer. (Penguins are mean!) She then became a producer/writer for the NBC affiliate.

ALL MY RESTLESS LIFE TO LIVE (Winner, 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards), HAOLE WOOD (Winner, San Diego Book Awards, and Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards), THE SCENT OF JADE, THE KITCHEN SHRINK (both finalists in The San Diego Book and Writing Awards), 'TIL SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, and ROS, (Kindle Bestsellers). Her holiday novel, GINGER KRINKLES won the 2015 New Apple Book Award, as well as the New Apple Book Award for Best Cover.

www.DeeDeTarsio.com
DeeDeTarsio@gmail.com

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5 stars
22 (23%)
4 stars
26 (28%)
3 stars
24 (26%)
2 stars
12 (13%)
1 star
8 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,395 reviews284 followers
January 4, 2015
Whenever I get a book by Dee DeTarsio to review, I just know that I'm in for a witty, stimulating, and deeply relaxing read. Ginger Krinkles was no exception to this rule. Out of a job, hating the holiday season, and not wanting to return to cold Ohio, Ginger decides to postpone her return and spend aforementioned hated holiday season working for her ex-boyfriend.

This lively, quick to read, mostly hilarious, book brightened up the day on which I read through it—and yes, it is a sit down and read through at once, book. Another point in favor of Ginger Krinkles is that I absolutely love books with a Christmassy theme.

Although the name Ginger Krinkles might be indicative of a sweet natured person, Ginger can be miserable, prickly, and thoroughly negative at times. However, even at the worst of times, her wickedly sharp wit and marvelous sense of humor saves her sanity and, quite often, her situation.

The cleverly written dialogue as well as Ginger's humor-filled thoughts are witty and almost more captivating than the story itself. The magic of this book is all in the brilliantly written prose. Of course, the touch of tender, sometimes funny and very tastefully written romance gives the story a well rounded feeling.

I recommend Ginger Krinkles as an absolute must-read to anybody who needs a pick-me-up on a depressing day, or as an anytime read. It sure worked for me! (Ellen Fritz)
Profile Image for Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader).
702 reviews680 followers
May 20, 2015
3.5 stars

Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy Ginger Krinkles. The awesome Gin at Gin’s Book Notes raved about this book, so I had to read it! (You can read her review here.) And I wasn’t disappointed. It took me just over a day to read this book. I probably would have finished it in an afternoon had I not read it a few days before Christmas. (You know how it goes — so much to do, so little time!)

Ginger is rather snarky, sarcastic, and sometimes down on herself. She also needs a filter between her thoughts and her mouth. Some of her lines had me cracking up; others had me cringing. I wanted her to be happy. I wanted her to figure it out. At some points, I really didn’t like Ginger, and I wanted to tell her to get over herself and move on. At other times, I was rooting for her and wanted her to find a way to stay in San Diego. I wanted to know more about her and the other characters in Ginger Krinkles. The supporting cast was quirky and interesting.

I thought the end was too abrupt. It was a good ending, happy, but it left me wanting more.

All in all, this was a fun Christmas read that had some great laughs.

Would I recommend it: Sure! It’s a funny, quick Christmas read, but you have to like snark.

http://everyfreechance.com/2014/12/ch...
Profile Image for Ginny  Gallagher.
277 reviews86 followers
November 14, 2014
This review was originally posted on Gin's Book Notes

My Review
I'm about to prove that I am a wishy washy, change my mind, book loving dork.

So here was my Nov. 6th Goodreads post after completing Ginger Krinkles by Dee DeTarsio.
Completed 1st book for #HoHoHoRAT ~Ginger Krinkles by Dee DeTarsio LOL fun! I plan to review it soon and my official review title will be "Snark with Heart" quick read at 105 pages. 3.5 stars enjoyed! -Nov. 6, 2014 - Gin's Book Notes - 1st Goodreads post after finishing the book.


It's now 5 days later and I am changing my initial 3.5 stars to 5 stars.

Here's why...

Two days ago I was washing dishes and my mind drifted back to the scene when the Creative Director, Violet Hickle, calls Ginger in to give her her last pay check. I was able to remember it vividly, laughed out loud, and contemplated the brilliance of Dee DeTarsio's snarky mind for that one.

I even tried to explain to my husband why I was laughing and when all I received back was a blank stare; I dried my hands, grabbed my Kindle, and proceeded to read the bookmarked scene to him. (crickets...silence...nothing) One day I will learn that my warped sense of humor is lost on this man. Whatever! Let me tell you friends this book is FUNNNY!

So what made me think it was a 3.5 star read...well, I don't think that everyone will like the snarky banter and full on wit that appears on almost every page. There were a few times that I hoped for a little more depth and less snark but any book that makes me laugh out loud days later, continues to pop in my head, or that I find myself thinking "man I wished I had a friend like Ginger" deserves those 5 stars.
"You are a good, funny girl." ......"Who happens to think sarcasm is a way of life, like Buddhism. Your sister Melissa calls you snarky." - Ginger's Mom trying to cheer Ginger up

Ginger is a hoot and I admit on more than one occasion I found myself thinking, "oh my god...I might be Ginger!"
Yes, I'm the one who laughs in church and at people who fall down. -Ginger Krinkles

Oh...Ginger! Me too!

So, that my friend is why I'm a wishy washy, change my mind, book loving dork. Okay...I was already the last part. The point is that "we" book reviewers read a LOT of books so being able to quote lines from one that I've only read once is a pretty big deal and the fact that I now have this book in paperback safely tucked into my sacred "do not touch" bookshelf earns it a 5 star rating from me.

Ginger Krinkles is a blend of Office Space, The Grinch who Stole Christmas, and Friends. It's heavy on the snark but also delivers a message of friendship and hope for the holiday season.

I loved it.

The quote that I may or may not have repeated once or twice since reading the book:
It's sugar and spice and everything nice, not broccoli and kale and farting like a whale. - Ginger Krinkles by Dee DeTarsio

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Profile Image for New Apple Literary Services.
3 reviews83 followers
December 8, 2014
'Ginger Krinkles' was exactly what I needed to get me in the mood for the holiday season. The novella was a very quick read, full of humor, satire and wit. The main character, Ginger, is that relative we are all familiar with, who finds the humor where we all know it is but are programmed not to acknowledge. Some people call it twisted or even dark... I prefer to think of it as the uncontrollable need to laugh in church or double over crying when someone falls on a treadmill. Every family has one. Ginger is that lovable character whose exploits and tribulations help give the holiday meaning.

If you don't have that aunt or uncle, it may be the person you see when you look in the mirror. And if that's the case, this book was made for you. I am that aunt and found myself reveling at all of the coincidental moments where I could have been Ginger incarnate. Yoga, baking, love... I'm still giggling.

There were several occasions where I read and reread the same passages, laughing out load both times through. I can see where some readers might not give Ginger the credit she deserves, unable to find the author's wry wit so humorous. Poor readers. I am not one of those people. This book was hilarious.

'Ginger Krinkles' was a fun, jovial read, perfect for the holiday. Highly recommended.

(The reviewer received a free copy of 'Ginger Krinkles' in return for an unbiased review)
Profile Image for Beth.
857 reviews46 followers
December 22, 2014
Ginger Krinkles is snarky. Normally, too much snark frustrates me, as sarcasm is really negative and eventually makes me feel like the main character is just a whiner. But I think it was well balanced here with humor.

There were some scenes that had me guffawing and all up in schadenfreude, especially the baking scene. Oh my goodness, have I been there!

My primary frustration with this book was its length- if it explored and developed the characters more (and was consistent- things flew by so quickly I didn't really get the meaning behind the dialogue), it could have been twice as long and twice as good. I lost all sense of the stakes, as Joe was a cardboard prop with muscles and no consistency, Lauri was a holier-than-thou pancake, Melissa was a mean bitch, and Frankie was a device. DeTarsio, please PLEASE develop your characters. I promise, you don't have to lose the quickly-paced dialogue or humor to do this.

In all, it was a very quick read, and an entertaining one. Some of the one-liners and asides were spot on, especially for modern readers. And her sense of San Diego is also spot-on (Tood Fruck must surely be a thing in PB!). If you're looking for a snarkysweet Christmastime contemporary adult novel, this one is pretty fun.
Profile Image for Carol Carr.
Author 8 books301 followers
November 9, 2014
This wry, witty and spicy-sweet read is the perfect antidote for the Christmas blues. Nobody writes bumbling, loveable heroines like Dee DeTarsio, and Ginger Krinkles may be the best of the lot. She’s out of work, out of money and out of patience with the standard holiday routine. The usual laugh-out-loud moments are here, but so is a gentle undercurrent of warmth and goodness. I’ve got a degree in cynicism, but I found myself rooting for Ginger and her quest for happiness. Will she find true love in the line at the coffee shop? I think we should check in on her next year and see how things are going. #bringbackginger.
Profile Image for Nancy Barnes.
8 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2014
A perfect book for Christmas reading. It's a Christmas tale with, yoga, food trucks, lost jobs, cranky grandmothers, romance, a potential elf, AND a cookie recipe. How can you go wrong? I think this little book would make a terrific holiday TV movie. Book or movie, make sure you have a seasonal beverage and some cookies at your side before you begin!
Profile Image for Samantha March.
1,102 reviews326 followers
November 26, 2014
I received a review copy
Ah, holiday novellas. They are so cute and fun! I am a big fan of Dee DeTarsio and think I’m lucky to have connected with her, and how adorable is this cover for her latest offering? This is a snappy read that filled with my laughs and of course brought out my holiday spirit. The ending is so super cute but I won’t tell you any more – just go get this one!
Profile Image for RosaLinda.
Author 22 books24 followers
December 22, 2018
I ❤️ this book. It was snarky and full of heart. Loved every page!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,327 reviews38 followers
December 30, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Wow, what did I just read? I...it was like reading someone who is on something or manic or something. It made no sense at times. It was odd. There were moments I enjoyed the story, enjoyed Ginger's snark, but the nonsense was discombobulating.

So Ginger doesn't like Christmas. She was born just after Christmas, has a Christmasy name, and she doesn't get why everyone is so festive this time of year. She has a big mouth and says super mean things about people she likes and cares for and they sometimes overhear her. And at the moment she is in a bit of a bind - she lost her job, she doesn't have a boyfriend, she is probably going to have to move home. She has a few thousand dollars in the bank, but that won't last long. Side note - Ginger makes it seem like her family is terrible and didn't care about her growing up and stuff, but then you find they are great and a normal family and all of her complaining about the holidays and how terrible they are didn't make sense...

Now this story was all over the place for me. As I said sometimes I really enjoyed how snarky Ginger was, but overall I had a hard time following the conversations and story as it went along. Like she had a date with a guy and the whole date was a mess. I was constantly like wait am I missing something? I kept re-reading the same paragraphs hoping that somehow I would be able to decode the secret manic language of this story. But I couldn't. I love Christmas stories, love Christmas magic, but this one made no sense!! Seriously. I don't know why there are so many amazing reviews for this one. I don't get it.
Profile Image for Cat.
253 reviews
December 6, 2025
I listened to this and really enjoyed the narration and the story. The MC is a bit thoughtless and has an aversion to Christmas. There is a bit of family mystery from her grandmother and the MC “grows” during the story. I chuckled quite a few times. Cute read.
1,307 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2017
A fun book to read. Ginger is a hoot!
Profile Image for SOS Aloha.
183 reviews72 followers
December 8, 2014
Ginger Krinkles, the heroine, is a hot mess. Recently fired from her PR job, she now works part time for her former boyfriend in his food truck, TOOD FRUCK - Good Food with Attitude. Ginger dislikes the holiday season - the result of endless teasing for her Santa-esque name by her older siblings with "normal" names. She finds herself wondering if she is morphing into her mean Polish grandmother, Basha, God rest her soul. Ginger watches her bank account dwindle, forcing her to consider moving back to the very cold Midwest. Yet Ginger has a few stands of hope - her loyal friend Laura, her kind landlord Olive, and an unexpected inheritance from Basha. Plus a chance meeting with a hot guy from Coronado Island.

GINGER KRINKLES, the book, starts off as a hot mess. DeTarsio employs the first person narrative ... and Ginger takes it to the extreme with her constant whining, sarcastic shtick, and confusing flashbacks to her childhood with Basha. I almost gave up half way through the 157 page novella. But then Ginger decided to embrace the holiday spirit, convincing me she was worth the effort to finish the book.

DeTarsio ultimately delivered a heartfelt "coming of age" story laced with the magic of Christmas. And the hot guy from Coronado Island. This is a romance after all. The icing on the cookie is the cookie recipe for ginger snaps!

Despite the rough start, I recommend GINGER KRINKLES for those readers who enjoy holiday cheer ... and romance with hot guys from Coronado Island (once you read GINGER KRINKLES, you'll understand the significance of the hot guy).

I received a print copy from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim.
Author 15 books246 followers
December 15, 2014
Ginger Krinkles Ginger Krinkles was at times hilarious and at other times sad, but all in all, I liked it a whole lot more than I thought I was going to.
 
Ginger Krinkles is the star of this book, a snarky holiday-hater that, at first, drove me nuts. In the beginning, she came off as a bit of a shallow, rhymes-with-witch. But as the book unfolds and you get to know her, it is easy to understand why she is the way she is. She's just a smart, frustrated, snarky kind of girl who has plenty of reasons to be annoyed by the holiday season. And then I began to love her.
 
The book is short, but it is full of story. There a lot of humor and quick wit, some of which is pretty twisted, even dark. Thusly... right up my alley! There are some moments where we see her as flawed as she is, moments when her big mouth and her bad attitude get her in trouble with her friends, her career, her family, and her relationships. But those things make her vulnerable and I love that.
 
And Joe. Oh, Joe. Kind of a book boyfriend for me. Tolerant and patient, but unwilling to take crap. And a military man to boot. That pretty much tied him up in a pretty red bow for me.
 
My Recommendation
 
This a book with heart, with humor, imperfect characters, and even a bit of sadness. But all of those things are exactly what makes it a great holiday read!
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,553 reviews44 followers
October 18, 2015
I'm pretty much a sucker for a Christmas story. I really was hoping she was an elf. Call me gullible .

So for much of the story Ginger is angsty and grumpy. She's worried she's turning into her miserable grandmother and she's worried that she'll have to move back home. It's a little heavy on the angst. If you like a story about a girl who can't get her shit together, this is the story for you.


But then the ending comes. And it wraps little glittery holiday bows on every part of the story. It sprinkles glittery Christmas magic on all the parts that I couldn't quite wrap my head around.

Like I said I'm a sucker.

And I love the last line. Just saying. Perfection.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2021
(this was an audio book listen, don't see that option, only kindle is available here on Goodreads??!) Hollis J McCarthy, 1 of the best narrators ever!
i got 3 audio books recently with "Hollis J McCarthy" doing the voices, she just has a very pleasant appealing voice. i tend to do this ... whatever genre of book, doesn't matter ... i just get use to a narrators voice. so fun. great characters. i really did enjoy the read. perfect for the Christmas holiday season. i think u can listen to Christmas reads any ole' time. it does not have to be December. must listen. i will have to see what else this author Dee DeTarsio, does have available?
Profile Image for Annie.
1,715 reviews26 followers
December 26, 2015
Okay, but didn't hook me

I wanted a short holiday read, so I grabbed this book. I liked the narration premise, it's light hearted, sarcastic, and written in a conversational, stream of consciousness style. However, it ended up feeling like a lot of build up with little pay off. We waited for a major change in the MC, but then didn't her to witness any significant reward. Overall it was cute, but not memorable, and it didn't convince me to look for more books by the author.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,329 reviews17 followers
September 26, 2015
Fast paced, funny, some awww-moments - I really liked reading this one, although the sentences sometimes seemed to tumble over themselves, which made following the main character's ramblings a bit difficult.
Still, apart from that, I enjoyed this book very much, it's not very long, so a read you could finish in one or two evenings.
Profile Image for Elsa Carrion.
699 reviews110 followers
January 1, 2017
Christmas themed story. Ginger has an issue with the holiday, has never enjoyed it since she was tormented because of her name and her birthday being so close to Christmas. I did enjoy her witty comments but she was so negative when it came to Christmas that she sounded bitter. It's a quick read and I did enjoy the story and the ending.
212 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2016
This was a very disjointed, horribly written book. I felt like I was trying to keep up with a conversation with a person in a manic state, flying high on amphetamines. I don't wish the torture of this book on anyone. The only thing I liked about it was the title, and the cover page.
26 reviews
November 28, 2014
Not really an easy book to read...kinda had me confused at the end of the book...Think would have been better if she had made the book more clear instead of jumbled like it was.
Profile Image for Helen.
103 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2014
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway (thanks!). It's a bit of a whirlwind story with a crazy character but a quick, fun read. I may even give the cookie recipe a go over Christmas!
Profile Image for Jessica Ford.
412 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2014
This was a cute book, but the main character really wasn't very likable. She had a lot of good people in her life that she treated badly. By the end, I really didn't care what happened to her.
Profile Image for Renee.
69 reviews
January 2, 2015
Fun Christmas read! I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
10 reviews
June 6, 2015
Liked this book

At times it seemed to move a little slow. But I did enjoy the book and would read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,015 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2015
2.5 stars. Didn't care for the book, but enjoyed the last few chapters and ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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