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Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love
The future is anything but certain in this alternately funny and heartbreaking contemporary story about food trucks, festivals, and first loves.
It's easy to look at high school senior Oscar Olsson and lost . He hates school, struggles to read, and wants nothing to do with college. But Oscar is anything but lost---he knows exactly what he wants and exactly how to get it. Oscar and Farfar, the Swedish grandfather who's raised him, run a food truck together selling rullekebab and munkar, and Oscar wants to finish school so he can focus on the food truck full-time.
It's easy to look at Mary Louise (Lou for short) Messinger and driven . AP everything, valedictorian in her sights, and Ivy league college aspirations.
When Lou hijacks Oscar's carefully crafted schedule of independent studies and blocks of time in the Culinary Lab, Oscar is roped into helping Lou complete her over-ambitious, resume-building service project-reducing food waste in Central Adams High School. While Lou stands to gain her Girl Scout Gold Award, Oscar will be faced with a mountain of uneaten school apples and countless hours with a girl he can't stand.
With the finish line in sight, a relationship he never expected, and festival season about to begin (for good), the unthinkable happens, and Oscar's future is anything but certain.
It's easy to look at high school senior Oscar Olsson and lost . He hates school, struggles to read, and wants nothing to do with college. But Oscar is anything but lost---he knows exactly what he wants and exactly how to get it. Oscar and Farfar, the Swedish grandfather who's raised him, run a food truck together selling rullekebab and munkar, and Oscar wants to finish school so he can focus on the food truck full-time.
It's easy to look at Mary Louise (Lou for short) Messinger and driven . AP everything, valedictorian in her sights, and Ivy league college aspirations.
When Lou hijacks Oscar's carefully crafted schedule of independent studies and blocks of time in the Culinary Lab, Oscar is roped into helping Lou complete her over-ambitious, resume-building service project-reducing food waste in Central Adams High School. While Lou stands to gain her Girl Scout Gold Award, Oscar will be faced with a mountain of uneaten school apples and countless hours with a girl he can't stand.
With the finish line in sight, a relationship he never expected, and festival season about to begin (for good), the unthinkable happens, and Oscar's future is anything but certain.
320 pages, Library Binding
First published June 8, 2021
55 people are currently reading
3164 people want to read
About the author
Jared Reck
2 books221 followersJared Reck is the author of DONUTS AND OTHER PROCLAMATIONS OF LOVE and A SHORT HISTORY OF THE GIRL NEXT DOOR. He teaches 8th grade Language Arts, where he has been reading awesome books and writing alongside his students for more than fifteen years. He lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two daughters.
Learn more about Jared at jaredreckbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @reckj.
Learn more about Jared at jaredreckbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @reckj.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
October 18, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up.
How's this for a title? Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is an excellent story about love, family, following your dreams, and lots of food.
If he had his way, Oscar would work during his senior year of high school, so he and Farfur, his Swedish grandfather who raised him, can take their food truck to the next level, maybe even turn it into a cafe someday. But no matter how many people love their Swedish kebabs, munkar (donuts), and other delicacies, Farfur is determined that Oscar complete his education and maybe even go to college.
When Lou, senior class president and all-around academic cyborg, sabotages Oscar’s independent culinary study at school to rope him into a project, he’s irritated with her at first. But it’s not long before he not only enjoys spending time with her, but he loves what they’re (well, mostly he's) accomplishing. And little by little, Lou becomes part of the food truck team with him and Farfur.
As they get ready for festival season and Lou waits to get accepted to the Ivy League college of her choice, suddenly everything changes, which leaves his friendship with Lou and his entire future in question. Will it be up to Oscar alone to make his dreams a reality?
From this description you could assume this is your typical YA romance, albeit one that might make you hungrier than others. And while there certainly are those elements, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is much more than that because of the nuances Jared Reck gives his characters, particularly Farfur and his relationship with Oscar.
This was just so good!! And I must have donuts.
How's this for a title? Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is an excellent story about love, family, following your dreams, and lots of food.
If he had his way, Oscar would work during his senior year of high school, so he and Farfur, his Swedish grandfather who raised him, can take their food truck to the next level, maybe even turn it into a cafe someday. But no matter how many people love their Swedish kebabs, munkar (donuts), and other delicacies, Farfur is determined that Oscar complete his education and maybe even go to college.
When Lou, senior class president and all-around academic cyborg, sabotages Oscar’s independent culinary study at school to rope him into a project, he’s irritated with her at first. But it’s not long before he not only enjoys spending time with her, but he loves what they’re (well, mostly he's) accomplishing. And little by little, Lou becomes part of the food truck team with him and Farfur.
As they get ready for festival season and Lou waits to get accepted to the Ivy League college of her choice, suddenly everything changes, which leaves his friendship with Lou and his entire future in question. Will it be up to Oscar alone to make his dreams a reality?
From this description you could assume this is your typical YA romance, albeit one that might make you hungrier than others. And while there certainly are those elements, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is much more than that because of the nuances Jared Reck gives his characters, particularly Farfur and his relationship with Oscar.
This was just so good!! And I must have donuts.
Read
June 29, 2021Few books leave me with actual tears in my eyes. It's part because I'm hardhearted and part because I so easily separate fiction from reality. But Jared Reck has once again wrecked me, leaving me with so many tears at the end of his sophomore novel.
Oscar lives with his grandfather in Gettysburg, where he's the right-hand man in his grandfather's Swedish food truck. Oscar isn't sure of much in life, other than he doesn't want to go to college. He wants to run a food business. His grandfather's has been successful and, as far as he can tell, been a point of pride for his grandfather, who fled his home in Finland to immigrate to the US.
What slowly unravels through the book is why his grandfather left Finland and his Swedish roots. . Oscar lives with his grandfather after the untimely death of his own father from addiction; his mother was never in his life.
Lou -- a super successful, talented, academically-achieving, type-A person -- has stepped in, though, on Oscar's plans for a quiet senior year. She proposes to his independent study teacher that she could use his help on a Girl Scout leadership project, helping reduce the waste in their cafeteria. It'd begin with apples: thousands of them, each week, dumped by students and the methane which they release when in the dump, a huge environmental impact from such a small segment of the population.
He's reluctant. But he has no choice.
Over the course of the school year, we see a mega-successful repurposing of the apples; a school that choses to no longer import those apples from afar and instead, source locally; and, as anyone might suspect, burgeoning romance. But it's not necessarily where you expect or how you expect.
At heart, this is a book about grief and loss. It's by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, touching on some big issues that play out in ways teens really care about. And I think maybe that's why Reck's books work so well for me. They're so smart and savvy, but they're very much about teenagers being teenagers, wrestling with what it means to be on the precipice of adulthood and to navigate complicated, conflicting feelings. At one of the final food truck events at the end of the school year, there's a major turning point that occurs at a protest over the changing of a street name from one honoring a confederate general to one honoring so, so much more -- and oh, the way it hurts when that happens.
The way it also feels just, well, like it's meant to be. Even if it hurts.
The book is peppered with Swedish food, with Swedish terms of endearment, and with Swedish language. Oscar's best friends are twins Jorge and Jesus, two Latino boys, and the melding of these cultures is so fun to watch play out.
Hand this to readers who love food books, who love big feelings, who want a book featuring a senior character who is as close as can be to his teenage grandson, to complicated stories of queer love, and so much more.
Oscar lives with his grandfather in Gettysburg, where he's the right-hand man in his grandfather's Swedish food truck. Oscar isn't sure of much in life, other than he doesn't want to go to college. He wants to run a food business. His grandfather's has been successful and, as far as he can tell, been a point of pride for his grandfather, who fled his home in Finland to immigrate to the US.
What slowly unravels through the book is why his grandfather left Finland and his Swedish roots. . Oscar lives with his grandfather after the untimely death of his own father from addiction; his mother was never in his life.
Lou -- a super successful, talented, academically-achieving, type-A person -- has stepped in, though, on Oscar's plans for a quiet senior year. She proposes to his independent study teacher that she could use his help on a Girl Scout leadership project, helping reduce the waste in their cafeteria. It'd begin with apples: thousands of them, each week, dumped by students and the methane which they release when in the dump, a huge environmental impact from such a small segment of the population.
He's reluctant. But he has no choice.
Over the course of the school year, we see a mega-successful repurposing of the apples; a school that choses to no longer import those apples from afar and instead, source locally; and, as anyone might suspect, burgeoning romance. But it's not necessarily where you expect or how you expect.
At heart, this is a book about grief and loss. It's by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, touching on some big issues that play out in ways teens really care about. And I think maybe that's why Reck's books work so well for me. They're so smart and savvy, but they're very much about teenagers being teenagers, wrestling with what it means to be on the precipice of adulthood and to navigate complicated, conflicting feelings. At one of the final food truck events at the end of the school year, there's a major turning point that occurs at a protest over the changing of a street name from one honoring a confederate general to one honoring so, so much more -- and oh, the way it hurts when that happens.
The way it also feels just, well, like it's meant to be. Even if it hurts.
The book is peppered with Swedish food, with Swedish terms of endearment, and with Swedish language. Oscar's best friends are twins Jorge and Jesus, two Latino boys, and the melding of these cultures is so fun to watch play out.
Hand this to readers who love food books, who love big feelings, who want a book featuring a senior character who is as close as can be to his teenage grandson, to complicated stories of queer love, and so much more.
August 23, 2021
Rating: 4.5 stars
Oscar couldn’t wait to be done with school and had his post-high school life planned out. He could finally do something he loved full-time and planned to work on the food truck with his beloved Farfar. When tragedy strikes, his future doesn’t seem so clear anymore.
I was a HUGE fan of Reck’s debut, A Short History of the Girl Next Door. That book destroyed me. Wait, I have to dry the tears that escaped as I was typing this. Once again, Reck wrecked my heart with another tear-worthy and touching story.
Five things I LOVED about this book
• Oscar was fantastic! The story was told from his point of view, and I simply loved being in his head. He was funny and had a big heart, even if he didn’t wear it on his sleeve. He had a passion for cooking, and it was wonderful seeing him in action, and also, sharing his passion with others. It was such a pleasure cooking with Oscar. My mouth watered many times, and I lusted for many of the foods mentioned.
• Lou was the opposite of Oscar in many ways, but equally as wonderful. Remember that kid in school who appeared to be the most put together and succeeded at everything? That was Lou. This young woman was driven and had goals, but few knew much about her personal life or what was driving her. She was the perfect companion for Oscar in so many ways, and it was such a pleasure watching her reveal those hidden parts of herself.
• Farfar was the heart and soul of this story for me. Farfar, aka Oscar’s grandfather, was just a beautiful person. He knew about pain, loss, and making hard choices, but still, was gentle and kind. I love that he was part of this story because he added so much and filled my heart with all sorts of joy, warmth, and good things.
• The relationship between Oscar and Farfar was exquisite. Oscar’s mother abandoned him, his father died from a drug overdose, and when he was four, his grandmother said she could no longer care for him. His Farfar brought him to America and raised him on his own. They shared a very strong bond which translated to a rock solid relationship. There was so much love and affection between them, and I relished all those intimate moments I got to observe.
• As a former educator, I really appreciated the way Reck took on post-high school plans. There is always that big push towards college, but here we had Oscar who was more interested in vocational training. Not only do we hawk college, but we asset that there are only certain colleges worthy of attending – The Ivies. This was also explored, and I was practically applauding as I read it.
Overall: Another beautiful and touching book from Reck, who never fails to wreck my heart with his books. I really enjoyed my time with Gubben, Farfar, Lou, and the rest of the crew. And that epilogue had the tears flowing.
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Oscar couldn’t wait to be done with school and had his post-high school life planned out. He could finally do something he loved full-time and planned to work on the food truck with his beloved Farfar. When tragedy strikes, his future doesn’t seem so clear anymore.
I was a HUGE fan of Reck’s debut, A Short History of the Girl Next Door. That book destroyed me. Wait, I have to dry the tears that escaped as I was typing this. Once again, Reck wrecked my heart with another tear-worthy and touching story.
Five things I LOVED about this book
• Oscar was fantastic! The story was told from his point of view, and I simply loved being in his head. He was funny and had a big heart, even if he didn’t wear it on his sleeve. He had a passion for cooking, and it was wonderful seeing him in action, and also, sharing his passion with others. It was such a pleasure cooking with Oscar. My mouth watered many times, and I lusted for many of the foods mentioned.
• Lou was the opposite of Oscar in many ways, but equally as wonderful. Remember that kid in school who appeared to be the most put together and succeeded at everything? That was Lou. This young woman was driven and had goals, but few knew much about her personal life or what was driving her. She was the perfect companion for Oscar in so many ways, and it was such a pleasure watching her reveal those hidden parts of herself.
• Farfar was the heart and soul of this story for me. Farfar, aka Oscar’s grandfather, was just a beautiful person. He knew about pain, loss, and making hard choices, but still, was gentle and kind. I love that he was part of this story because he added so much and filled my heart with all sorts of joy, warmth, and good things.
• The relationship between Oscar and Farfar was exquisite. Oscar’s mother abandoned him, his father died from a drug overdose, and when he was four, his grandmother said she could no longer care for him. His Farfar brought him to America and raised him on his own. They shared a very strong bond which translated to a rock solid relationship. There was so much love and affection between them, and I relished all those intimate moments I got to observe.
• As a former educator, I really appreciated the way Reck took on post-high school plans. There is always that big push towards college, but here we had Oscar who was more interested in vocational training. Not only do we hawk college, but we asset that there are only certain colleges worthy of attending – The Ivies. This was also explored, and I was practically applauding as I read it.
Overall: Another beautiful and touching book from Reck, who never fails to wreck my heart with his books. I really enjoyed my time with Gubben, Farfar, Lou, and the rest of the crew. And that epilogue had the tears flowing.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
June 14, 2021
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love was kind of cute. In it, you will meet Oscar and Lou. They are both seniors in high school but they have different plans for their lives. He loathes school - like so much. He doesn't see himself going off to college. Mostly because he's pretty content with his life at the moment. Running a food truck with Farfar, his mentor.
Lou has other plans though. She really wants to get into an Ivy League school and valedictorian as well. So it was a bit odd to see these two somehow forming a bond throughout this last year of school. Especially since he couldn't stand the girl and didn't know what her game plan was. Well, I'm pretty glad that they did run into one another because it definitely helped them grow a bit. Plans change all the time and to see these two trying to figure out what their game plan was after they graduate - well, it was pretty realistic.
I also really liked how Oscar didn't want to go to college. Parents also seem to shove that thought down their kids throats. So, to see him actually thrive with his food truck and just wanting to do this for the rest of his life? It was kind of inspiring. The food truck life isn't for me but all the food that they were making sounded amazing.
In the end, it was kind of bittersweet and a little bit emotional. Definitely glad that I got the chance to dive into this.
Lou has other plans though. She really wants to get into an Ivy League school and valedictorian as well. So it was a bit odd to see these two somehow forming a bond throughout this last year of school. Especially since he couldn't stand the girl and didn't know what her game plan was. Well, I'm pretty glad that they did run into one another because it definitely helped them grow a bit. Plans change all the time and to see these two trying to figure out what their game plan was after they graduate - well, it was pretty realistic.
I also really liked how Oscar didn't want to go to college. Parents also seem to shove that thought down their kids throats. So, to see him actually thrive with his food truck and just wanting to do this for the rest of his life? It was kind of inspiring. The food truck life isn't for me but all the food that they were making sounded amazing.
In the end, it was kind of bittersweet and a little bit emotional. Definitely glad that I got the chance to dive into this.
June 22, 2021
Upon finishing the book: I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING, LET ME HAVE THIS MOMENT IN PEACE.
This was a totally random selection off of Libby that sucked me in completely. It sounds so random: Swedish food trucks. That's the focus of this book (not the entire focus, but a good chunk of it). Why does that work?!?
I don't know what to tell you, just read this book. It has an adorable gay Swedish grandpa, a main character with a learning disability (that isn't outright stated but is implied), THERE'S NO INSTA LOVE, and now I want to learn all of the Swedish words (road trip to Ikea!) and learn to make munkhal and rullekebab. Read it, you'll figure out what I'm talking about.
This was a totally random selection off of Libby that sucked me in completely. It sounds so random: Swedish food trucks. That's the focus of this book (not the entire focus, but a good chunk of it). Why does that work?!?
I don't know what to tell you, just read this book. It has an adorable gay Swedish grandpa, a main character with a learning disability (that isn't outright stated but is implied), THERE'S NO INSTA LOVE, and now I want to learn all of the Swedish words (road trip to Ikea!) and learn to make munkhal and rullekebab. Read it, you'll figure out what I'm talking about.
September 13, 2021
4.5 STARS
I was cruising OverDrive from the library, when I was drawn to the cover featuring a food truck. After a quick view of the synopsis, I just had to give it a whirl. What a gem of story this turned out to be! Yes, it was an ode to creating and loving food, along with a sweet romance. However, it was also life altering/coming of age moments shared between a teen boy and his grandfather(FarFar). It was more emotional than anticipated, but in a good way. I have read two, back to back YAs featuring amazing young men. I am thrilled to have discovered this author and will read more of his work.
I was cruising OverDrive from the library, when I was drawn to the cover featuring a food truck. After a quick view of the synopsis, I just had to give it a whirl. What a gem of story this turned out to be! Yes, it was an ode to creating and loving food, along with a sweet romance. However, it was also life altering/coming of age moments shared between a teen boy and his grandfather(FarFar). It was more emotional than anticipated, but in a good way. I have read two, back to back YAs featuring amazing young men. I am thrilled to have discovered this author and will read more of his work.
April 3, 2023
Loved this book. The food, the depth of the different characters and how the epilogue was set up in 3rd person.
SPOILERS**
Honestly I did not realize Farfar was gay until the very end when he got hit by the car and the news mentioned it. The book was like "I can imagine Farfar and Amir goosing each other" and I just thought yep a normal activity for best friends. Lol
SPOILERS**
Honestly I did not realize Farfar was gay until the very end when he got hit by the car and the news mentioned it. The book was like "I can imagine Farfar and Amir goosing each other" and I just thought yep a normal activity for best friends. Lol
July 3, 2025
This was a cute young adult novel. It centers on Oscar who dreams of taking over his grandfather's food truck. He is amazing with food but hates school. He also does not like Mary Louise (Lou) and hates the fact that he is being forced to work with her on a project. Lou becomes part of his life as she combines her need to save the world with his culinary genius. This is a heartwarming story that definitely will resonate with young adults and adults.
May 11, 2021
ARC provided by Random House Children’s via NetGalley for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! It is probably the best YA contemporary that I have read in awhile. It is so realistic with believable characters that you just want to hang out with. It is being advertised as a romance and while there is a one it isn’t what the story is really about. It is about family and following your dreams even if they don’t meet others expectations of you.
Oscar or Gubben (which is what he is called by his grandfather) is such a soft and wonderful character that many are going to be able to relate to. He loves to bake and would be happiest just to leave school and work in his grandfather’s (Farfar) food truck. School has always been hard, it is hinted that there is a learning disability but nothing concrete, so senior year is not something he is looking forward to. His struggles and attitude towards school is something many kids can relate to. Oscar’s relationship with his Farfar is what takes center stage for the most part in this story, and what a wonderful relationship it is. Farfar has wonderful advice for Oscar which he doles out in small portions and sometimes Oscar hears it, but sometimes is frustrated by it to.
Lou is such a good match for Oscar, although it takes him a long time to realize it. The romance aspect of the story was exceptionally well done and was very realistic. I loved how Lou just quietly entered his life and waited for him to accept her presence and realize that she was the best thing that ever happened to him.
There were other adults in Oscar’s life that also help and influence him along the way. A couple of them are even teachers. His speech teacher Mrs. Sommers does an excellent job of gently encouraging him and Mrs. Bixler who was in charge of the culinary lab was always there for him to help with suggestions about baking and life. I loved them both.
The story was just so nicely done, with Oscar being our sole narrator. It just felt so authentic and realistic, like I was just hanging out with Oscar and watching him bake and just having a great time doing it. There is a steady pacing to the story, and a lot of it is just Oscar’s thoughts and feelings about life. The whole story line of waste reduction in the cafeteria was amusing, and I could appreciate how they solved the issue even though it involved a dis on Washington apples. I would advise not reading this hungry, because there is some delicious descriptions of cooking and baking that will make you crave cupcakes and munkar.
If you are looking for a soft contemporary romance with characters that are believable and realistic, this is a book you should definitely take a look at. You will find yourself smiling the whole way through.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
I absolutely loved this book! It is probably the best YA contemporary that I have read in awhile. It is so realistic with believable characters that you just want to hang out with. It is being advertised as a romance and while there is a one it isn’t what the story is really about. It is about family and following your dreams even if they don’t meet others expectations of you.
Oscar or Gubben (which is what he is called by his grandfather) is such a soft and wonderful character that many are going to be able to relate to. He loves to bake and would be happiest just to leave school and work in his grandfather’s (Farfar) food truck. School has always been hard, it is hinted that there is a learning disability but nothing concrete, so senior year is not something he is looking forward to. His struggles and attitude towards school is something many kids can relate to. Oscar’s relationship with his Farfar is what takes center stage for the most part in this story, and what a wonderful relationship it is. Farfar has wonderful advice for Oscar which he doles out in small portions and sometimes Oscar hears it, but sometimes is frustrated by it to.
Lou is such a good match for Oscar, although it takes him a long time to realize it. The romance aspect of the story was exceptionally well done and was very realistic. I loved how Lou just quietly entered his life and waited for him to accept her presence and realize that she was the best thing that ever happened to him.
There were other adults in Oscar’s life that also help and influence him along the way. A couple of them are even teachers. His speech teacher Mrs. Sommers does an excellent job of gently encouraging him and Mrs. Bixler who was in charge of the culinary lab was always there for him to help with suggestions about baking and life. I loved them both.
The story was just so nicely done, with Oscar being our sole narrator. It just felt so authentic and realistic, like I was just hanging out with Oscar and watching him bake and just having a great time doing it. There is a steady pacing to the story, and a lot of it is just Oscar’s thoughts and feelings about life. The whole story line of waste reduction in the cafeteria was amusing, and I could appreciate how they solved the issue even though it involved a dis on Washington apples. I would advise not reading this hungry, because there is some delicious descriptions of cooking and baking that will make you crave cupcakes and munkar.
If you are looking for a soft contemporary romance with characters that are believable and realistic, this is a book you should definitely take a look at. You will find yourself smiling the whole way through.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
June 13, 2025
Pop sugar challenge #29 - Książka o food trucku
Historia ta nie podbiła mojego serca (było trochę nudnawo) ale za to bardzo podobała mi się relacja wnuczek/dziadek - nie mogę tego powiedzieć o relacji Oskara z jego dziewczyną która dla mnie wzięła się z niczego, nie widziałam i nie czułam pomiędzy nimi żadnej chemii.
Średiawka z fajną treścią na jedno popołudnie.
Historia ta nie podbiła mojego serca (było trochę nudnawo) ale za to bardzo podobała mi się relacja wnuczek/dziadek - nie mogę tego powiedzieć o relacji Oskara z jego dziewczyną która dla mnie wzięła się z niczego, nie widziałam i nie czułam pomiędzy nimi żadnej chemii.
Średiawka z fajną treścią na jedno popołudnie.
July 14, 2023
My third Gateway read of the summer. Loved the narrative voice and real portrayal of part of the high school senior year experience but also of the deep love of grandfather and grandson. I would give it a 5 but for one thing left hanging…
February 27, 2024
This book was just so sweet (pun intended). I totally recommend if you want a multi cultural coming of age story with great food, great relationships, and great strength.
April 6, 2024
4.5
amazing, made me very emotional
amazing, made me very emotional
August 17, 2023
Just finished this absolutely lovely book for the third time and had to add in a few more quotes I loved. =) Farfar may be my favorite character ever written. <3
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I loved Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck with all my heart and soul. This story of the sweetest of friendships, quiet heroes, & Scandinavian food truck delights is an absolute joy, and I highly recommend you curl up with this cozy, delicious read.
Fair warning: you’re about to fall madly in love with the most adorable Scandinavian grandpa, and you will be super hungry for Swedish donuts and apple muffins while reading every, single page. 🍩🍎🚚🇸🇪
- - - - - - - - -
“They were watching - *we* were watching - a world changer.”
“ ‘One of the first things you will learn, Gubben… how hard it is to find good help.’ It was all around me.”
“It was just my imagination. Like little heartbreaks, over and over again.”
“Please tell me there’s more.”
“Do you seriously not know this? Kindness is hot.”
“You are free to figure out what you love and… fling yourself at it.”
"Lou wanted the change more than she wanted credit for the change."
"I'm scared to death that I'm facing the end of chapter one."
----------
I loved Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck with all my heart and soul. This story of the sweetest of friendships, quiet heroes, & Scandinavian food truck delights is an absolute joy, and I highly recommend you curl up with this cozy, delicious read.
Fair warning: you’re about to fall madly in love with the most adorable Scandinavian grandpa, and you will be super hungry for Swedish donuts and apple muffins while reading every, single page. 🍩🍎🚚🇸🇪
- - - - - - - - -
“They were watching - *we* were watching - a world changer.”
“ ‘One of the first things you will learn, Gubben… how hard it is to find good help.’ It was all around me.”
“It was just my imagination. Like little heartbreaks, over and over again.”
“Please tell me there’s more.”
“Do you seriously not know this? Kindness is hot.”
“You are free to figure out what you love and… fling yourself at it.”
"Lou wanted the change more than she wanted credit for the change."
"I'm scared to death that I'm facing the end of chapter one."
January 24, 2025
This was a cool, funny story about donuts, love, and life. It took me a minute to figure out the characters and what they were really cooking on that food truck other than donuts (lol,I searched kebab a couple of times ), but it had great characters and a solid reminder to cherish the moment because nothing is ever guaranteed.
June 30, 2021
I still have tears streaming down my face. Delicious food trucks, awkward teenagers, an endearing Swedish grandpa, a likable narrator— the perfect recipe of a YA read. Pass me the poutine and apple crisp!
September 6, 2021
Oscar is entering his senior year and he couldn't be happier at the prospect of completing high school. He doesn't understand why his grandfather won't let him take work/study and spend half of the day working with him on their food truck. As a result, the best part of his school day is spent in independent study cooking and baking. When Lou comes to him with an idea for using the apples that students leave behind in the cafeteria into a project to do away with wasted food, Oscar's independent study period turns into apple prep. Oscar can't stand Lou, and he doesn't really know why, but when she starts helping with the food truck, Oscar's grandpa immediately falls under her spell.
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is the story of a boy who learns many lessons of adult life including taking responsibilities for actions and realizing that life is complicated. Told from Oscar's perspective, the book details his beginnings when he came to the US to live with his grandfather up to the present when he must learn to move on from childish things. There is little action in the story and it moves at a gentle pace, but it stirs the emotions and makes the reader think about what is important in life. Overall, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is a wonderful coming of age story told from a unique perspective.
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is the story of a boy who learns many lessons of adult life including taking responsibilities for actions and realizing that life is complicated. Told from Oscar's perspective, the book details his beginnings when he came to the US to live with his grandfather up to the present when he must learn to move on from childish things. There is little action in the story and it moves at a gentle pace, but it stirs the emotions and makes the reader think about what is important in life. Overall, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love is a wonderful coming of age story told from a unique perspective.
December 31, 2021
Have you ever cried over a book about food, family and love? I did, many times reading this book. Oscar & his Farfar, a team of two, cooking/baking/frying together, Oscar trying to convince his Farfar that all he wants to do after graduation is to keep doing all that with him, his Farfar teaching him life lessons one at a time, not wanting him to just settle. MaryLou, or Lou to everyone else, Oscar’s frenemy but actual soulmate, bringing Oscar and Farfar even closer together. The secondary cast of characters we wonderful: the best friends, Jorge & Jesus, the troublemaking freshman Terrance, who added humor to the story & the teachers who believed in Oscar from the start. If you didn’t have an appetite for donuts before this book, you will be wanting to make them after you finish it.
March 7, 2022
1 Sentence Summary: Oscar knows what he wants to do with his future: run a Swedish food truck with his grandfather— now all he needs to do is survive until the end of senior year, and he’s got a good routine going, that is until he’s forced to help super smart and ambitious Mary Louise with her project of reducing food waste at their high school.
My Thoughts: I mean, it wasn’t bad or anything, but also it wasn’t really that great. The romance wasn’t really that cute, I didn’t really love any of the characters, and Oscar was kind of a jerk to Lou.
Positive and redeeming qualities: the culinary aspect was tied in really well, and I loved the atmosphere of the food truck. Also, I liked how it had the message of “traditional school” not being the most important thing in the world and how everybody learns differently.
Also, the whole time reading I was craving donuts:P
Recommend to: Food truck fans
(Warnings: swearing)
My Thoughts: I mean, it wasn’t bad or anything, but also it wasn’t really that great. The romance wasn’t really that cute, I didn’t really love any of the characters, and Oscar was kind of a jerk to Lou.
Positive and redeeming qualities: the culinary aspect was tied in really well, and I loved the atmosphere of the food truck. Also, I liked how it had the message of “traditional school” not being the most important thing in the world and how everybody learns differently.
Also, the whole time reading I was craving donuts:P
Recommend to: Food truck fans
(Warnings: swearing)
February 5, 2025
This title right? It’s so FUN!
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA coming of age high school saga with believable conflict and characters. I adored the relationship between Oscar and his Swedish grandfather Farfar. It’s by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, touching on some big issues that play out in ways teens really care about. My only gripe is that the audio narration made the characters seem younger than high school seniors. But it was redeemed by the pitch perfect accented narration for Farfar.
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA coming of age high school saga with believable conflict and characters. I adored the relationship between Oscar and his Swedish grandfather Farfar. It’s by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, touching on some big issues that play out in ways teens really care about. My only gripe is that the audio narration made the characters seem younger than high school seniors. But it was redeemed by the pitch perfect accented narration for Farfar.
February 4, 2022
i started reading this thinking that it was going to be a lighthearted read, just some teenage love birds running a food truck, right? WRONG.
i really had low expectations but i actually really enjoyed this book, in the beginning i was skeptical— i was confused (and hungry) but i stuck with it and i really started to enjoy it. my biggest problem was lou’s character, she fell into the stereotype of the college obsessed girl with problems at home that i’ve read so many times over the years. the author really missed his chance to give her character depth, and he definitely should’ve extended the storyline with her brother.
i wont even go into farfar getting hit by the car at the protest, because that hit ME like a ton of bricks…
but yeah i’d give this more like a 3.8/5 it was sweet… until the end :(
i really had low expectations but i actually really enjoyed this book, in the beginning i was skeptical— i was confused (and hungry) but i stuck with it and i really started to enjoy it. my biggest problem was lou’s character, she fell into the stereotype of the college obsessed girl with problems at home that i’ve read so many times over the years. the author really missed his chance to give her character depth, and he definitely should’ve extended the storyline with her brother.
i wont even go into farfar getting hit by the car at the protest, because that hit ME like a ton of bricks…
but yeah i’d give this more like a 3.8/5 it was sweet… until the end :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2022
ugh. love.
February 19, 2023
it was really good!! in the beginning it took me a little bit to get into it, but i love all the stories and friendships and everything about it :)) i give a lot of books five stars
March 23, 2023
This was a lot sadder than I thought
January 31, 2025
3.5 rounded up. A slow to start but surprisingly punchy story that hits the emotional beats and addresses important themes of growing up, community, education, and of course, lurve, to young adult audiences.
June 8, 2023
Loved this story and the individual characters. Loves the title and it had great reviews so I went for it and I’m so glad I did 😊
April 19, 2023
I wasn't expecting a big warm hug from reading Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love, but wowsers, it was a good one. Oscar, a senior who puts off a 'schools not for me' vibe, actually has goals. They're right, though; he doesn't have much love for school because he already knows what he wants to do with his life. And that is to continue working and cooking on his Swedish grandfather's food truck. Farfar (his grandfather) wants him to think things through more, take some business classes, and then think about the food truck. He's got plenty of time to work. But Oscar's impatient when it comes to this, and he's practically an adult and obviously knows what is right for him. Farfar is one of those special people with wisdom that only comes from experience, heartbreak, and pure happiness. They have a unique relationship, Oscar and Farfar. Years and years ago, Farfar left his wife and home in Sweden to come to America with a man named Amir.
Amir and Farfar's love story isn't one Oscar hears much about, mainly because Farfar isn't over Amir's death even though it's been years. Oscar came into Farfar's life when his dad died from drugs. He doesn't have many memories of his parents or grandmother back in Sweden and is fuzzy on when exactly he came to America, but it's always been with Farfar. In eighth grade, Farfar dusted off the food truck he and Amir ran together, and Oscar's been hooked on cooking since. And Farfar is an excellent cook. When they come home from a day at a festival, tired but too wired to sleep, an epic Mario Kart game on the Wii settles them both—that and monster thick bacon burgers.
Oscar's school day consists of an English class he doesn't hate and an independent food lab where he shows up. There's an assignment for him, groceries to cook with, and off he goes. It is bliss. He pops in an audiobook (seriously, I love this kid), and he's in it. Nothing gives him more satisfaction and bliss than these few hours alone. And it was perfect until Lou showed up. Mary Louise Messinger is a world-class perfectionist and buzzkill. It's even worse than he thought when they actually have to work together. She's on a mission to reuse the discarded fruit from the cafeteria, and his job is to devise a solution. This takes away from his daily tasks and a newfound love for cupcake baking. Naturally, they butt heads but eventually have mutual respect for what the other does. When she shows up at his house and meets his Farfar, it's all over. The next thing he knows, she's working on the food truck with them. He can't seem to escape her, but he realizes that he might not want to. Of course, this sounds like an enemies-to-lovers trope, and there is that element, but it's not. The relationship between Oscar and Lou is pure friendship in the beginning. There are some hiccups and questionable judgment from both of them before the romance part kicks in, but that's to be expected.
Oscar is cruising through the end of his senior year- the food truck is doing well, he and Farfar have talked about new recipes, and he and Lou are doing great when a tragedy strikes Farfar at a festival. Oscar's life halts, and all of his talk about being an adult and making decisions is tested. It's not pretty and has a lot of help (Farfar is beloved in the community). Oscar takes the time to decide what and who is important to him in these moments. He grows up quickly in just a few weeks, and before he knows it, high school is over, and he's not sure where life will take him.
I absolutely adored this book. I just loved it. The relationship between grandparent and grandson is epic and so full of love and respect that it gutted me to think it might be over. Farfar is one of a kind- his humility, kindness, and appreciation for life and those around him cannot be duplicated. The food descriptions are outrageous and had me wanting some Munkar (donuts) and poutine. Jared Reck isn't Swedish, but his inspiration comes from his sister-in-law's husband- you can tell he has an authentic source!
Amir and Farfar's love story isn't one Oscar hears much about, mainly because Farfar isn't over Amir's death even though it's been years. Oscar came into Farfar's life when his dad died from drugs. He doesn't have many memories of his parents or grandmother back in Sweden and is fuzzy on when exactly he came to America, but it's always been with Farfar. In eighth grade, Farfar dusted off the food truck he and Amir ran together, and Oscar's been hooked on cooking since. And Farfar is an excellent cook. When they come home from a day at a festival, tired but too wired to sleep, an epic Mario Kart game on the Wii settles them both—that and monster thick bacon burgers.
Oscar's school day consists of an English class he doesn't hate and an independent food lab where he shows up. There's an assignment for him, groceries to cook with, and off he goes. It is bliss. He pops in an audiobook (seriously, I love this kid), and he's in it. Nothing gives him more satisfaction and bliss than these few hours alone. And it was perfect until Lou showed up. Mary Louise Messinger is a world-class perfectionist and buzzkill. It's even worse than he thought when they actually have to work together. She's on a mission to reuse the discarded fruit from the cafeteria, and his job is to devise a solution. This takes away from his daily tasks and a newfound love for cupcake baking. Naturally, they butt heads but eventually have mutual respect for what the other does. When she shows up at his house and meets his Farfar, it's all over. The next thing he knows, she's working on the food truck with them. He can't seem to escape her, but he realizes that he might not want to. Of course, this sounds like an enemies-to-lovers trope, and there is that element, but it's not. The relationship between Oscar and Lou is pure friendship in the beginning. There are some hiccups and questionable judgment from both of them before the romance part kicks in, but that's to be expected.
Oscar is cruising through the end of his senior year- the food truck is doing well, he and Farfar have talked about new recipes, and he and Lou are doing great when a tragedy strikes Farfar at a festival. Oscar's life halts, and all of his talk about being an adult and making decisions is tested. It's not pretty and has a lot of help (Farfar is beloved in the community). Oscar takes the time to decide what and who is important to him in these moments. He grows up quickly in just a few weeks, and before he knows it, high school is over, and he's not sure where life will take him.
I absolutely adored this book. I just loved it. The relationship between grandparent and grandson is epic and so full of love and respect that it gutted me to think it might be over. Farfar is one of a kind- his humility, kindness, and appreciation for life and those around him cannot be duplicated. The food descriptions are outrageous and had me wanting some Munkar (donuts) and poutine. Jared Reck isn't Swedish, but his inspiration comes from his sister-in-law's husband- you can tell he has an authentic source!
February 4, 2023
I had to let the tears clear from my eyes in order to read the epilogue! This book is adorable and I loved every minute of it!
July 25, 2021
I loved this book; the story was beautiful and very touching. Though it did have a romance in it, it was really about the relationship between Oscar and his grandfather, and Oscar figuring out his future. Oscar does not care for school and is not a particularly strong student in a traditional academic sense. But he is a good kid, loves working with his grandfather on their food truck and dreams of a culinary career. His grandfather has to gently make him see that there is a lot more to running a food truck or restaurant than cooking, and that he still has a lot to learn.
In the meantime, he is forced to work on a project at school with a girl who is very academically driven who Oscar thinks is just looking for things to build her resume and assumes she looks down on him because he is not college-bound, but as they get to know each other better, he discovers he has been the one making assumptions and judgments. Oscar starts out his senior year feeling very sure of what his future will be, but by the end he realizes nothing is ever certain.
In a time where trades seem to be looked down upon and schools seem to be sending kids the wrong message and pushing for *everyone* to go to college, it was nice to see a character who was not academically inclined portrayed in a positive way, as someone who had chosen an alternate but equal path, not someone who needed to be fixed or helped or encouraged to change his mind. I also like the positive modeling of the use of audiobooks; Oscar doesn't care for school and for reasons not really addressed he is not a strong print reader, but he does listen to audiobooks while he cooks.
The story also touches on addiction and LGTBQ+ issues, as Oscar's father died of an overdose, which is why he was raised by his grandfather, and Oscar's grandfather is a gay man who left his family to immigrate to the U.S to be with the man he fell in love with. It also incorporates some elements of Swedish foods and holiday traditions.
In the meantime, he is forced to work on a project at school with a girl who is very academically driven who Oscar thinks is just looking for things to build her resume and assumes she looks down on him because he is not college-bound, but as they get to know each other better, he discovers he has been the one making assumptions and judgments. Oscar starts out his senior year feeling very sure of what his future will be, but by the end he realizes nothing is ever certain.
In a time where trades seem to be looked down upon and schools seem to be sending kids the wrong message and pushing for *everyone* to go to college, it was nice to see a character who was not academically inclined portrayed in a positive way, as someone who had chosen an alternate but equal path, not someone who needed to be fixed or helped or encouraged to change his mind. I also like the positive modeling of the use of audiobooks; Oscar doesn't care for school and for reasons not really addressed he is not a strong print reader, but he does listen to audiobooks while he cooks.
The story also touches on addiction and LGTBQ+ issues, as Oscar's father died of an overdose, which is why he was raised by his grandfather, and Oscar's grandfather is a gay man who left his family to immigrate to the U.S to be with the man he fell in love with. It also incorporates some elements of Swedish foods and holiday traditions.
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