Julian's all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami's starting to feel. And Cami can't stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He's got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated….
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Story Line: I found that the story line was somewhat predictable, meaning that from the beginning the reader knows that Cami and Julian will end up together after all the challenges that they'll face. Saying this, however, I still found the story entertaining and full of powerful themes. Although this was a love story it had so many other topics and themes to it that it created a story with depth. Some of these themes include maturing, healing, cooking, accepting, and understanding.
Writing: I loved the fact that in this book the writer actually used cooking terminology. This made it easier for me to understand the importance and almost sacredness of cooking to the characters. Although cooking terminology was used it was easy to follow along with the motions of the character due to Ms. Elkins use of imagery, which I found to be an essential part of this book. The writing was just great, so much so that I could feel Cami's passion for cooking and love for those around her translate off the pages.
Relationships: Something that I enjoyed reading about in Ms. Elkins book was the fact that I got to see the difference in Cami's character from when she was with Luke and when she was with Julian. By providing us, the readers, with two different relationships Elkins makes a contrast between both of the relationships, which clearly illustrated that Julian was the better choice, especially for me! By contrasting Lucas and Julian it just made me love Julian's character even more! A special relationship that I noticed in this book was the one between Cami and her father. Both of them have a love for cooking and for each other. Throughout the book Cami's father tests her, even though she might not realize it, and wants what's best for her and her happiness. Their relationship was a sweet and loving father-daughter relationship that made me love their characters.
Characters:
Cami: I absolutely loved Cami's character. Throughout the book Cami undergoes some major growth as she questions what kind of relationship she wants and what she wants to do with her life. One of the major themes in this book was maturing and I felt that Cami did just that. Another thing that I loved about Cami, and I'm sure Julian loved about her too, is that she's not afraid to speak her mind or stand up for something, especially for something she believes in.
Julian: At the beginning of the book Julian is broken, both physically and emotionally. However, as the book progresses we see him adjust to his new reality. Throughout the book he, like Cami, faces many challenges, in particular with his amputated leg but as the book progresses Julian has to overcome this and many other challenges that just make his character stronger and even more amazing! Lastly, what I loved about Julian's character is that he was so human like; he experiences grief, remorse, love, forgiveness, and many other feelings that make him a well rounded and relatable character.
Overall: This is an excellent read! I can't say how good this book and the characters are. I completely loved it and can't wait to read another book my Ms. Elkins!! Plus there are recipes at the end of the book that Cami actually makes in the book, including some delicious and dangerous muffins!
Rating: I would give this book a 10!
I am a former journalist who worked for the Los Angeles Daily Newsand other newspapers in the greater Los Angeles area. Prior to this I worked in advertising, writing ad copy for corporate travel accounts and major motion pictures. My first job out of college was as an administrative assistant to an executive chef and a food & beverage director at a Four Seasons hotel. I also spent some time working as a prep cook for Spago in Beverly Hills. I received my Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. While in graduate school, I had the privilege of studying fiction writing under renowned author Hubert Selby, Jr., and comedy writing under famed comedian Shelley Berman. I am a past participant of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Summer Writing Workshop. Raised in the woods of Vermont, I now live in the greater Los Angeles area with my husband and three children. STIR ME UP is my first novel.
***GIVEAWAY***
Cami’s Cookbook Pack: Le Petit Paris: French Finger Food by Nathalie Benezet, 500 Soups by Susannah Blake, Godiva chocolate bar, Stir Me Up magnet
Julian’s Late-Night Pack: George Noory’s Late-Night Snacks by George Noory, Dinner and a Movie by Katherine Bebo, Godiva chocolate bar, Stir Me Up magnet
Sweet Desserts Pack: Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O’Connor, Cutie Pies by Dani Cone, Godiva chocolate bar, Stir Me Up magnet
About the Author:
I am a former journalist who worked for the Los Angeles Daily Newsand other newspapers in the greater Los Angeles area. Prior to this I worked in advertising, writing ad copy for corporate travel accounts and major motion pictures. My first job out of college was as an administrative assistant to an executive chef and a food & beverage director at a Four Seasons hotel. I also spent some time working as a prep cook for Spago in Beverly Hills. I received my Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. While in graduate school, I had the privilege of studying fiction writing under renowned author Hubert Selby, Jr., and comedy writing under famed comedian Shelley Berman. I am a past participant of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Summer Writing Workshop. Raised in the woods of Vermont, I now live in the greater Los Angeles area with my husband and three children. STIR ME UP is my first novel.
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