by Aimee Bender
As she turns nine years old, Rose Edelstein discovers that she has a unique ability: she can taste the feelings of the person who prepares her food. She can also taste the feelings/attitude of the person who picks the fruits and vegetables she eats. And so on.
It is, at once, both magical and debilitating. No one wants to taste her mother’s sadness in her birthday cake. Certainly not Rose. And she certainly doesn’t want to taste her brother’s alienation in the toast.
So, our story is about Rose: her dysfunctional family, her gift/curse, and how she copes with her special gift. She is a sensitive girl with a sensitive palate. She is both lovable and pitiable.
This is a story filled with contrasts: sadness and joy, a gift and a curse, a magical palate and a strong desire not to eat.
While the plotting could be better (the story really does fall apart), the characters are great. Also, the concept of Rose’s special ability is fantastic.
10/18/10
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