Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling phenomenon with its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit. The classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy. While still in her mother's womb, her daughter to be weeps so violently she causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef. She shares special points of her favorite preparations with listeners throughout the story.
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"I loved learning about the Mayan and Mexican cultures through this intriguing story. To me, this is a story about a dysfunctional family, and the way they learned to live with each other. The love story is intense, so if you are squeamish about "bedroom scenes" you may choose not to read the book, or skim quickly past them. Over all though, it's a very thoughtful writing about the workings of the heart and how we chose love . . . or how it chooses us."
— Ronna-lee (5 out of 5 stars)
" This book was very interesting. I read it while in high school. The main charter puts all her emotions in her cooking. "
— Melissa, 2/11/2014" Hands down one of my favorite doomed love stories ever. Extremely well written, will immerse you both in the tale of the lovers, and a beautiful and rich culture. "
— Kathleen, 2/5/2014" At first, the second page or so, I thought that I wouldn't like it. Of course it got better, and worse. It was going pretty good until Pedro showed up. That Pedro plus the mother somehow equaled Rosaura. It that damn tradition at fault really. And that Pedro why didn't he do something about it, what a coward. Yes, I don't like Pedro, at all, or Tita. The ending was also questionable, but yes it was a good book. "
— alyss, 1/29/2014" just glad i'm done! ... now i must go right a paper on it "
— Isi, 1/24/2014" I don't think it's supposed to be, but I find this book hilarious. "
— MarÃa, 1/23/2014" A mystical family fantasy. Fun and well written. "
— Dougj, 1/17/2014" great story, so well written that I felt I could smell, taste and feel along with the characters. "
— Gloria, 12/1/2013" Short but complex, a masterpiece in the tradition of magical realism. "
— Natalie, 11/29/2013" Seriously weird and strange book. But that's down to the Magical Realism I guess. Interesting story, I'd recommend it "
— Andrew, 11/10/2013" This is one of my all time favorite books. It is magical. The peppering on recipes is charming. I love it! "
— Karen, 10/29/2013" A story for the romantic cook! This book reaches all of the senses...recipes included. "
— Sheri, 10/17/2013" One of my old favorites :) "
— Amy, 9/11/2013" it's magical and full of imagery.. i can even smell the food! and all the while my mouth was watering! "
— Clyde, 9/1/2013" One of the worst things I've ever read. The writing was horrid, the magical realism nonsensical, the basic premises of this rapefest flawed. You gotta be fucking kidding me? "
— Morgan, 8/30/2013" I honestly think that this is the most magical story ever told. Period. "
— Caren, 4/22/2013" A charming story with a notably intriguing plot idea - connecting food and cooking to emotions. I really like this book and need to add it to my re-read list! "
— Harpmary, 2/4/2013" Absolutely horrid. Reading this for class and I just can't get through it. The characters aren't interesting, the "plot" isn't interesting, nothing about this book is interesting. "
— Chris, 12/11/2012" trippy! kainis lang di ko type magluto kaya nakakaloka magbasa nung recipe parts =) "
— Johanna, 12/9/2012" I could not put it down until I finished reading it. In only a few hours! "
— Jessica, 10/17/2012" Fun read! Feels like a fairy tale and very romantic. "
— Anna, 3/6/2012" Love this genre of mystical realism. Sensuous read "
— Mary, 3/3/2012" keeps you reading and reading, but I did not like the end "
— Sanaz, 11/30/2011" At the begninning I was blown away. I loved the characters, the smoothness of storytelling and the bits of magic. Then I got pretty annoyed with the main character, and lost sympathy with her. Otherwise, the novel is pretty nice and lovable. "
— Nihal, 11/10/2011" I loved the passion expressed through words and food. It truly was poetry and verbal nourishment. Anyone who has ever wanted to write, be in love, cook should read this book. It was beautiful! "
— Vicci, 7/25/2011" one of my fav books "
— Xiomy, 5/23/2011" One of the few romance novels I would highly recommend. Set in Mexico in the 1800's. Written in a beautiful prose that is easy to understand. It uses magical imagery of love and food that is different from any book I've read. "
— Marisa, 5/18/2011" Good read. Like the setting and period. "
— Carmenlawson, 5/14/2011" REad this because my Henry was having trouble getting it as a class assignment. I does not get more chck lit than this. More evidence that English teachers hate boys. "
— David, 5/14/2011" very sensual and engaging read "
— Janice, 5/13/2011" A bit sad but I did like it. Want to reread it. "
— Marikka, 5/12/2011" I liked it, all except for the crazy parts, and that I read it for school. "
— Jessica, 5/12/2011" Interesting turns and funny explanations. Easy read. "
— Chaysie, 5/9/2011Laura Esquivel is the award-winning author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller Like Water for Chocolate, which sold over four and a half million copies in thirty-five languages and was adapted into a major motion picture.