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Sunday 29 May 2016

BOOK REVIEW: The Cilantro in Apple Pie by Kimberley Nadine Knights

The Cilantro in Apple Pie
Author: Kimberley Nadine Knights
Release Date: May 5, 2016
Categories: Contemporary Young/New Adult
Pages: 310
Imprint: Howling Wolf

One Liner: “Sometimes the oddest of flavors create the sweetest of bonds.”

Book Description:
Fragnut. Confused? Well so is everyone else at Lumiere Hall Prep when sixteen-year-old Rubie Keane rolls in from Trinidad and Tobago talking her weird lingo. Not that she minds the culture confusion; she's determined to leave the past behind her and be overlooked—but a certain stoic blue blood is equally as determined to foil her plans.

Gil Stromeyer's offbeat personality initially makes Rubie second-guess his sanity, but she suspects his erratic outbursts of violence mask a deeper issue in his troubled, charmed life. Despite his disturbing behavior, a gradual bond forms between the two. However, on the night of the annual Stromeyer gala, events unfold that leave Rubie stripped of her dignity and kick Gil's already fragile world off its axis.

Both their well-kept secrets are uncovered, but Gil's revelation proves that sometimes the best remedy for a bad case of lost identity, is a dash of comradery from an ally packed with flavor.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ CA ¦ B&N
 
My Review

After having seen the book cover and having read the blurb for this book, I was more than happy to delve into the story. It's a whimsical read and very easy to get into. Right from the get-go, I got lost in Rubie's world as she attempted to embrace her new surroundings. Having recently moved from the tropical island of Trinidad and Tobago, Rubie Keane quickly learns that the students at her new school are quite the handful to deal with, particularly one Gil Stromeyer, who takes it upon himself to be Rubie's personal guide and protector, much to Rubie's dismay as it appears their friendship is frowned upon by pretty much everyone. Inspite of their differences, Rubie and Gil gradually develop an unexpected bond that forces them to let their guards down, and before long, secrets start to unravel.

I was fully invested in the story for the most part, but as I got halfway into the book, my interest started to wane slightly, and I wasn't quite as enthusiastic about the story as I had been at the start. The characters' actions started to feel a little repetitive, and the story felt as though it was going around in circles - different incidents, but the same scenarios. For a while, there wasn't real progression in terms of plot development. The revelation that came after the gala incident, while surprising, wasn't as dramatic or intense as I had hoped it would be. The tone was constant throughout. There wasn't much of a climax, so I didn't get the chance to embrace the emotions the author was trying to evoke.

Because I liked the characters, I kept reading, and I'm glad I did as the story started to find its footing once again. The theme of friendship and not judging a book by its cover was well portrayed. Rubie and Gil were likeable characters, and I did enjoy the story. I quite liked Rubie's lingo. I thought it was going to be distracting and interrupt the flow of the story, but it didn't. Overall, it was worth the read.
 
SILVER

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Source: Review Copy

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