Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

[Kristen]

This topic is to discuss what you think of the book as you read it as well as your overall impression once you finish the book. If I have time I will try and look up some discussion questions later today.

[Adriana]

Whoot! I actually have this book in my possession! :D

[Adriana]

Just starting. Page 23.

I'm liking how the story is going so far. I love how Bender writes it's so... whimsical? More like it's vivid and like my mom said it flows nicely together from character to character.

I can already tell the father is boring. He seems content with his life but I think her mother wants more. And maybe she's an insomniac?

I love that the older brother is named Joseph like my eldest brother. And he doesn't like to go outside like him too! Well, only in the nighttime does my brother go outside. But, you know... he doesn't like... exercise? nature? I'll go with nature. (:

[Adriana]

Don't read this if you haven't read the book yet. It ruined a little for me...

1. Did you like the premise of The Particular Sadness
of Lemon Cake? What did you think of Rose's ability to taste feelings?

2. It seems as if most of what Rose tastes is negative. Do you think that most hidden feelings are actually negative?

3. How does Rose's "gift" change her relationships? Do you think she handles it well?

4. What is the significance of their grandmother sending random things in the mail?

5. The novel became increasingly about how Joseph's odd behavior affected Rose. Did you like this plot thread? Do you think it helped you understand Rose better?

6. Why did Rose love George? Why did George care for Joseph and Rose even though they were so strange?

7. Why was Rose drawn to cooking in the end?

8. Have you ever known something you were not supposed to know? How did that knowledge affect you?

9. Rate The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender on a scale of 1 to 5.

[Adriana]

Pg. 88

I really like George. He's a sweetheart.

I keep on thinking that Joseph is going to snap. He's so jealous...but I don't think that this is that type of book.

Her mother is increasingly annoying me. The whole favorite scene was sad. When she told her mother that she tasted her and she freaked out was a really good part of the story I think. Now she knows. She's got to stop pretending.

Her mother is so depressed. I think she tends to... care? for Joseph more because of how her mother treated her and she sees so much in her. Misunderstood...

I wonder if this whole story is about when she was a girl. I originally thought it was her at different stages of her life but maybe not.

I feel really bad for Rose.. She wants to be loved. Or noticed more. And what she sees in her mothers eyes... that's too much for a nine year old. she's right.

[Adriana]

Pg.160

I'm not surprised Rose's mom is having an affair. Her yelling out You Don't Know! was so weird because nothing happened afterwards like shouldn't there be a confession or I don't know something?

Is there a secret door in Joseph's room or something? What is he doing!? He's really freaking me out. He has problems.

The whole thing of what Rose's mother saw in Joseph's eyes was weird. I think her mother never really like her but she is doing the same to Rose. Not saying that she doesn't love Rose just that she shows favoritism.

Larry!! I understand what you are saying? What's going to happen as a result of that conversation!

[Adriana]

1) I do like the premise. Her ability is unique. I've never read something like that from a book before.

2) Yes, most people are really sad. The world is an example of that. If not sad then angry.

3) She is ore closed off in her relationships. No, she just keeps it bottled up inside.

4) I have no idea. Maybe she's getting ready because she knows she is going to die soon? When she was sending broken and trashy things I think she was angry with the family and wanted them to visit her.

5) Yes to both but Joseph at the end was really weird it kind of turned me off. His ability I mean.

6) George listened, excepted, and made her feel like she mattered. He cared for them because of his sister I think who made him into a good person.

7) Some food was really good and had a happy/content/whole feeling to it.

8) Yes and no. Can't explain it but it just makes me worried.

9) A 4 because of the end. Not just because of Joseph but I don't know it wasn't as good as the majority of the book was.