My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It was realistic, upbeat, and honest. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes bittersweet, Practice Cake is the story of an average girl trying to find herself in a world that doesn’t seem to give her a second look.
Most YA that I read involves teenagers in supernatural worlds, or in abnormal circumstances in dystopian worlds. I’ve never read a book about a teenager in our world, doing normal teenager things. Admittedly, it always sounded a little boring to me, but Practice Cake made me reconsider my hesitation.
In fact, I decided to read this book because my darker selections were giving me odd dreams at night. I opted for some Practice Cake before bed in hopes of some relief, and I was rewarded with more than I expected.
I should warn readers, however, that this book is likely to cause them to make spontaneous trips to their local bakeries. The artistry and detail of the cupcakes, cakes, and cookies sold at Angelo’s Bakery almost made me consider a career change.
Dalya Moon writes with refreshing honesty. This is an essential read for women of all ages.
Note: I received this book from the author, but at no point did she request a review or attempt to influence my opinions.
Tags: Dalya Moon, eBooks, Practice Cake, YA fiction
I have to read this. I read Dalya’s other book, Charlie Woodchuck Is a Minor Niner, and it was excellent (I read that one rather than this because it may involve fewer baked goods but it was more of a detective story). There are scenes in that book that are very similar to experiences I had in high school, and Dalya nailed them perfectly.
So, not just for “women of all ages.”
That’s true. I certainly don’t mean to exclude anyone. It just struck me as a feminine story and like you said, some of the scenes reminded me of younger days.
I’m sure you will like it, too!
Correction: “This is an essential read for people of all ages.”