Reviews

“Karen - must tell you again how much I enjoyed your book listening in the car. I truly believe I got more out of it that way rather than reading. It is such a good book I don’t understand why you are not number 1 on the NYT book list.”

“Just wanted to say I really enjoyed your book. It felt like I was on an adventure with Bernadette. Nice to travel and dine out with her! Everyone should read this during lockdown!”

“I am enjoying your book immensely. I am making a list of questions I have regarding restaurants and other things.”

“Congratulations, Karen - the book looks beautiful and it’s such a good looking trilogy. Really, kudos all around.
Well done!”

“I have been a fan of Karen Tripson’s food writings since her days as a cook book editor. She has an innate ability to make food interesting. Karen’s “Cooking Class in ...” books are quite unique. Most other novels on food were based on mysteries and not on how people come together to enjoy the food.

The Cooking Class in San Sebastian, though somewhat similar to The Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur, differs in that it is a love affair about people and not just food. San Sebastian allows us readers to know that love can be found at any age and over come many obstacles.

Without giving away the ending I can attest that characters are well developed, there is some suspense that is resolved nicely, art aficionados will enjoy, culinary appetites will savor and romantics will smile. Already looking forward to The Cooking Class in Budapest!”
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“Fantastic story!”

“Just finished your new book! It kept me enthralled to the end!”

“I thoroughly enjoyed your book. It was lovely following these characters, especially the women and how they amaze the men. At first, I wasn’t thrilled with the reader of the audio book but I grew accustomed to his voice after several chapters. He didn’t sound as warm as I felt Lawrence was described. And of course, I loved all the neighborhood references and the way the story was built around the gallery. I’m not much of a foodie but the way you use food in the story is very natural and only enriched the characters and the ambiance of each scene...”

“I have been anticipating reading Karen Tripson’s The Cooking Class in San Sebastian for a long time now. Unfortunately, a lot has occurred that has kept me from doing so. Finally, sat down yesterday and started reading. As the first couple chapters sped by I began to recall many memories from Karen’s debut book The Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur.

Even though I read Kuala Lumpur five years ago it seemed like it was only yesterday. I was surprised at how vividly the message of the book came back to me. Maybe because we are in the Thanksgiving to New Years mode where we look forward to being with others and sharing good times. I decided before continuing to read San Sebastian I should write the book review on Kuala Lumpur I meant to write then.

Although it is not essential, I recommend people read Kuala Lumpur first, as it will give you background on some of the characters in this book. While on vacation in Malaysia Amy took some cooking classes on how to prepare local dishes. Upon returning to Seattle Amy decides to put what she has learned into a dinner party for her friends. Ms. Tripson does an admirable job of describing how Amy, her husband Kevin, and guests Laurence, Ben, Alexis and Alan spend their day.

Kuala Lumpur is a great book to read this time of the year because it is not just about food, though all the information on how to spend a day shopping, meeting with people and the trepidation that goes with creating a special meal is the main ingredient. Kuala Lumpur is also about what her husband Kevin and the guests are dealing with that same day. As you read through the book you come to realize that people have different ways of coping with stress from jobs (or lack thereof), marriage and just everyday life.

The joy in The Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur is that no matter the time of the year or the occasion, we still have the ability to endeavor to do better and to look forward to what lies ahead. Amy and her friends teach us that camaraderie with friends at the end of the day reminds you that what happened in the past cannot be changed. It also helps that the food is great and the wine goes perfectly with the meal. You may even want to try some of the recipes at the end of the book yourself.”