Helpful Score: 2
THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is, admittedly, not a literary work of art. There are one-dimensional characters, uneven pacing, plot holes so large you can fit your arm through them...and yet I had a rollicking good time reading it. It's a quick and lighthearted read perfect for stressful times when your brain doesn't want to handle anything too difficult.
The best part about THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is its premise--and no, I don't mean that in a critical way. The frothy idea of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST means that the book didn't need extraordinary characterization or writing to make me appreciate it as what it is: a 100% fun chick lit read. Jane's "Espressology" is richly detailed, clear evidence that the author knows her way around coffeeshop orders and various personalities.
It's true that, aside from Jane (who has characterization issues of her own), the rest of the characters never develop beyond their "labels". It's worrisome when characters can be summed up with a quick phrase. Likewise, Jane's own romance completely lacks buildup and chemistry, and the happy ending is rather rushed and unrealistic. Nevertheless, I found THE ESPRESSOLOGIST to be an entertaining read. Pick it up when you want a light read, and see if you don't find yourself wishing you were a frequent coffeeshop customer at this Wired Joe's!
The best part about THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is its premise--and no, I don't mean that in a critical way. The frothy idea of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST means that the book didn't need extraordinary characterization or writing to make me appreciate it as what it is: a 100% fun chick lit read. Jane's "Espressology" is richly detailed, clear evidence that the author knows her way around coffeeshop orders and various personalities.
It's true that, aside from Jane (who has characterization issues of her own), the rest of the characters never develop beyond their "labels". It's worrisome when characters can be summed up with a quick phrase. Likewise, Jane's own romance completely lacks buildup and chemistry, and the happy ending is rather rushed and unrealistic. Nevertheless, I found THE ESPRESSOLOGIST to be an entertaining read. Pick it up when you want a light read, and see if you don't find yourself wishing you were a frequent coffeeshop customer at this Wired Joe's!
