Have you ever wanted to possess a magical talent?  Or have a special skill?  Most of us would should YES, AWESOME!  But little Rose Edelstein discovers, a few days before her 9th birthday, that she has a special skill and it definitely is NOT awesome.  As she tastes the "practical round" for her 9th birthday, a homemade chocolate-iced lemon cake, Rose discovers that she can taste her mom's emotions in the cake.  They are sad, hollow and empty, and Rose does not like tasting these feelings at all.

She soon realizes that she can taste the emotions of the people who prepare and even grow the food that she eats.  She tries to let her family know but naturally no one believes her and she must cope with this "special skill" on her own.  Rose soon realizes that no one understands so she begins to cope by eating as much processed pre=packaged food, or as she calls it "factory food", as she can from the grocery store and from vending machines.  No one seems to notice.

As Rose grows up, she discovers that she is not the only one in her family with problems.  Her mother is lonely and always looking for a better life, her father is distant and her older brother, "the science genius" is just plain weird.  They are all searching for a path to happiness in their own awkward ways.

This novel will not appeal to everyone.  It deals with the dynamics of a dysfunctional family but also incorporates science-fiction elements, which can be a little disconcerting at times.  Bender's writing is heart-warming and humorous and she has created characters that are beautiful but sad.  I enjoyed the read but at the same time it made me feel a little melancholy.  Avid watchers of the television shows "Fringe" or "The Twilight Zone" might enjoy this book. 

Buy the book HERE

The Particular Sadness Of Lemon Cake

by Aimee Bender

ISBN: 9780385720960 $17.00