Like Water for Chocolate is a book by Laura Esquivel. In the novel, there is a recipe to make, followed by every month. It isn’t just about food, though; there’s some romance thrown into the mix as well. The main character is Tita De La Garza. She is the youngest daughter in her family. The story takes place in Mexico between 1910 and 1920, when Mexico was experiencing a Civil War. Tradition has the youngest daughter take care of her mother until death, but who is going take care of Tita when she gets old?

Other characters in the book include Mama Elena (Tita’s mother), Gertrudis (Tita’s older sister), Rosaura (Tita’s oldest sister), and Pedro Muzquiz (Tita’s true love). Like Water for Chocolate has a movie adaptation that came out in 1992, while the book came out in 1989. The San Francisco Chronicle called it “a tall tale, fairy tale, soap- opera romance, Mexican cookbook, and home-remedy handbook all rolled into one.” On GoodReads it rates a 4 out of 5, Barnes & Noble gave it a 4.1 out of 5, and on Thriftbooks it is a 5 out of 5. “Like Water for Chocolate is a deceptively simple and simply wonderful story. A story of love, sex, war, and sweep of Mexican history that belongs to women,” according to the Boston Globe.

I rate this book a 5 out 5 as well. It’s underrated and it needs more attention. It’s a good novel for when you want to read before bed, while traveling or want to try a recipe from it. You can find Like Water for Chocolate in your school’s library, Solano County library or in any bookstore. (If you’re interested in getting it in your school’s library make sure to get it before someone else checks it out; trust me I’ve learned from experience.)