The Espressologist

Matchmaking based on coffee drinks instantly drew me to this book. I thought what the heck, it's not even 200 pages and I'm in the mood for something short and sweet. That's exactly what Kristina delivered.

However, because the novel was SO SHORT, I felt like a lot of aspects fell flat. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, they all fit so perfectly into specific roles leaving barely any room for real development. Everything that was going on with Jane, the main character, was simply a product of her own creation. She didn't care about anything besides her best friend, and her coffee matching. And personally, having gone through the whole applying for college thing last year and then again last month for transfers, Jane annoyed me. She has dreams of getting into this great school, but absolutely NO drive. I understand getting burnt out, I do, but some explanation for her apathy would made me like her more.

Another issue I had with the length was that it hurt the plot development and pacing. There were so many little mini subplots and avenues for drama packed into the story that only one of them could be flushed out. And that was the whole espressology thing - which is actually pretty cool. Everything else was resolved in a manner of paragraphs. Finally, the relationships between the characters were rushed and left me wanting a lot more. Just as I started getting attached to a couple it was over. I wish the book was a little longer, because I think Springer could have thickened the plot and cemented the characters with just a bit more description.

I think younger readers (12-) would love The Espressologist. For me, it just didn't dig deep enough. If you're in the mood for a fast and silly story that you don't have to think about that much, pick it up. It's a cute one.

Reader reviewed by Adrienne (Addicted Book Reader)

Reader reviewed by Christi

The Espressologist is the debut novel of new author, Kristina Springer.
 It tells the story of a girl, Jane, who works in a coffee shop. She keeps a notebook filled with drink orders, and how they relate to the personalities that drink them.
  Medium iced vanilla latte:
 your smart, sweet, and gentle.
Medium Toffee-nut latte:
 Your unpredictable, mysterious and sexy.
 And so on.
When Jane gets the idea to match drinks -people- together based on her descriptions, the drama ensues. 
The storyline and idea of the book captured my attention. It reminds me of astrology, only through coffee, and being an avid coffee-addict this novel was a must.
The characters are funny, and memorable. The book holds your interest, even though you can pretty much tell the end of the story within the first chapter, it was still a fun read.
This book, fairly thin at 180-something pages, is a fast read, but like a good cup of coffee, it's a pick me up. You'll close it smiling. It's contents aren't terribly deep it won't leave you depressed. 
It's a perfect light, and fun read. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
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