Legends & Lattes

So many friends loved this that I was a little worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. But it sure was a cozy perfect book.

Viv is an orc barbarian whose life was “supposed” to be shorty and bloody. But she decides she actually will not be doing that. She turns her back on her former life and opens up a coffee shop. And that's it. She wants to run a coffee shop. The book is perfect.

I really love how Baldree glorifies quitting. I am exuberantly passionate about quitting. Don't get me wrong; I think commitment and follow-through are admirable. But I reject the notion that quitting is always the weaker option. In Viv's case, I think it took more work and courage to leave than to stay.

Quitting is a standout for me, but there are other compelling themes that stick out:

• Viv leaves empty space in conversations. She makes herself wait and really listen.

• Letting people help you and carry you, even when you feel like you are a burden and undeserving.

• Subtly yet effectively, Baldree shows that being open-minded about different cultures can better our lives and lead to innovation and progress of society as a whole.

• The depiction of what work can be. Day-to-day drudgery can feel mindful, peaceful, even romantic. Hands-on, physical labor can feel gratifying. And most of all, having a good boss improves your life in all areas. Viv never hesitates to back up Tandri when she's being harassed, springs for Thimble's dream kitchen setup, and defers to how Cal would solve problems. Not only does she trust everyone to excel in their respective niches, she also redistributes wealth and power in the end. This is the future liberals want.

Alright that's enough of this sappy review. Suffice it to say, I thought it was swell. It made me more interested in consuming both the fantasy genre and cinnamon rolls than I ever have been before. Baldree reads the audiobook and his narration is perfect.

I'd recommend this to fans of a wide slew of things, including [b:The Secret Lives of Church Ladies|51582376|The Secret Lives of Church Ladies|Deesha Philyaw|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1596947858l/51582376.SY75.jpg|76186482], Murderbot Diaries, [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384.SY75.jpg|62945242], [b:Mooncakes|44774415|Mooncakes|Suzanne Walker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565183719l/44774415.SY75.jpg|57982519], [b:Bloom|39073387|Bloom|Kevin Panetta|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561136420l/39073387.SX50.jpg|49462918], the Nevermoor series, Dimension 20, and We Bare Bears.