Rating: 
Summary: Touching
Review: The first thing that caught my attention about this book was its interesting cover. However, there are many facets to this short novel that almost anyone could identify with... whether it is the loss of a loved one... or thoughts of being alone in the world... Yoshimoto has done a tremendous job in creating a fascinating heroine whose love of kitchens suggest a grander theme of "belonging." I identified with her in many of the situations she faced. I can't wait to read more Yoshimoto-style books. The only quirk I have about this book is that it isn't long enough. I guarantee that you'll love this book!
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Summary: In the margins
Review: As disappointing as it was to hear that the English translation was lousy, I think it's safe to say that what really carries the weight is still there; her mastery of subtlety. As I sat reading Kitchen/Moonlight Shadow for the first time, I often found myself trying to play catch-up with my moods. It's just about as close as one can come to sharing unconscious thought with a complete stranger. That certainly applies to everything she has written (well, almost everything); living quietly in the margins.
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Summary: Can't there be a better translation??
Review: As someone who likes Banana very much, and checked three translations of Kitchen, (English, German, French), I have to confess that the worst translation of three was the English one. The translator makes so many obvious mistakes in the book that it can be a little bit too bothering for someone who knows the original very well. I do not underestimate the power of the original book to survive (even bad?) translation, but still, cannot help hoping someone should do a new translation....or at least, the translator to change some of the bits she mis-read the context. (Needless to say the simple transcription mistake of MOMOKO KIKUCHI into MOMOKO SAKUCHI)
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Summary: This is a great book.
Review: This is the best book I have read in a long time. She unfolds so many subjects in a delicate manner, it is like an origami bird. It can be appreciated for it's simple beauty, but the inside consists of complex folds. I felt a calmness from reading this story, I think because of the existential undertones, even though it a story full of sadness and loss. I was surprised how easily I could relate even though I haven't had so many similar experiences. I am excited to read more of her work.
Rating: 
Summary: Light book with heavy message
Review: This book was recommended to me by a friend, who knew I needed something like Kitchen at this point in my life. After losing my mother -- my best friend! -- to cancer six months ago, I have recently begun to feel an indescribable emptiness and loneliness without her, despite the fact that I am surrounded by others who love me. The characters in this little book convey the big idea that keeps me going many a day: tomorrow the sun will come up no matter what, and you will enjoy the good things and cope with the bad, for this is life. This book should be required reading for all, especially those of us who have felt the pain and loneliness that comes with the loss of a loved one.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkably heartfelt and moving
Review: Banana Yoshimoto's first effort consists of two stories, each of which deals with loss. In the first, "Kitchen," a young woman loses her family and is invited to stay with an acquaintance and his "mother" (who had been the father prior to getting a sex change). The second story deals with a young woman whose lover has died far too young. Yoshimoto's stories are simple, heartfelt tales of emotion told in a deceptively simple style. Lurking beneath the surface, however, is a passion and honesty that is welcome and powerful. She writes with Japan as a background, but the emotions and situations she describes are universal and strike an immediate chord. I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: the other side of despair
Review: you don't have to know how it feels to lose someone to appreciate banana yoshimoto's kitchen. through mikage's struggle to reach the other side of despair after losing her grandmother, banana yoshimoto weaves an offbeat and witty tale about coping with death, love and everyday life. the experience is enriching and at the same time cathartic.
Rating:
Summary: A story so real, it make's you shiver with raw emotion.
Review: Yoshimoto's KITCHEN is the type that will pull you into the story whether you like it or not; and you will like it!
It's made up of a web of raw emotion that is thrown in your face and leaves its mark in your thoughts.
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Summary: wonderful story about coping with loneliness
Review: This is a wonderful story about coping with loneliness. It doesn't get too sappy, is gently subtle but communicates what it is to be lonely, lost and then found
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Summary: The memories that bind...Family and Food intertwined.
Review: Short but inspiring,this young Japanese woman has written an original a gem, as her name. Clearly defined, reality based; she takes us on a spiritual journey. A journey so intimate and personal, that at times I felt; subconciously; I was intruding.
We all relate in some fashion, because of the commonality of life itself...family, faith, death, loneliness, desertion.
One's explanation of home and the memories of a special person in a kitchen that would have to sustain her for a lifetime. While reminding us of the persistence of time, the process of survival, and the unexpected relationships built along the way. The realization that life is a journey to be lived and not resolved. Ultimately, lessons she would learn, while her inner-strength prevailed.
Extremely tender and sincere, it touched apon my own sense of loss. Giving me back memories of my dear grandmother and all the special moments we shared together in her kitchen.
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