I read the excerpt for this book and thought it was going to be a great , fun, book about a large family and all the drama that comes with it (as I too, come from a large family). The book was problematic from the beginning, but I continued on to read it. At page 267 I came to a FULL STOP and had to just put the book down. A main character (a white woman) in the book calls herself "lucky". "lucky to be born white in a country so racist". Direct quote. Does this white author actually think Black people feel "unlucky" to be born Black?? Does this white author think Black people actually wish they were White?? I, a Black woman, assure you...WE DON'T! In the words of one of the main characters "WTAF"! Clearly this author has zero interaction with Black people. It is apparent all throughout the book. The slight "feeling bad" moments about the racism going on in the world of Trump. The slight moments of wanting their kids to be raised in a more "diverse" community. These moments of "white guilt" popping in and out of the story line seem disingenuous to say the least.
As a black woman owned bookstore, this book will not be on my shelves.

This ways a great way to spend a day or two. This family dramady, set in a family owned restaurant in Oak Park.
The characters we’re witty and I liked them all in different ways. This will be a great summer read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

This story is a multigenerational family centered around a restaurant. We get points of view from 3 of the family members. The writing from each point of view flows nicely but each characters chapter didn’t mesh with the others. When I picked up the story to read, I enjoyed it but it was also easy to put it down too.

I do not know what it is about this author but I love her books. Maybe it is how her writing just flows or maybe because we share the same views. The story is about a family and each of their daily struggles. Sounds boring but it actually isn't. There are political themes as well as the oppression of women. As I am living in TX with its nazism it all feels very relevant. I would enjoy it if this story continued.

This book about 3 generations of a family who own a restaurant in Oak Park, Illinois read like an Anne Tyler book (just not set in Baltimore!) Lots of dysfunction and lots of love. I liked the restaurant setting and how it brought the family together.

Engrossing, relatable family drama that takes place during some of the weirdest few months I can remember - right after the Cubs won the World Series.

This starts out with three major events that impact the Sullivan family in Chicago-the patriarch Bud dies suddenly, the Cubs win the World Series, and the 2016 election upends the country. The Sullivan family has run a Chicago restaurant for many years, and this is the center of the family and the thing that keeps them together. I loved this family story, seeing how all four generations grow, and relate to each other. There is death, divorce, heartbreak, and also a lot of love. Current events and family history are woven together. This is definitely a favorite of 2022 for me. #marryingtheketchups #jenniferclose #familystory #chicagonovel #bookstagram #lovetoread #booklovers #bookblog #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #booksbooksbooks #fivestarread #fivestarrating

I really enjoyed this book and I learnt what ‘Marrying the Ketchups’ means!
It is a family saga, very character driven with not much drama but lots of observations and heart. Each character is likable and infuriating in their own way and this makes them all relatable.
It is very well observed which I appreciated as someone not from the Mid West but someone who lives there, I recognize the character of the location as well as the people.
It is funny and well written and I would recommend it to our library patrons.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Amazing, highly recommend it.

There's no doubt Jennifer Close is an expert at crafting characters - the Sullivan family at the center of Marrying the Ketchups is so real and dynamic that you feel like you know them personally. But here's my dilemma with this book, and I'm not sure if I should feel shame for saying this, but I'm going to: I think it would be better as a series on a streaming service. The story has a tremendous sense of setting built into the neighborhoods of Chicago allowing for vivid sets and moments that build into a bigger picture - these short scenes make the book jagged, but would be perfect for television. The book has a This is Us feel - there's that generational storytelling that gives of a sense of history strung together like twinkling lights at a party. There's a connection, but space between each glowing spot spreads out the moments. Politics of the past are a constant in the narration, but it fixes the story in time - entirely necessary for establishing both setting and characterization.

Fantastic story, but the format and flow could impact the delivery.

I enjoyed the writing style of this author, but unfortunately am giving up due to the political content taking over the story. I am no fan of trump, but it's because he's full of hate.. and the characters are acting just as much if not more hateful to anyone who has different political opinions than them and I find the polarizing extreme political ideas on either side to be exhausting and divisive with no intention of moving forward. The throwing a couple out of a Christmas party because they didn't think a "Fu*k Trump" ornament was appropriate for their tree was the last straw. I was hoping it was just at the beginning due to the election but after the 20% point, it shouldn't still be the main storyline and if it is, it should be listed in the genres so the reader has a choice to pass if they aren't interested. Thanks for the opportunity to review.

This was such a witty, feel-good multigenerational family story set in Chicago. I loved the third person narration as we get to know a full cast of the Sullivans - a restaurant family dealing with secrets, infidelity, divorce, death and just a gamut of relatable life moments. Perfect for fans of The most fun we ever had by Claire Lombardo. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

Highly recommend!! My first book to read by this author but definitely not my last!! Uniquely and beautifully written, this story and its characters stay with you long after you finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It was fascinating to read a story set in the political climate of 2016 and 2017. It both feels like it was so long ago and was just yesterday, all at the same time. As a Midwesterner, I loved all of the Chicago references and the big city/small neighborhood juxtaposition. I enjoyed seeing every character’s perspective on the Cubs’ World Series win and how each one unfolded at the exact right moment for the story.

I thought the ending was wonderful, but it certainly wasn’t a guarantee. I found two of the three main characters intensely unlikable for a majority of the book. There is some growth for both of them at the end, but it’s rushed and not necessarily earned from our point of view.

I loved the family dynamics and wish more time had been spent on all of their relationships rather than on watching two of the cousins make the same painful mistakes over and over again. Outside of these MCs, it’s a quick read and a fun look into the restaurant world!

3.5⭐️s
Marrying the ketchups starts out with that special Chicago magic you only get when watching the cubs, in Chicago.

“Where were the adults? Why wasn’t anyone doing anything” in response to trump getting the election.

I’ve the same way as many of the characters do in this book and what was very refreshing!

A family drama set in the hospitality industry? Count me in. This book occurs at the perfect time and place for high highs and low lows: Fall 2016, Chicago. The Cubs win the world series, and a few days later, Trump wins the presidency. At times the political commentary was a bit overdone, but overall I liked this book, especially the family dynamics.

This story of family and all its complexity will surely be one of my favorite books of the year. It was like a giant hug, one that I needed at the exact time I was reading. I was so sad to leave the Sullivans, their restaurant, and the neighborhood of Oak Park. For fans of family stories, like The Most Fun We Ever Had and Commonwealth.

Absolutely loved this book about the Sullivans in Chicago. Will be recommending this to those that love reading about the messy life of extended families.

I adored this book! The story mainly takes place in a family restaurant and the characters come so alive. A wonderful novel to get lost in.

Thank you #Netgalley for this copy!

I read about this new book in a magazine and was so happy to be granted access as the description seemed to be interesting following a family from Chicago. The book did not disappoint, If you couldn't tell from the title, the story revolves around a family restaurant and how each member of the family is linked to it. The Sullivan family each has their own perception and memory of the restaurant and the family grandparents who started the spot. I enjoyed how the story revolved around the Cubs and winning the world series throughout the read. Though the family is complicated, they always have each others backs and put each other first. Loved the dynamics of the cousins, parents and grandparents. I highly recommend this book!