Taste of Sage (Santos) - Discussion Questions

  Discussion Questions
1. Lumi is able to taste food and know what the cook was feeling when they cooked it. If you had this ability, would you want to pursue a career as a chef? Why or why not?

2. Lumi enjoys cooking traditional dishes paired with global elements. Why do you think Lumi does this? Do you have a favorite traditional dish you make with your own modern twist?

3. Julien’s personality was inspired by the larger-than-life short-tempered chef persona you might be familiar with from his various beloved cooking television shows. Did Julien’s personality make you uncomfortable? If so, why? Do you think other chefs also behave this way?

4. Julien is generally regarded as an attractive man, but Lumi is not open to being attracted to him until after tasting his cooking. Why do you think this is?

5. What was unique about the setting of the book? Did you feel it enhanced the story?

6. If you were in Lumi’s position after losing Caraluna, what would you do to make ends meet?

7. Passion can be both beautiful and ugly. How do you think this concept is reflected in Lumi and Julien’s relationship?

8. How did Julien’s character change after Lumi’s accident and during her recovery? Do you think he grew from this experience?

9. Lumi runs into Esme at the end of the book and they share a surprisingly sweet moment. Were you happy to see that there was moment of forgiveness between these two characters? Why or why not?

10. The book ends with Lumi fulfilling her dreams by opening a new restaurant. Were you surprised by her choices in creating the new restaurant? Why or why not?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)

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