Super Short Summary

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender follows Rose Edelstein, who discovers she can taste emotions in food starting from her ninth birthday cake. This surreal ability reveals her family's hidden emotions, from her mother's secret unhappiness to her father's peculiarities and her brother Joseph's mysterious behavior. Struggling with her gift, Rose eventually finds peace working at a restaurant and learning to help others through her talent. Some readers may find themes surrounding mental health, familial conflict, and emotional distress sensitive.