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lastingliterature's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m ashamed to say this is my first Elizabeth Acevedo book, and wow, I’ve been missing out!
This is a YA book centered on HS senior, Emoni, who is trying to balance school, a job, and taking care of her daughter. When her school stars a culinary arts class, Emoni is thrilled. After finding her love for cooking as a child, this seems like a dream come true. Even better, the class will be taking a week-long trip to Spain! But, unfortunately, this trip costs money Emoni doesn’t have and would also require her to leave her daughter, which she has never done.
This book really stands out—I don’t recall any YA books where the protagonist is a teen parent. Unlike many tv shows and movies, Emoni isn’t portrayed as a sad story of making bad choices and not being able to handle raising her child. Instead, it is a story of strength and love between this family. I also really liked to see the focus on cooking, which I don’t see too often in YA (I’m getting a little bit tired of protagonists who are writers 😬) Emoni is Afro-Puerto Rican and her culinary class is centered on Spain, so between the two...I was drooling. I made cookies last night just because I was so hungry after reading a few chapters—enough said.
Like most YA, there is a romance sub-plot, which I don’t think was necessary really, but I didn’t mind it. It was nice to see Emoni find more people who see her for how special she is, which she sometimes struggles to do. She’s Puerto-Rican, but is embarrassed by her Spanish; she’s Black, but people question her light skin; she’s a mother, but not sure if she’s making the right choices. I am not a POC or a mother, but I can say that this is a book that will broaden your perspective.
I also have to add that this is a book you should read on audio—Elizabeth Acevedo is the narrator and it’s phenomenal.
(I took off 1/2 star because the chapters are very, very short and felt abrupt at times, and the ending wasn’t the most realistic to me)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a YA book centered on HS senior, Emoni, who is trying to balance school, a job, and taking care of her daughter. When her school stars a culinary arts class, Emoni is thrilled. After finding her love for cooking as a child, this seems like a dream come true. Even better, the class will be taking a week-long trip to Spain! But, unfortunately, this trip costs money Emoni doesn’t have and would also require her to leave her daughter, which she has never done.
This book really stands out—I don’t recall any YA books where the protagonist is a teen parent. Unlike many tv shows and movies, Emoni isn’t portrayed as a sad story of making bad choices and not being able to handle raising her child. Instead, it is a story of strength and love between this family. I also really liked to see the focus on cooking, which I don’t see too often in YA (I’m getting a little bit tired of protagonists who are writers 😬) Emoni is Afro-Puerto Rican and her culinary class is centered on Spain, so between the two...I was drooling. I made cookies last night just because I was so hungry after reading a few chapters—enough said.
Like most YA, there is a romance sub-plot, which I don’t think was necessary really, but I didn’t mind it. It was nice to see Emoni find more people who see her for how special she is, which she sometimes struggles to do. She’s Puerto-Rican, but is embarrassed by her Spanish; she’s Black, but people question her light skin; she’s a mother, but not sure if she’s making the right choices. I am not a POC or a mother, but I can say that this is a book that will broaden your perspective.
I also have to add that this is a book you should read on audio—Elizabeth Acevedo is the narrator and it’s phenomenal.
(I took off 1/2 star because the chapters are very, very short and felt abrupt at times, and the ending wasn’t the most realistic to me)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
nxclx's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book helped me realize that I enjoy books with teen moms, so that made it even more enjoyable. The whole story read as a slice of life, coming of age story. I liked that the main climax wasn't a prom or some big romantic thing, it was more so about Emoni and her life and decisions. She's also a mature young adult rather than an annoying still developing teen, although she is still developing and growing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Vomit
Minor: Abortion, Blood, Grief, Gun violence, and Racism
n_asyikin_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TW: microaggression, racism, teenage motherhood, gaslighting, parental neglect
What a subtly beautiful book. It spoke about how foods & flavours could be central to our being: from our culture, to every day living, & the formation of our memories (i.e., cognitively, acted as cues; similar to the Proustian concept of memory). The thing that I loved most about Emoni was how she tried to make the best out of the situations she found herself in; fighting against prejudices & her own insecurities. The supports & loves she received from the likes of her amazing grandmother, unforgiving bestfriend, teachers and others, touched me. Although Emoni shaped her own life, the support (& faith) from others helped guide her; and this very dynamics, touched me.
Avecedo has a way with words that held so much, even with little words. Every word she wrote was with purpose. Even in the beauty of her words, there were crass honesty, so there was a balance between dreamy ideals, & practical vulnerabilities or realities. As it was written from Emoni's perspective, you'd really get to know the essence of who she was. Moreover, Avecedo allowed us to get to know each character through Emoni's eyes, but do so compassionately when she explored their imperfections. You'd have a clear picture of the people Emoni had in her life, & how they changed each other.
I was left tearing up at the end. And what a treat it was to get to know someone as wise & eloquent as Emoni as she went about her life, trying her best to be the best mother, the best (grand)daughter - person, she could be. At the end, it wasn't just that Emoni tried to be the best for others, it was her trying to be the best for herself that really moved me; made me feel happy for her.
This book was definitely a first-class full course meal!
What a subtly beautiful book. It spoke about how foods & flavours could be central to our being: from our culture, to every day living, & the formation of our memories (i.e., cognitively, acted as cues; similar to the Proustian concept of memory). The thing that I loved most about Emoni was how she tried to make the best out of the situations she found herself in; fighting against prejudices & her own insecurities. The supports & loves she received from the likes of her amazing grandmother, unforgiving bestfriend, teachers and others, touched me. Although Emoni shaped her own life, the support (& faith) from others helped guide her; and this very dynamics, touched me.
Avecedo has a way with words that held so much, even with little words. Every word she wrote was with purpose. Even in the beauty of her words, there were crass honesty, so there was a balance between dreamy ideals, & practical vulnerabilities or realities. As it was written from Emoni's perspective, you'd really get to know the essence of who she was. Moreover, Avecedo allowed us to get to know each character through Emoni's eyes, but do so compassionately when she explored their imperfections. You'd have a clear picture of the people Emoni had in her life, & how they changed each other.
I was left tearing up at the end. And what a treat it was to get to know someone as wise & eloquent as Emoni as she went about her life, trying her best to be the best mother, the best (grand)daughter - person, she could be. At the end, it wasn't just that Emoni tried to be the best for others, it was her trying to be the best for herself that really moved me; made me feel happy for her.
This book was definitely a first-class full course meal!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Sexual content
beholderess's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Racism
sunpuddles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ writing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ insightfulness
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ readability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ plot development
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ character
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pace
Emoni Is such a relatable, lovable and memorable character. I like that you can see her strength and vulnerability consistently. She’s truly relatable for any high school kid, regardless of their race or family situation. That’s not to say that her race and family situation don’t play a very important part in the story and I appreciate the attention the author pays to these details. Representation is so important and this is a great example of that. Senior year of high school can be such a big time And the author is very sensitive to that, not minimizing the pressures. I appreciate how Emoni learns to become independent while still being able to lean on others. I also like that this book shows equal respect for college education and real world experience. The treatment of sex is also very realistic. Sex is not taboo, but the plusses and minuses are addressed as well as the reality that having it once doesn’t take the choice away the next time or in the next relationship. I think this would be a great book for any high school student to read and was also a great reminder for me of what that time is like. Such a quick, enjoyable read as an adult, but I think also a very important and poignant read for it young adult.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ insightfulness
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ readability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ plot development
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ character
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pace
Emoni Is such a relatable, lovable and memorable character. I like that you can see her strength and vulnerability consistently. She’s truly relatable for any high school kid, regardless of their race or family situation. That’s not to say that her race and family situation don’t play a very important part in the story and I appreciate the attention the author pays to these details. Representation is so important and this is a great example of that. Senior year of high school can be such a big time And the author is very sensitive to that, not minimizing the pressures. I appreciate how Emoni learns to become independent while still being able to lean on others. I also like that this book shows equal respect for college education and real world experience. The treatment of sex is also very realistic. Sex is not taboo, but the plusses and minuses are addressed as well as the reality that having it once doesn’t take the choice away the next time or in the next relationship. I think this would be a great book for any high school student to read and was also a great reminder for me of what that time is like. Such a quick, enjoyable read as an adult, but I think also a very important and poignant read for it young adult.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Abortion, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, and Racism
alayamorning's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Death, Grief, Gun violence, Racism, and Sexual content
rosita's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Gun violence and Racism
ph_read_be's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was pure joy. I too have a strong relationship with food that I built with my Gran, and this took me back to so many childhood memories. I thinI a lot of people froI many cultures can relate to these experienceI, especially those of us from working class backgrounds who relied on extended family growingIup. I really enjoyed the glimpse into Emoni's family dynamics and culture and how Acevedo ran so much of the story through Emoni's love of food.
I have not previously read any of Acevedo's work, and as someone who has never connected with poetry, I was not expecting to enjoy Acevedo's poetic writing style, and I will definitely look into her other novels that are written in verse.
The characters developed throughout this novel were highly sympathetic, and I'm sure most of us can relate to having a sense of fear regarding life post school, although Emoni's specific situation includes more challenges than most! Acevedo expertly built these characters so each one feels like a whole person with their own motivations and I felt real fury and defensiveness for Emoni when she interacts with her ex's mum regarding her baby.
Overall, I was left with a real feeling of love for these characters and honestly hope Emoni gets to reach all of her goals in life! A must read for anyone who is feeling a bit down and listless due to current world events.
I have not previously read any of Acevedo's work, and as someone who has never connected with poetry, I was not expecting to enjoy Acevedo's poetic writing style, and I will definitely look into her other novels that are written in verse.
The characters developed throughout this novel were highly sympathetic, and I'm sure most of us can relate to having a sense of fear regarding life post school, although Emoni's specific situation includes more challenges than most! Acevedo expertly built these characters so each one feels like a whole person with their own motivations and I felt real fury and defensiveness for Emoni when she interacts with her ex's mum regarding her baby.
Overall, I was left with a real feeling of love for these characters and honestly hope Emoni gets to reach all of her goals in life! A must read for anyone who is feeling a bit down and listless due to current world events.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
bex_knighthunterbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I listened to this on audiobook - which I definitely recommend. It was read by the author who really brought the characters to life!
This is a cute story with brilliant food related descriptions and conversations, and a wonderful unashamed teenage mum perspective. The relationships the main character shared with her grandmother who she lived with, and father in Puerto Rico were really interesting. The micro-aggressions she experienced added to the authenticity, but overall I'd say the story was mostly light with a sprinkling of teen drama. The couple of downsides for me were that the main character could be a little frustrating in her decisions, and the love interest was a little too perfect.
This is a cute story with brilliant food related descriptions and conversations, and a wonderful unashamed teenage mum perspective. The relationships the main character shared with her grandmother who she lived with, and father in Puerto Rico were really interesting. The micro-aggressions she experienced added to the authenticity, but overall I'd say the story was mostly light with a sprinkling of teen drama. The couple of downsides for me were that the main character could be a little frustrating in her decisions, and the love interest was a little too perfect.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
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