Reviews with content warning for Sexism - With the Fire on High

Elizabeth Acevedo wows again, With the Fire on High is an emotional and raw novel following Emoni and her struggle of trying to balance school, raising her daughter, and trying to figure out what she wants out of life.
This is not a book to read on an empty stomach, every meal had my stomach grumbling at the deletable descriptions, and mouth-watering recipes.
A favorite element of all of Acevedo's books is how race is talked about and dealt with. I relate so much whenever this comes up, and the way it is handled feels like a window to my heart had her peering in and putting onto page what I feel.
I never really thought I would enjoy and relate to a book about pregnancy, and the struggle of being a teen mom, and how it affects your entire life and those around you. It is truly a testament to the excellent writing how relatable and real the characters felt. When 'Buela confessed about her doctors appointments, I think my heart broke a little.
Acevedo truly succeeds at putting so much of herself and her heart in every page, as much as love and family is a running theme, so too is hope, and not giving up no matter how hard life gets. I think one of the reasons I always reach for Acevedo's books is because they alway give me hope, and make me feel less alone. So many times I feel so alone, lost, and adrift in life, and then I read a heart-warming novel such as this one and it makes me feel like maybe I can make through another day. That maybe no matter how much I am struggling now, it will all be worth it in the end. To chase your dreams is to welcome fear and learn to be okay with doubt and taking a chance on stuff that might not succeed. I may not have a family like Emoni does, but I do have an unshakeable perseverance, and books like this that allow me to keep going.
A MUST READ.

Content Warnings

lucy__342's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.25

Content Warnings

teacher_mara's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

One of the best books I've ever read. Poetic language adds to the relatable characters and interesting plot.

Content Warnings

ran_sophia's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? No

5.0

The story is amazing and brilliantly created and executed. The twists in the story were well written and placed. The style of writing and storytelling is great. It was easy and fast to read. The author's style made the reader feel the emotions.

Content Warnings

the_bad_ash's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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? No

4.5

Content Warnings

morganperks's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

therainbowshelf's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is overflowing with strength and warm family feelings. I absolutely loved it. The characters are so loveable (excluding Baby Girl's paternal grandma) and it was so wonderful reading Emoni's passion for cooking. I thought the author did a great job crafting love and self-acceptance into this story and loved that Emani was never ashamed of being a teen mom. The recipes were also super delightful to see and added a lot of character.

📚 The gist 📚: Emani is a high school senior and mother to a charming little girl, and lives with her supportive grandmother. The world keeps trying to bring her down, throwing judgy adults, financial instability, and racism in her way again and again as she strives to become a chef.

📒Representation📒: mixed race black and Latinx mc, bipoc characters, Latinc characters, teen motherhood, nontraditional family, low income, wlw sc

💕 For readers looking for 💕: a beautiful exploration of family and motherhood, passionate and loveable characters, a sweet romance, diverse and representative characters, playful recipes, and a food focus

Content Warnings

annalisaely's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Likable characters, social commentary, wonderful descriptions and celebrations of food!

Content Warnings

More...