A review by katiemack
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.75

I'm so glad I chose to listen to the audiobook to hear the author read her own words with so much love and passion. (My only regret is that I don't have easy access to the recipes Emoni describes--they sound delicious.)

This could have easily been a book mired in pain and bogged down by angst, but there's a strong current of hope throughout. Emoni is a strong young woman and mother and has responsibilities that are clearly outlined, but she's also clearly a teenager who enjoys teen things and all the joy that comes with that without ignoring the other aspects of her life. I found myself admiring her strength and liking her as a person, which is a tough balance to strike.

If you're looking for a YA audiobook to listen to that features diverse voices, pick this one up. 

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