Scan barcode
A review by milesofpages
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
5.0
I have been sitting with my thoughts on this book for quite some time now. But, every time I think about Pen, Xander, and the entire Nacho’s Tacos family, I just can’t help but smile. Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet is an AMAZING debut and another in the ranking for top 11 of the year.
Penelope (Pen) is a no nonsense college student who works at her family’s restaurant (Nacho’s Tacos) Her parents don’t want this life for her, but all she wants is to be in the kitchen making magic! She reveals a secret that shakes their family foundation, and finds herself on a journey of acceptance, love, and understanding.
There is so much to unpack in such little time. As an #OwnVoices reviewer, there are times where I question my identity in what I read. There are also other times where I feel so seen, I’m feel like I’m basically naked. SBB&S is one of those books that made me feel exposed to my core. Kemp discusses the taboo surrounding anxiety and depression in Latinx communities. It is done so well and impactful that it brought back memories. She discusses racial profiling, ICE, and police brutality faced daily. There’s that constant push and pull of trying of trying to live your life to the fullest while finding a way to live in the background so you’re not detected. There is just something so raw and real in the writing that I forget I’m reading (or listening) and am transported in that scene at that moment.
Speaking of amazing writing, let’s talk food. Y’all. There was a part where Pen makes cocada and oof. That amazing nostalgia. Laekan Zea Kemp had me sitting in my abuela teeny kitchen and could smell the browning of the flakes and the taste the crunch of the coconut. Cocada is one of my favorite sweets, and it always reminds me of my abuela and Panamá. When my mom would go visit, she’d always bring me back some. It’s home. I was taken home.
If you loved With the Fire on High, or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Fat Chance Charlie Vega, or I Am Not Your Perfect MexIcan Daughter, this one is for you.
While reading, fire up your Spotify or Apple Music and play these in order: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton, Suavemente by Elvis Crespo, Muevelo by Bella Dose, Let Me Go by Hailee Standfield, and finish with Cuando Hay Amor by Glora Estefan.
Thank you so much to @hearourvoicestour, @littlebrownforyoungreaders, and @libro.fm for the gifted copy. SBB&S is out TODAY! Enjoy the journey.
Penelope (Pen) is a no nonsense college student who works at her family’s restaurant (Nacho’s Tacos) Her parents don’t want this life for her, but all she wants is to be in the kitchen making magic! She reveals a secret that shakes their family foundation, and finds herself on a journey of acceptance, love, and understanding.
There is so much to unpack in such little time. As an #OwnVoices reviewer, there are times where I question my identity in what I read. There are also other times where I feel so seen, I’m feel like I’m basically naked. SBB&S is one of those books that made me feel exposed to my core. Kemp discusses the taboo surrounding anxiety and depression in Latinx communities. It is done so well and impactful that it brought back memories. She discusses racial profiling, ICE, and police brutality faced daily. There’s that constant push and pull of trying of trying to live your life to the fullest while finding a way to live in the background so you’re not detected. There is just something so raw and real in the writing that I forget I’m reading (or listening) and am transported in that scene at that moment.
Speaking of amazing writing, let’s talk food. Y’all. There was a part where Pen makes cocada and oof. That amazing nostalgia. Laekan Zea Kemp had me sitting in my abuela teeny kitchen and could smell the browning of the flakes and the taste the crunch of the coconut. Cocada is one of my favorite sweets, and it always reminds me of my abuela and Panamá. When my mom would go visit, she’d always bring me back some. It’s home. I was taken home.
If you loved With the Fire on High, or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Fat Chance Charlie Vega, or I Am Not Your Perfect MexIcan Daughter, this one is for you.
While reading, fire up your Spotify or Apple Music and play these in order: 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton, Suavemente by Elvis Crespo, Muevelo by Bella Dose, Let Me Go by Hailee Standfield, and finish with Cuando Hay Amor by Glora Estefan.
Thank you so much to @hearourvoicestour, @littlebrownforyoungreaders, and @libro.fm for the gifted copy. SBB&S is out TODAY! Enjoy the journey.