Liked this one but didn’t love it.

Teenaged mother living in Philly and trying to navigate life on the brink of full adulthood. She has a talent for cooking and that’s the crux of the story. Appreciated all the Philadelphia tidbits.

From book subscription service. Also, it’s a physically beautiful book, covered in illustrations of bright tropical fruits. ( )

I really enjoyed this read. I found it be such a fun read and it is so rare to see a teen mom as lead. The writing style was fast pace to read. I also thought this book tackled so many self discovery elements that really captured me. The romance was a fun part but def not the focus! I also really loved the realtionship she had with her daughter but also her grandmother. It was such a fast pace read. I also really loved the arts and travel element. I also loved the way this book was structured. I also really enjoyed the focus on cooking. It was super fun read!! Would def read more by this author in the future! ( )

I really enjoyed this read. I found it be such a fun read and it is so rare to see a teen mom as lead. The writing style was fast pace to read. I also thought this book tackled so many self discovery elements that really captured me. The romance was a fun part but def not the focus! I also really loved the realtionship she had with her daughter but also her grandmother. It was such a fast pace read. I also really loved the arts and travel element. I also loved the way this book was structured. I also really enjoyed the focus on cooking. It was super fun read!! Would def read more by this author in the future! ( )

Representation: Latina main character

8.5/10, this book was so magnificent another amazing book from Elizabeth Acevedo who also made The Poet X and Clap When You Land and I enjoyed them both and now I can't wait to read the new book she made called Family Lore which looks interesting to me and by the way almost everything was executed perfectly, where do I begin. The main character was so enjoyable to read she was persistent, passionate and strived to overcome any challenge or difficulty she faced. Some of the other characters including Emoni's grandmother and Malachi were also delightful to read and I liked the connections Emoni had with these two people; I really felt connected when she and Malachi developed a romantic interest in each other.

The plot was very entertaining and it was a slow burn but good nonetheless; I liked the cooking journey of Emoni and how she just knows in her head what to cook to the point that she can even make new flavour combos that apparently taste good and people enjoyed her food. The parts where Emoni joins the culinary arts class (I didn't realise that cooking was an art, but now I know) and when the class went to Spain were some of the best parts of the novel especially the latter one and it just felt so immersive. If you like a romantic novel or a novel about cooking similar to A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey this is the book for you. ( )

While there was still a fair bit of cussing, I really enjoyed this book with its rich and vibrant culture. ( )