Entering her senior year of high school has Emoni questioning what she wants to do in terms of college and career choices, while trying to balance her already full schedule of schoolwork, part-time job, and motherhood to a 2-year-old child. Besides her family, the one thing she is most passionate about is cooking -- but can she realistically make that into anything more than a hobby?

You know you are getting into a good book when it starts with a recipe. This book has many threads to follow, from Emoni's strained relationship with her largely absent dad to her conflicted feelings about the potential for future romantic relationships to her desire to make an unforgettable meal for her queer best friend's anniversary with a partner to her concern about her grandmother's health, to name just a few. But the book generally keeps these multiple plotlines all contained without unraveling everywhere. Instead it feels like a realistic story where a teen has multiple aspects to her history and personality. The story is also able to tackle some substantial topics throughout all of this, including racial identity, community organizing, the long-lasting ramifications of colonization, and more.

There were a few times towards the middle/end of the book where it felt a little drawn out and simply re-treading thematic waters (e.g., flashing back again to Emoni's experiences while pregnant; Emoni's abuela once more saying how she has to be a person outside of her family obligations.) but overall the book reads quickly as the reader is invested in Emoni's story and wondering what she will do next. It does end optimistically with some arguably too-easy fixes, but it's not exactly a fairy tale ending either. You are aware that Emoni still has more work to do to reach her goals, and you almost wish you could spend some more time with her, her family, her friends, and her classmates/teachers to see what everyone does next.

The audiobook version is read by the author, who adds a layer of authenticity in her narration of the story, as though you are really hearing from Emoni herself, despite her being a fictional character. ( )

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

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! ( )