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With the Fire on High
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With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo - Jan 2020 YA BOM - starts 16 Jan 2020
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. We ask for volunteers to write the discussion questions for each section, and to engage with responses from the other readers.
More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)
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Date Chapters Pages MPDQs
16&17 Jan Part One (All) ~36% Cat
18&19 Jan Part Two to Blood Boil ~67% Jessi
20 Jan BREAK DAY
21&22 Jan Holidays - end 100% Elize
Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day one is posted as questions 1-4, day two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
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Book of the Month
~ Ruby Coin How to Earn:
1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation 1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions 1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM startExample of ways to Earn Ruby Coins: (view spoiler)
Learn about Gem coins here
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(last edited Dec 18, 2019 08:15AM)
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Cat
Jessi
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volunteering for DQs
I'm in and volunteering for DQs.This is on Scribd as an audio
I've got the book and am ready to go when you all are!
I’m in. I went and bought the kindle book today! Do we have to start reading on a particular day or can we start anytime. Also could you explain the rub6 and coins thing you mentioned earlier. The link to explanation is not working. Thanks in advance!
I read this last month and it liked it- enjoy everyone!
I'm in!
So excited! I didn't even realize this was a thing for this group. I actually just picked it up yesterday!
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If anyone wants to volunteer to do the last section please shout! :)
I can do the questions for the last day :)
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hurrah! Thanks Elize :)
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1. Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing?
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why?
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story?
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")?
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she?
Let me start with no 5! Im actually very familiar with culinary circles (for me it’s a hobby but I have quite a few friends in the field) and honestly i am annoyed that she doesn’t seem to understand that - yes while there is a time for creativity- if you want to work in a professional kitchen you need to work your way up the food chain and follow a head chefs direction - you could make suggestions but they have the final say! Once you work your way up the ladder you wouldn’t want someone messing with your creations! And the fact that he had explained this kind of a reasoning to her but she’s still refusing to do so is frustrating
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I guess I was interested to what extent she would be willing to compromise (for now, hopefully) her love and unique special skill in order to make it her profession. Is there a risk that following the rules will damage her sense of self?
I love cooking so the way this is described is so interesting to me. I'm very much a rules and measurements person but I see the passion she finds through following her heart. Cat - Yeah I think she has a lot of her identity put in her cooking and she already feels like she is a master at it. So for her to be told to start at the bottom is a really humbling process. It makes me think about how I like cooking and I used to work in hospitality as a teenager but that doesn't mean its the same when you have it as a job. I love cooking but I would never enjoy being a chef.
I find it interesting that the author was a poet. I didn't know that and you can't really tell from the writing. I actually feel like her poetic voice could have shown a little more because the writing feels a little simple to me. Maybe I've just been reading too much literary fiction lately :P
I find Malachi's introduction and interactions a bit cliche. From the moment he entered I knew he was going to be the romance aspect of the book. That's normal for this genre though.
Part One: The Sour DQs1. Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing?
I didn't know that but I think it shows in her descriptions as well as in the hint of magical realism. I'll be interested to see if she takes that element any farther.
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why?
I do like all the characters, although perhaps the Chef could be fleshed out a little more. Maybe that will come in the future. The relationship between Emoni and her grandmother is interesting- of course a lot of love, but also respect and understanding.
I agree with Elize that you could immediately tell Malachi would be the love interest and her resistance and then falling for him was pretty stereotypical of this genre.
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story?
Absolutely. I made a huge leap of faith to do something different when I graduated college and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. Yes, there were some shitty moments to follow but in general it put my life on a good path.
I think Emoni could do more of that. She's scared she's not smart enough to get into college or culinary school, so she needs to take the risk of asking for help and doing the dirty work to get where she needs to go. Staying at her minimum wage job is taking the easy way out.
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")?
I totally understand that feeling. It definitely applies to her past love life but I don't necessarily see that in other parts of her life. And she is learning from it since she showed some restraint in starting a new relationship at all and she's taking it slow to make sure it's the right thing for her.
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she?
I feel like she is a hard worker in some aspects, like raising a child and keeping jobs to help pay the bills, but expects to be praised in cooking class just because she has some raw talent. I absolutely agree with the chef that she needs to learn the rules before she can break them, and she has to pay her dues! You can't just throw extra spices into someone else's dish and expect to be praised for it. Maybe she could ask to make two versions of each dish, one to show she can follow rules and one to show her talent. If she doesn't go back to class and follow the rules like the chef told her, she will never make it as a professional cook, which would be a shame.
Day 1:1. She absolutely transitioned well to prose. I didn't realize she was a poet and typically don't like fiction by poets. I find their work difficult to read. But the writing is accessible while also being beautiful.
2. I like the relationship between Emoni and Malachi because their conversations make me smile. I like the relationship between Emoni and Babydoll because it's so obvious she adores her daughter.
3. I agree. One's life becomes small, isolated, and boring when you are too frightened to go beyond your comfort zone. (Voice of experience here.) I worry that Emoni will become like many girls in her situation - in a dead end job and poverty-stricken.
4. I think she has gone too far in the other direction and even when she is "chosen" - for the culinary class, by Malachi, by her home room teacher for help - she refuses it.
5. She needs to harness her knack to learn the basic skills and techniques as does anyone in the arts. Once the foundation is laid, then it is time to let go the "magic." For instance, an architect, no matter how creative, isn't going to get a job if they don't know about load bearing walls, the fire code, or the insulating properties of glass.
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1. Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing?
I read The Poet X, her poetry novel, and enjoyed it. I think she's transitioned well. I'm enjoying the language, and use of cooking metaphors to describe Emoni's feelings - it really brings how important cooking is to her identity.
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why?
I agree with others that Malachi as the love interest is obvious, but actually I like Malachi, and how he's approaching the building of his relationship with Emoni - as friends first. I couldn't say I have a favourite character (maybe Ms Fuentes, 'cos she's being awesome!), but i love the relationships - familial and friendships. Her gran (I'm guessing cancer diagnosis, btw) is wonderful - supportive but making clear that she's the gran, not Emma's mother, and letting Emoni work out how to parent her.
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story?
I do agree. Hopefully Emoni will be willing to risk her heart with new relationships (I find it strange that she doesn't have closer relationships in her Advisory class, for instance), as well as pushing herself to meet the requirements of her cooking class.
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")?
I think she is, at the moment, though I can understand why: learning to be a parent and working out how to coparent with her ex isn't going to lead to much time to be massively introspective!
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she?
She totally should! As a separate point, I like that here Acevedo is showing that different people learn in different ways (Emoni is a doer), which isn't something that gets a lot of airtime generally (I picked it up because my niblings are starting school, and developing in different ways, needing their parents to work differently with them to get the best from them.)
Q1. I was not aware that Elizabeth Acevedo was a poet but I can honestly say I am not surprised. Some parts of the book reminded me of the poetry I studied in 4th and 5th. Regardless of whether she was a poet or not, she wrote a terrific novel.Q2. Acevedo does a fantastic job of creating compelling believable characters whose relationships and interactions help to bring the story to life. Although Emoni was the heroine and obviously the focus of the book, there’s a special place in heart for Malachi. He’s funny, mature, confident, honest and definitely wounded with so much depth. I think the author barely scratched the surface of his character - I would love to read his story.
Oops, I pressed Post by mistake. To continue...Q3. I agree with Ms. Fuentes’ statement about taking risks and making choices in spite of fear, but only partially. For Emoni, this meant accepting that she was deserving of happiness, that she was worthy and appreciating that one mistake does not a life sentence make. In Emoni’s case it meant facing life head on and having the courage to go after her dreams. You know, what also makes our life story compelling is understanding, knowing and accepting who we. Unless we can do that risks we take and the choices we make will not mean very much. Having a sense of self is important. And I found that when Emoni finally begun to appreciate and understand who she was, only then she really start to face up to life, the life she wanted and deserved. For me, that was the most compelling part of her story, that difficult trek to self-discovery.
Q4. If it’s one thing Emoni did learn, it’s not to take the easy route. You see that growth and maturity in her slowly growing and developing a relationship with Malachi. She actually tries to get to know Malachi, to build a friendship and an appreciation for the person he is and what he will mean in her and maybe, even that of Emma, her daughter.
Q5. I don’t know if I would say it’s her knack for cooking that’s hindering her ability to make excel in the class. I think it’s a combination of her ego (she knows she a good cook; she’s experienced the results; and heaven knows, she been pretty much told by everyone whose sampled her food that she’s the Goddess of cooking; her obvious impatience with taught something as simple as using a knife) and her internal stigma (her feeling that she won’t measure up). Even when impatience about “wasting” learning the kitchen environment, there’s always sense of desperation lurking in her thoughts and actions. That being said, I do think she will be able to harness her instincts to become a chef. Despite her uncertainty, she’s passionate and committed. For her, cooking is equivalent to breathing, she will do it until it’s no longer possible.
Part One: The Sour DQs1. Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing?
I think she's done very well! I can tell that she's a poet. Her descriptions and metaphors give her away but I really enjoy the writing style. Sometimes the chapters begin and end a bit abruptly though.
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why?
I really like Emoni and Abuela's relatioship. But I've enjoyed Emoni and Malachi too.
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story?
I agree as well. I think it has to do that she's afraid to take risks for her own life because of the impact it could have on her daughter. But sometimes taking a risk on your own future can better the future of your child(ren).
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")?
She's learned that lesson when it comes to boys. But she is still letting external factors (money and her abuela) get in the way of what she actually wants.
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she?
This is the only part where Emoni annoys me. BUT it also shows she is teen and still acts like a teen from time to time. She needs to follow the rules so she can learn and to climb the ladder until she is running her own restaurant. Chef was absolutely right.
Part 2 - Blood boil6.Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation?
Hi. I would like to join the discussion. I actually am reading the books for January backwards. Oops!1. Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing? Yes. I thought the book was well written. The characters and the dialogue were natural. I would not have guessed she was a poet though.
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why? I really like the grandma. She seems strong and confident.
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story? Yes. Fear can be healthy when in warns us about danger, but it should not cripple us or keep us from doing what is right or necessary. I would say Emoni has already had to face many fears in the face of doing what is right. I respect her chracter.
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")? This remains to be seen. She certainly seems to want a good life for her and her daughter for substantial reasons. She also seems to be focused on what is best for her daughter, so she seems to have shifted to choosing instead of being chosen.
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she? I found her unwillingness to follow an irritation as well. But I guess it would fit her character she is young and wants to make her mark. She is forgetting that she needs to earn it first.
6.Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?I like it. There are parts that annoy me, like calling the baby Baby Girl. But overall I find the characters believable and the situation compelling.
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
Maybe some of both. I thought he put her in charge because she needed to make up for some missed classes and because he wanted her to "earn" her way back. But I also think he believed in her and recognized her leadership potential.
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
Nope and nope. Something about skaters dressed as Disney characters just sounds kind of boring. I like the stories more than the songs.
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation? The way Emoni dealt with it was pretty admirable. I would hope that I would have held my tongue as well...
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Part 2 - Blood BoilQ6. I absolutely love the book. It’s well written with sound plots and subplots as well as compelling realistic characters.
Q7. I think Chef recognizes Emoni’s potential but I think he put her in charge of the fundraising drive to get her to understand there is more to cooking than preparing fabulous dishes and simply having an affinity for cooking. He wanted her to truly appreciate the multifaceted nature of cooking - it’s an art form, a science, a therapy session, a passion, a journey of self-discovery, a business but above all it entails hard work, commitment, teamwork, sacrifice and a degree of active open mindedness. Being in charge of the drive forced to Emoni to consider perspectives other than her own, and to really work with others. It also helped her to build relationships, not just with Malachi but with others in the class like Richard and Amanda.
Q8. The answer to both questions is no. My favorite things about Disney are the characters and the storytelling. A Disney story about ice? Sure! Disney on ice? No! I’d prefer another animated Disney movie based on a classic fairytale, not necessarily a popular one either.
Q9. I was raised by my grandmother “Gran-Gran”, and I’m what we call in Barbados a grandmother’s child. Like Emoni, Gran-Gran was my world (unlike her both my parents are still alive). And like her, I would’ve held my tongue no matter how annoyed I was at my grandmother. She was always there, loving and forever supportive. Unlike Emoni, my Gran-Gran died when I was seven. I will honestly say if it had been my parents, I would have probably blown a respectful gasket. So I totally identify and agree with Emoni in this case.
Part 2 - Blood boil6.Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?
I'm liking it a lot! Emoni's immaturity about going to cooking class was annoying but she's definitely redeemed herself. Plus someone pointed out that she is still only 16 so she's obviously going to be immature sometimes. I love all the relationship developments between the characters, especially between Emoni and Abuela.
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
I think both. He knew she needed a wake-up call but also that she would be up to the challenge. And then she took the initiative to plan the menu herself so she's doing much better.
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
I love pretty much all Disney movies but I'm not a hardcore fan. I don't think I'd go out of my way to see Disney on Ice but I would be happy to go if someone got me tickets! lol
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation?
That was really tough! Tyrone's mother has good reason to be worried about Emma if Emoni and Abuela aren't able to show up but her attitude was unnecessary. It's true that Emoni was very irresponsible with her phone and Abuela should have waited to get a text back from Emoni before assuming that she got the message. But Tyrone's mother should not have threatened a custody battle- that's blowing things way out of proportion. I think Emoni handled it just fine though.
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6. Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?
Very much! I like the writing, the characters and the progress of the story - a win :)
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
I agree with Nicole: it was about getting her to see the whole nature of the restaurant business, as well as making her a team player. I think Chef is a very good teacher!
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
Sorry, not a Disney fan. I liked the different view of Malachi we got in this section - he's straightforward and considerate, and his backstory makes him more real.
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation?
I'd've tried to hold my tongue with her, face-to-face, but would have ranted to Angelica about the double-standards.
1.Elizabeth Acevedo is a poet, and this is her first prose novel. Do you think she has been successful in her transition into prose writing?I’ve not heard of the author and wouldn’t have been able to tell she was a poet. I wondered why the chapters were so short, perhaps this explains it? I am enjoying the quick snipes of different moments though.
2. I am finding the all characters & their relationships compellingly written. Do you have a favourite character/relationship? Why?
I agree – there is not one character I don’t like – even Julio! My favourite character is Ms Fuentes. I like how she engages with the students on a personal level and has their best interest at heart. I know she is a teacher but I think she truly does want Emoni to make the most of her potential – such as suggesting Emoni apply for college just in case she changes her mind. I think Emoni will listen to Ms Fuentes as she has made that personal connection.
3. Ms Fuentes says "Taking risks and making choices in spite of fear - it's what makes our life story compelling" Do you agree? What does this imply for Emoni's story?
I’m thinking back on the risks I have taken and I haven’t regretted any of them and yes indeed my life story is more compelling – infact I wish I had taken more risks. It’s difficult when you’re young but Emoni has already faced a whole lot of fear when deciding to have Emma so hopefully Emoni will take some chances to improve their lives in the future.
4. When reflecting on her relationship with Tyrone, Emoni says "So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any actual sexual attraction". To what extent do you think that she has learnt from that (and I am applying the principle more widely here than just sex!)? Is she still making decisions based on external factors ("being chosen") rather than what she actually wants ("sexual attraction")?
I’m not sure – I think Emoni has definitely learnt her lesson and I completely understand what she means about being chosen. I will be interested to see how she deals with school if she’s chosen to create special meals in the culinary class or anything and therefore be “the chosen one”.
5. I am not a cook, but this book is definitely making me jealous of Emoni's knack! That said, her knack is hindering her ability to excel in the Culinary Arts class. Do you think that she will be able to harness her instincts in order to achieve her dream? Should she?
I have no patience when it comes to cooking so wish I could get lost in it like Emoni does. I think Emoni will have to adjust her approach to achieve her dreams, just like most of us have done. I think its always a struggle when you understand how to do something but you’re told to follow the rules… I was pleased Chef said about Emoni reigning her creativity in. I was also thinking about allergies when Chef tried the chocolate pudding!
Q6. Yes, I am really enjoying it! I’ve been in a book lull recently and finding it difficult to want to pick a book up. This one I couldn’t wait to so I’m pleased I joined this BOM!Q7. I thought that Chef chose her as punishment! Maybe it was to get her more involved – he knew Emoni was creative with her food, perhaps she could also be with the fundraising.
Q8. I went to see Disney on Ice as a kid in London. I did enjoy it but think my Mum wanted to go more than me – I’m not a huge Disney fan.
Q9. I would have said something sarcastic back, can’t help myself…
6.Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?I just finished the book, and I really liked it.
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
I thought this was a really great part to the book. I thought it was neat concept for the high school to do. My school never did anything like this an i think the hands on experience for anyone interested in the culinary world would love this. I think he saw something in her that he knew she could handle it.
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
Nope and nope. Something about skaters dressed as Disney characters just sounds kind of boring. I like the stories more than the songs.
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation?
I could NEVER. She was a saint. I have trouble dealing with my own parts as a 30 year old. I can imagine having the mind to keep my cool in highschool.
Holidays - End10. What are your thoughts maybe from your personal experience about the college/work debate that goes on in the book? I have never been a fan of people saying one is better than the other. Even though I'm an accountant and doing post grad study I don't think its for everyone.
11. What are your thoughts on Emoni's dad coming back and this time changing things? Do you think this is good for Emoni and Emma?
12. Did you like the ending? How did the book leave you feeling?
Part 2 - Blood boil6.Ah, the age old question. How are you liking the book so far?
I really enjoyed this one!
7. The fundraiser was an interesting part to me. I think Emoni shows strength and maturity in leading their campaign. Do you think Chef put her in charge to teach her responsibility, because he thought she was the best one to lead the class, or both?
Both for sure! Especially to teach her why she needs to follow the rules and listen to the Chef.
8. I LOVE anything Disney. Have you ever gotten to see Disney on ice? If you have did you enjoy it? If you haven’t would you like to go one day?
I have been to Disney on Ice at least 3 times and I always enjoy it. I can see why others think it's weird that characters are skating but it's always been a great story and a fun time.
9. Ugh. Babygirl’s grandma. Emoni shows great control over her tongue when people make her mad and it was especially apparent when dealing with the other grandmother. How would you have dealt with that situation?
I would not have held my tongue. There is being mature and there is being a door mat. I choose not to be a doormat.
10. What are your thoughts maybe from your personal experience about the college/work debate that goes on in the book? I have never been a fan of people saying one is better than the other. Even though I'm an accountant and doing post grad study I don't think its for everyone.I think it's up to the individual. I like how it ends with Emoni doing a bit of both. Experience is key in this day and age and degree almost isn't necessary for a job in your chosen field.
11. What are your thoughts on Emoni's dad coming back and this time changing things? Do you think this is good for Emoni and Emma?
I hope he sticks with it. I think Emoni is old enough to be able to handle what would happen if her dad goes back to the island but I think she needs to be careful with how his constant coming and going could affect baby Emma.
12. Did you like the ending? How did the book leave you feeling?
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10. What are your thoughts maybe from your personal experience about the college/work debate that goes on in the book? I have never been a fan of people saying one is better than the other. Even though I'm an accountant and doing post grad study I don't think its for everyone.
I don't think it is for everyone either, but all professions generally require some sort of tested qualification. I think that Emoni managed to work out a good solution for herself with the restaurant that she wouldn't have achieved if people hadn't been pushing her to do the college route - she'd been thinking of trying to get Steve's role in the burger joint at one point.
11. What are your thoughts on Emoni's dad coming back and this time changing things? Do you think this is good for Emoni and Emma?
I think that the wider support system Emoni & Emma have the better, and her dad will definitely bring a livelier viewpoint than the others in the group. Hopefully he'll be able to stick it.
12. Did you like the ending? How did the book leave you feeling?
I liked the ending, which was nicely upbeat but not utterly unrealistic. I enjoyed the book :)
With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn’t have enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the money for the class’s trip to Spain — and shouldn’t still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life — and all the rules everyone expects her to play by — once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free.