YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

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.

My audio came in from the library, I hope it's okay that I join :)

53%
(view spoiler)[It seems obvious to me that something is up with her abuela. Maybe she's dying or something? What do you think?
I lover Emoni, but she's a tad bit stubborn. Her culinary arts teacher wasn't in the wrong when he mentioned the thing about allergies etc. But like I said, I like her :) I don't get what's up with Tyrone though. He seems a bit controlling to me. I'm listening to the audio, so if I get some names wrong, I'm sorry :) (hide spoiler)]

78%
(view spoiler)[I love hearing about their trip to Spain. And also yay for Abuela not being sick! She's probably dating :P I also like how Leslie and Emani is probably bonding (hide spoiler)]

35%: (view spoiler)[uhm.. all this food talk is making me hungry. (hide spoiler)]

57%: (view spoiler)[damn straight - don't mess with the mac woman! also, I'm really enjoying this audio <3 (hide spoiler)]

71%: (view spoiler)[oh no.. where are they? this whole no phone thing sucks ass - why wouldn't he just give it back to her? SHE HAS A KID! (hide spoiler)]

100%: (view spoiler)[this was such a good book. I loved everything about it. Even the ending was kind of happy because she’s still doing what she loves. I would totally dive into another book by this author. (hide spoiler)]

Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[He probably thinks she was joking around... (hide spoiler)]

Alaina wrote: "100%: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I feel the same way, and I've had no previous interest in her other book, but now I have to read it!

I really liked this as well. The ending was a bit rushed though. But I liked how she and Tyrone interacted in the end. (hide spoiler)]

Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

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(view spoiler)[Eh or he couldn’t of cared. I’ve had my phone taken away once in high school but never had to get my parents to sign it out. Just had to wait till the end of the day. But I guess I have another question .. why didn’t they just call her school?? Then she would’ve known what was going on ya know? (hide spoiler)]

Alaina wrote: "Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

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(view spoiler)[That's such a good point! I've never had my phone taken, but where I live, it's illegal for them to keep it overnight. They can take it during the day, but have to hand it over when school's over.
I also don't get why the heck Tyrone's mom acted up like that. And then she goes on about custody. I mean... She doesn't want anything to do with Emma anyway (hide spoiler)]

Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

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(view spoiler)[yeah I agree about that as well! It was just weird to me but I could see a parent actually doing that as well ya know? Like once she makes a mistake - she’s not fit to be a mom anymore. (hide spoiler)]

Alaina wrote: "Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Irene wrote: "Alaina wrote: "71%: [spoilers removed]"

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(view spoiler)[Definitely, but you could argue that about Tyrone as well. I mean, I get that he's probably her perfect little angel, but you know :P (hide spoiler)]

Hahahaha so true.

Finished! Sorry I didn't do updates, I meant to but was super busy and every single moment of free time I had I was reading this book. Overall I really enjoyed it. I loved the cooking aspect and really want to try some of the recipes included.

(view spoiler)[I didn't relate so much to the main character (or really any of them) but one quote did hit a little close to home. Idk if I got it exactly right because I did listen to it but it went something like this: "You can't make too much space for a father like mine in your life, because he'll elbow his way in, stretch the corners wide, and when he leaves, all you have is an oversized empty. A gap in your heart where a parent should be." Now, Emari's father is a lot different than mine, but my dad wasn't really around a lot, but when he was around I wanted a good father so bad I would get really attached and then he would become more distant. Idk if that's the right way to explain it... I think estranged is the word? I'm not sure though.

The ending was wrapped up super neat, everything was resolved perfectly. There weren't any really complications left. That was the only reason it wasn't a 5 star besides it just didn't have that gut feeling the a 5 star book does. It is something I would recommend and enjoyed a lot! That's really all I have to say on it I guess... (hide spoiler)]

12% - (view spoiler)[This is my first book by Elizabeth Acevedo and I'm loving it! I like the premise of our MC Emoni being a teenage mom with big dreams of being chef, and I can see this book will explore her trying to balance her dreams with raising a child and being in high school.

You don't see many YA books where the MC wants to be a chef. I feel like this book is gonna make me hungry a lot. (hide spoiler)]

25% - (view spoiler)[Calling it now that Emoni and Malachi will become friends and then become more than friends :) (hide spoiler)]

28% - (view spoiler)[Oh my god, I can't believe what just happened. Pretty Leslie is on Malachi's back, clearly wanting to start something with him, but he's obviously into Emoni. So this bitch straight up brings up Emoni's daughter, trying to shame her and make Malachi back off her, but this guy, THIS GUY is like whatever, asks Emoni out in front of Leslie and practically disses her. I love him. I was nervous about him finding out about her daughter, but he handled it great on the spot, and I'm hoping he's chill about it when they go out on their 'date'. (hide spoiler)]

38% - (view spoiler)[Urghhhh I hate Pretty Leslie!!! And what's Malachi playing at? Does he want to date Leslie or Emoni? Considering it's been like a week or two since he hung out with Emoni, I think it's shitty for him to be instantly taking Leslie out on dates.. (hide spoiler)]

49% - (view spoiler)[I hate when there's a jealous ex partner in books. Like Tyrone doesn't want to date Emoni, but he doesn't want her to date anyone else?? He straight up says 'you said you weren't gonna date'. So is she supposed to stay single for the rest of her life because her baby's daddy doesn't want to be with her? And he's allowed to do whatever because he's not raising their daughter? Fuck Tyrone! Also, she was 14/15 when her daughter was born and that was 2 years ago. (hide spoiler)]

57% - (view spoiler)[I love that Emoni is learning to be a team player and to listen to authority figures. So proud of what is she is accomplishing with her class! (hide spoiler)]

72% - (view spoiler)[This book is making me feel all kinds of feelings. Like why is Tyrone's mom such a bitch? Why does Tyrone get to do whatever she wants, but Emoni is a 'bad mom' for having her phone confiscated? Why doesn't Emoni's dad act like a dad and support his family?? Why is Leslie such a bitch?? Why am I in my feels right now??? (hide spoiler)]

Finished - (view spoiler)[Ahh what a beautiful book! I loved the ending and the fact that her dad was honest with her about why he didn't stick around. But I still feel like he had a responsibility to care for her or make sure they had enough money.

Really loved the book and can't wait to read more from Elizabeth Acevedo! (hide spoiler)]

Dang girl. You flew through it

Starting!!

40% (view spoiler)[Why did Pretty Leslie have to throw the fact that Emoni has a daughter in Malachi’s face? That isn’t information for her to throw around lightly (hide spoiler)]

50% (view spoiler)[Emoni has a hard time in her cooking class. She wants to add all these ingredients that are in the recipe, but the chef told her that if she does that it can actually be dangerous. What if she adds a spice that a customer didn’t order and they’re allergic to it? (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[I’m glad that Malachi and Emoni seem to be working out. They’re honestly so great together and I’m happy to see that Tyrone wants a more active role in Emma’s life (hide spoiler)]

Ashleigh wrote: "Finished - Ahh what a beautiful book! I loved the ending and the fact that her dad was honest with her about why he didn't stick around. But I still feel like he had a responsibility to care for he..."

(view spoiler)[I felt the same way about her dad. He spent years away from her and then finally decided to stay longer, but it almost feels too late (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Imani is a teen mom but trying to do the best for herself and her baby. I like that she is trying to be a chef, as female chefs are sooo underrepresented. It sucks that this class is boring and slow but I think it will open doors for her since she is clearly talented (hide spoiler)]
25%

Ashleigh wrote: "25% - [spoilers removed]"

I totally agree!!!!

(view spoiler)[I really don't like how Pretty Leslie is treating Emoni and the guy is just letting her. And I don't like how Tyrone is trying to control Emoni. Her and the other guy are just friends for now, and if she wants to pursue him so what?

I really hope the grandmother isn't seriously sick. Emoni would be so alone :(

I'm glad Emoni isn't giving up the cooking class. Even though it isn't going her way at the moment, I think it will help her out a lot in the long run for her and her daughter's future (hide spoiler)]
50%

So wanted to join, but can’t get my hands on a copy until September.

(view spoiler)[I’m glad Emoni was able to figure out her financial stuff so she can go on this trip, although I figured she was going to make it happen somehow. I’m glad abuela is not sick that would’ve killed me lol I really don’t like Tyrone’s mom. Or Leslie. Emoni is doing her thing in Spain and impressing everyone. I hope she gets an apprenticeship or something from that chef who gave her card (hide spoiler)]
75%

12% (view spoiler)[ so crazy how her first time was like that, so emotionless and over so quickly! And to fall pregnant from that. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I'm glad that everything worked out in the end for everyone. Emoni got an apprenticeship like job that will get her the career she wants. The grandma is happy in a new relationship. And the dad came clean about why he went back to PR (hide spoiler)]
End

20% (view spoiler)[ crazy how her dad just left when she was growing up and her mother died, and then does it when he comes and visits. How can a parent juts do that! (hide spoiler)]

37% (view spoiler)[ ahh pretty Leslie and Malachi seem like they are on a date at Emoni’s work! (hide spoiler)]

60%(view spoiler)[ I’m so glad her Aunty got the money for her so she can go on the trip!! (hide spoiler)]

Jill 50% for now, and ..."<

(view spoiler)[ Tyrone is such an arse for controlling her, especially when he couldn’t be a good partner.
I’m glad she is sticking out the cooking class too! She has so many obstacles as is, so it’s great she is sticking to her guns and making a future for herself and her baby girl! (hide spoiler)]

65% (view spoiler)[ oh my god Mrs Palmer!! What a bitch (hide spoiler)]

Jill wrote: "[spoilers removed]
End"

(view spoiler)[ yes it was good everything worked out, I was especially happy that the dad opened up to her! (hide spoiler)]

Page 111

(view spoiler)[ This is my first book by this author, and I'm IN LOVE with this book. I heard great things about Poet X, but I'm still only a wait list for the audio book, so I thought I would try this one in the meantime. Holy cow...I'm loving it. I usually find the beginning of books a tiny slow and hard to get into for me, but with this one, it took off, and I won't put it down. I love Emoni and her unique dream to be a chef. I haven't read another book where the main character wanted to do something with food (besides Heartless) so this is new and extremely refreshing for me! I love her support group with her grandma and girlfriends. I'm very, VERY intrigued by Malachi as well! LOVING THIS! (hide spoiler)]

Page 227

(view spoiler)[ I'm still really enjoying this book, and I especially love how determined and dedicated Emoni is and wanting what's best for her daughter. I enjoy the flashback stories/chapter where we learn about her family. I also really like the details when it comes to talking about the food and tastes in this book. It's all very interesting to me. I just got through the part where they served over 250 people for the Winter Dinner, and that part seemed pretty far-fetched, but I like how they set a goal, and achieved it as a team. It's a very uplifting book so far. (hide spoiler)]

Page 323

(view spoiler)[ I'm enjoying reading about their trip in Spain. I hope everything ends up being okay with Tyrone and his family and that they aren't up to something...The whole scene with his mom and Emoni kind of bothered me, and now with Emoni being out of the country, I don't want them to try getting full custody of Emma or something like that in this book....I really hope it doesn't go there! (hide spoiler)]

Finished

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Date changed. Restarting November 1st 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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Enjoyed The Poet X and have heard good things about this, so it seems it’s time to give it a go.

5% - opening chapters get us into things immediately. Emani is a personable young woman, and she seems determined to juggle her commitments to the best of her ability.

11% - We can see just how keen Emani is to do this. You have to hope there’ll be a positive outcome here.

26% - Emani is so likeable. Her positive outlook is not grating, and she’s quite inspiring.