atomicmelody's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
angeldevoursliterature's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Cursing, Blood, Alcohol, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
ensara's review
4.0
sure it can be your generic YA book, but to me this was so much more. it took me out of my reading slump which is great. the love for food and the comfort this book provides makes it a delicious read.
misses a half star or more because i am tired of YA cliches sometimes, but that's on me ig
misses a half star or more because i am tired of YA cliches sometimes, but that's on me ig
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one, especially the descriptions of food and recipes. I also liked the look into a teen's experience as a wealthy dual-citizen living in Mexico, which is something I knew basically nothing about. I do wish there was less swearing throughout the book, so I could recommend it to middle school readers as well.
izreading88's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent food descriptions. Found the dead brother's ghost more entertaining than the main character
palmkd's review against another edition
5.0
I instantly related to this book on so many levels; having lived in Mexico for a period of time, having lived on an island, having worked in a kitchen and also having some very close to me die suddenly. It made Carlos' story all the more vivid for me. I enjoyed the "recipes" at the start of each chapter and following his journey as he tries to figure out what his next steps are. Great read!
thebookishlibrarian's review against another edition
Carlos Portillo is a duel citizen of the United States and Mexico who comes from a wealthy family and lives a sheltered life. Then, his older brother Felix is tragically killed, and Carlos begins hearing messages from him. The messages tell Carlos to rebel against his father and divert from his best laid plans. Carlos heeds his brother’s warning and runs away to the U.S. where he gets a job with his favorite celebrity chef. It feels like the right fit for him, and he begins to pursue his dream. Filled with delicious recipes throughout the bok, foodies will eat this one up!
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.
valeriianavarr's review against another edition
4.0
I love the element that food played in the story, its totally a first for me
charmaineac's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I think in general, Adi Alsaid books have an interesting premise, and he is undoubtedly a strong writer. However, the stories never fully draw me in, almost because the characters are a little too improbable, quirky, and flat. Carlos is immature, and it takes something incredibly drastic for him to realize the important things in his life.
He hadn't moved on with his life after Felix's death, and that was pretty uncomfortable to read about. He filled his life with some distractions (looking at you, Emma), but that really wasn't fair to them. He ignored his parents and his friends. It was practically like he was having a midlife crisis, but way too early in his life.
I did like the "nasty chef" bits though. Gordon Ramsay popularized this trope, but taking Carlos under her wing and making him chop onions for weeks was splendid. I want to try some of these dishes!
He hadn't moved on with his life after Felix's death, and that was pretty uncomfortable to read about. He filled his life with some distractions (looking at you, Emma), but that really wasn't fair to them. He ignored his parents and his friends. It was practically like he was having a midlife crisis, but way too early in his life.
I did like the "nasty chef" bits though. Gordon Ramsay popularized this trope, but taking Carlos under her wing and making him chop onions for weeks was splendid. I want to try some of these dishes!
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. I liked this a lot, and it made me smile while listening to the audiobook. I'm not that big into cooking myself, but it was still fun to have that be the focus of the book, and to have each chapter start out with the ingredients to a recipe.
Our MC here is "talking" to his brother throughout most of the book. His brother who was killed in a tragic accident, but is sticking around in ghost form(taking on forms of critters and such). I enjoyed the conversations between brothers.
It's cooking. It a love story. It's a story about family and learning and moving on.
It's present tense ... which I don't love, but this was well written, so I didn't mind. First person.
I don't know that this was the GoodReads 5***** "it was amaZing" but it was really good, absolutely kept my interest and was a feel good read.
There was some proFanity.
Our MC here is "talking" to his brother throughout most of the book. His brother who was killed in a tragic accident, but is sticking around in ghost form(taking on forms of critters and such). I enjoyed the conversations between brothers.
It's cooking. It a love story. It's a story about family and learning and moving on.
It's present tense ... which I don't love, but this was well written, so I didn't mind. First person.
I don't know that this was the GoodReads 5***** "it was amaZing" but it was really good, absolutely kept my interest and was a feel good read.
There was some proFanity.