Book Summary
“With the Fire on High” (2019) is a vibrant, heartwarming tale of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior, living in Philadelphia. Emoni is juggling the responsibilities of being a young single mother to her daughter, ‘Babygirl’, and living with her caring but strict grandmother, all while trying to finish high school. Her world revolves around providing the best life possible for her daughter, even if it means setting aside her own dreams. Emoni’s respite is in the kitchen, where she can let her intuition and creativity take the reins, creating delicious dishes that weave a magic of their own on those who taste them. But when her school offers a culinary arts class that includes a trip to Spain, Emoni is torn between the practicalities of her life and the tantalizing opportunity to pursue her culinary passion on a larger scale.
Author Intro
Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo is a phenomenal talent in the realm of young adult literature, acclaimed for her powerful narratives that beautifully amalgamate poetry and prose. Born and raised in New York City, a child of Dominican immigrants, Acevedo’s heritage plays a significant role in her writing. With a background in performing arts, Acevedo leverages her performing experience to lend an emotive depth and resonance to her literary works. Acevedo’s debut novel, “The Poet X” (2018), a profound narrative of a young Latinx girl discovering her voice through slam poetry, received numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. A former middle-school teacher, Acevedo is passionate about youth literature and the representation of diverse voices within it.
Book Reviews
Elizabeth Acevedo’s “With the Fire on High” is a warm, rich narrative that blends the vibrant world of food with a young woman’s quest to navigate life’s complexities. Emoni is a character easy to love, her resilience, strength, and vulnerability etching an indelible imprint on readers’ hearts. Acevedo’s brilliant writing offers a sensory feast, her vivid descriptions of food stirring a hunger that transcends the gastronomical.
Acevedo has crafted a heartfelt novel that is as much about the love for cooking as it is about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery. The narrative is interlaced with beautifully articulated challenges and triumphs of young motherhood. “With the Fire on High” is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its protagonist, Emoni, as she blazes her own trail amidst the trials of teenage parenthood, schooling, and pursuing her dreams.
“With the Fire on High” is a delight to read, the warm, flavorful world of Emoni Santiago lingering long after the last page. Acevedo has sketched an intimate portrait of a young, single mother whose resilience shines against the odds. The book stirs a pot of emotions and leaves a sweet aftertaste of inspiration, urging us to chase our passions, regardless of the challenges that might stand in our way.
Acevedo serves a dish of hope and determination in her exquisite novel, “With the Fire on High”. Her protagonist, Emoni Santiago, is a testament to the power of dreams and the courage it takes to achieve them. The author’s profound storytelling and vivid descriptions of food create a visual and sensory delight, making this book a deeply satisfying read.
