'A delicious, evocative story' THE GUARDIAN
From the author of THE POET X comes a sumptuous prose novel, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas' On the Come Up, Justin Reynolds' Opposite of Always and Nicola Yoon
Ever since she got pregnant, seventeen-year-old Emoni's life has been about making the tough decisions - doing what has to be done for her young daughter and her grandmother. Keeping her head down at school, trying not to get caught up with new boy Malachi. The one place she can let everything go is in the kitchen, where she has magical hands - whipping up extraordinary food beloved by everyone.
Emoni wants to be a chef more than anything, but she knows it's pointless to pursue the impossible. There are rules she has to play by. And yet, once she starts cooking, and gets that fire on high, she sees that her drive to feed will feed her soul and dreams too. And anything is possible.
'With its judicious depth and brilliant blazes of writing that simmer, then nourish, With the Fire on High is literary soul food' New York Times
This book was such an amazing and quick read. The way Emoni talks about food is tantalizing, it honestly makes you hungry just reading it. I saw a lot of myself in this book cause I only had one really good friend in high school and I have always also loved to cook. Not quite as intensely as Emoni but I could definitely understand her passion for it.
I loved the way the relationship was taken slow and allowed to develop at a speed that was comfortable for both people involved. Also I loved the moments seeing how Emoni parents Babygirl and seeing her struggles with being 'good enough'.
I think this book is so important because it shows that no matter what obstacles you are facing in life, no matter what responsibilities you have there is always a way to go after your dreams if you believe hard enough.
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14 August, 2019:
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