Book Review: Eliza, From Scratch by [Author’s Name]
Every now and then, a book comes along that perfectly encapsulates a delightful combination of themes close to my heart. When I stumbled upon Eliza, From Scratch, I knew I had to dive in, especially with its promise of a rivals-to-lovers dynamic set against the backdrop of a cooking class. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! But while I was eagerly anticipating the warming embrace of the story, what I found left me with a bittersweet taste rather than the sweet satisfaction I had hoped for.
At the heart of Eliza, From Scratch lies an ambitious academic, Eliza, who finds herself grappling with her deep-rooted biases against her classmates who are not on the AP or honors track. The initial stages of this journey open up a conversation not just about academic elitism but also the precious intricacies of our identities as children of immigrants. Eliza’s fraught relationship with her mother and the gradual healing through her grandmother’s recipes add an emotional layer that I felt was ripe for exploration. And while some themes, such as the struggle to embrace one’s heritage and the complexities of friendship, were handled beautifully, Eliza’s character arc felt frustratingly superficial, particularly in the depth required for an issue of such importance.
As someone who has navigated the academic pressures that Eliza embodies, I wanted to connect deeply with her journey of self-discovery. However, her harsh judgment of Wesley felt unjustified. Yes, he may have made a snide comment, but Eliza’s internal insults toward him felt extreme. Here, I wished for more introspection from her. The author, [Author’s Name], eloquently depicts poignant moments, particularly around heritage and the struggle for identity, yet the resolution of Eliza’s bias seemed to pale in comparison to these more nuanced themes.
One of the stronger aspects of the writing was its reflective passages, which beautifully conveyed the emotional landscape of being caught between cultures. Certain scenes, particularly the dialogue between Eliza and her friends, felt authentic and resonated with my own experiences of growing apart from childhood friends. Moments like this shone brightly, revealing the humor and warmth in friendships, even when misunderstandings abound.
Nevertheless, there were times when the narrative felt bogged down by unnecessary details, impacting the pacing. And while there were certainly moments that elicited laughter and genuine warmth, the overall story didn’t fully deliver on the complex issues it introduced. I found myself wanting more from the resolution; it didn’t quite do justice to the rich tapestry of experiences woven throughout the book.
In conclusion, I’d recommend Eliza, From Scratch to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt exploration of identity, friendship, and personal growth, particularly in an academic setting. While it didn’t meet all my expectations, it sparked meaningful reflections about the balance between personal ambition and the subtle biases that can creep in unnoticed. If you’re in the mood for a story that offers both warmth and the chance to reflect on serious themes, this book may be a fulfilling experience—just keep in mind the nuances that might leave you wanting a little more in the end.
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