Warning: Spoilers Ahead
This week, the group gathers to discuss their latest selection, With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.
The only problem? It seems no one remembered to bring their copy along with them. Rather than their usual discussion, the group gathers around a whiteboard as they try to determine the details of the story without having the book for reference. Things take a turn when the group starts riffing off the original storyline—naturally, chaos (all in good fun, of course) ensues.
Watch the episode here!
Book Synopsis
From the New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award-winning title The Poet X comes a dazzling novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright.
Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela.
The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.
Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.
Book Club Discussion Topics/Questions
A major theme present throughout the book deals with circumstances in life and how they affect us. Emoni has a major passion and talent for cooking. However, raising a young daughter, trying to finish high, school, caring for her Abuela, and other factors all present certain obstacles that keep her from pursuing culinary arts as easily as others. Emoni wrestles with trying to pursue her dreams while also taking care of the life and the people she loves deeply, which isn’t always easy. What circumstances in life do you experience when it comes to chasing your dreams? How do you navigate them?
- It’s no secret that teen pregnancy is often stigmatized. How does this affect Emoni?
- While family is often described as a blood relation, Emoni also considers family as people you choose. Do you agree with her? What truly makes someone family?
- Emoni’s food is described as “magical,” even so much as bringing up past memories for people who eat it. Given the fact that her ingredients aren’t out of the ordinary, her passion is credited for this extra dose of magic. Do you believe food can be “magical”? What do you think causes this association and description from people about her food?
- Emoni is unmistakably talented when it comes to cooking, pushing boundaries and allowing her emotions to flow through her cooking. However, she doesn’t have much patience or practice in honing the scientific parts that come with cooking. How much of things in life should be determined by talent, and how much by practice and discipline?
- After enough money is raised, Emoni’s culinary class is able to take a trip to Spain. Her experience there is something she believes she will carry back home, as she has learned new things about herself. How did being in Spain allow Emoni to say and express herself in ways she couldn’t necessarily do at home? What parts of this experience do you believe she will bring home with her?
- Emoni faces plenty of obstacles in her life as she tries to achieve her dreams. What barriers does Emoni face? How does she overcome them?
- By the end of the book, Emoni has some choices to make after she is presented with new opportunities. What did you think about the choices she made? Do you think those decisions are the best path for her?
