Review of Eliza, from Scratch by [Author’s Name]
From the moment I laid eyes on the cover of Eliza, from Scratch, I felt an instant connection. The simplicity of the art captured not just the characters but their vibrant personalities, drawing me in like a delicious aroma wafting from a kitchen. I knew this book would blend elements I hold dear: food, coming-of-age struggles, and the delightful chaos of teenage life. And I was right.
Set against a backdrop of culinary challenges and evolving friendships, Eliza, from Scratch tells the story of Eliza—an overachiever grappling with the pressures of her "perfect" life—and Wesley, her culinary rival who embodies the messy and often complicated journey of young adulthood. At first, I struggled with Eliza’s character; her perfectly curated life as a salutatorian bound for MIT felt almost elitist. Yet, this discomfort became a realization. Eliza’s growth—as she navigates friendships, family dynamics, and her passion for cooking—is raw and authentic. Much like real life, it’s often messy and beautifully unresolved.
The theme of teenage friendships struck a poignant chord with me. Eliza’s relationship with her friends, Kareena and Meredith, is a reflection of the ups and downs we all face during our formative years. Their eventual confrontation and resolution, albeit complicated, felt like a genuine portrayal of those melodramatic yet essential moments. Frankly, I could relate—I remembered the frictions within my own friend circles and how we navigated those conflicts. The realization that Jess and Kareena had a connection felt like the perfect twist; I’d caught a glimpse into Eliza’s world and her friends’ dynamics long before she did.
The depiction of Eliza’s family, especially her relationship with her halmeoni and her mother, was another highlight. Cooking was their bond—a way to cope with grief while preserving memories through traditional recipes. It reminded me of how food often becomes a medium of love and connection in our lives. The line, “the story of my family starts in this kitchen, so I should have known that the story of me would start there, too,” encapsulates the heart of the narrative, resonating deeply with anyone who understands the comfort and nostalgia that come with family recipes.
Wesley, too, captivated me—not because he was a culinary prodigy, but because he resonated with those of us who have struggled academically. His defensive nature regarding grades mirrored my own experiences in a cutthroat educational environment. There’s something incredibly relatable in the notion that success doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Wesley’s connection with food becomes a route to both self-discovery and belonging, reinforcing that you don’t need a perfect plan to forge a meaningful path in life.
Their relationship evolved beautifully, encapsulating the rivals-to-lovers trope while threading in themes of elitism in the academic realm. The banter between Eliza and Wesley was a joy, enriched by their shared culinary explorations. One of Wesley’s reflections that struck me was, “if cooking with others is an exchange, what I have given Eliza is time, and what she has given me is revelation.” It’s a powerful reminder of how relationships can help us uncover truths about ourselves.
In conclusion, Eliza, from Scratch is a delightful blend of friendship, love, and personal growth, beautifully wrapped in the flavors of food. The novel speaks to anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, culinary arts, or personal identity. With an engaging narrative and relatable characters, this book has undoubtedly secured a spot among my top YA reads for 2025. If you cherish heartfelt stories sprinkled with an array of flavors, I highly recommend diving into Eliza’s journey. You might find yourself savoring every moment, just as I did.