Book Review: Eliza, from Scratch by A.J. Jacobs
Sometimes, a book’s cover draws you in before you even crack it open, and Eliza, from Scratch by A.J. Jacobs does just that. The simplicity of its artwork, featuring Eliza and Wesley, perfectly encapsulates the nuances of their personalities and the story that unfurls within. It’s a perfect blend of vibrant colors and relatable characters, pulling me in with the promise of a contemporary culinary adventure steeped in coming-of-age moments.
At its heart, Eliza, from Scratch beautifully marries the passions I hold dear—food, friendships, and the labyrinthine journey of growing up. As someone who devours cooking competitions like "MasterChef" and revels in good Asian cuisine, I found the culinary backdrop of this novel incredibly relatable. The author captures the flavors of a kitchen as a nurturing space for growth, using food as a catalyst for connection and resolution.
Let me dive into Eliza’s character. Initially, her perfection—the salutatorian dreams and Ivy League ambitions—strained my empathy. I often found myself thinking, “Why is she so good at everything?” But then I understood what Jacobs intended: Eliza’s struggles are not just about perfection; they’re messy, authentic, and entirely human. Her strained friendships with Kareena and Meredith echo those fleeting high school bonds—messy and melodramatic, yet deeply formative. The conversations they had about their issues reminded me of my own secondary school experiences, where friendships often felt like navigating a complicated maze.
The family dynamics add another layer of depth. Eliza’s relationship with her mother, connected through food and the grief of losing her halmeoni (grandmother), is especially poignant. The way they bond over traditional recipes showcases the power of culinary heritage—a theme that resonates with anyone who has found solace in the family kitchen: "The story of my family starts in this kitchen, so I should have known that the story of me would start there, too." That line? Simply perfect.
Wesley, in all his rawness, is another character I could relate to. His struggles with grades and family expectations struck a chord. I understood his frustration—so often, academic pressure can overshadow genuine passion, especially when your talents lie elsewhere. Wesley’s journey through the world of food is heartwarming and inspiring. His reflections, especially the one where he likens his cooking journey with Eliza to an exchange, tugged at my heartstrings: "If cooking with others is an exchange, what I have given Eliza is time, and what she has given me is revelation." Isn’t that what we all seek in relationships?
Their rivalry-to-lovers dynamic adds a delicious thrill to the narrative. The banter between Eliza and Wesley reflects the underlying themes of elitism and the often unnoticed divides of academic achievement. I adored the moments when they came together in the kitchen, creating not just meals but memories. Their chemistry is the spice that makes this dish of a novel so flavorful.
For some, Eliza, from Scratch will be a top contender for young adult fiction in 2025—and I can wholeheartedly see why. It’s a tale of discovery, compassion, and the messy, beautiful tapestry of relationships, framed in the context of food.
I highly recommend this book to anyone grappling with their identity amidst a sea of expectations, or simply looking for a heartwarming culinary escape. You’ll find solace in Eliza and Wesley’s journey and maybe, just like me, discover a taste for your own passions along the way. Happy reading!