Book details
A la Carte
Description
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD LAINEY DREAMS of becoming a world famous chef one day and maybe even having her own cooking show. (Do you know how many African American female chefs there aren't? And how many vegetarian chefs have their own shows? The field is wide open for stardom!) But when her best friendand secret crushsuddenly leaves town, Lainey finds herself alone in the kitchen. With a little help from Saint Julia (Child, of course), Lainey finds solace in her cooking as she comes to terms with the past and begins a new recipe for the future. Peppered with recipes from Lainey's notebooks, this delicious debut novel finishes the same way one feels finishing a good mealsatiated, content, and hopeful.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
162 pages
Why to read
- Exploration of Family Dynamics: 'A la Carte' delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly between the protagonist, Lainey, and her mother. Readers can gain insights into how family expectations and personal dreams can sometimes clash, and how a young person navigates these challenges.
- Culinary Passion and Inspiration: The book is infused with the protagonist's love for cooking, which can inspire readers who have their own culinary interests. It's a celebration of food and its power to bring people together, as well as a source of personal fulfillment and creativity.
- Themes of Self-Discovery and Growth: Tanita S. Davis crafts a story that follows Lainey's journey of self-discovery as she learns to stand up for herself and pursue her dreams. It's a coming-of-age tale that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to find their own path in life.
- Diverse Representation: 'A la Carte' features a cast of diverse characters, offering representation that can be both affirming for readers who see themselves in the characters and enlightening for those who are introduced to different cultural perspectives. It's an opportunity to celebrate diversity in literature.