Book Review: Eliza, from Scratch by Rachael Lippincott
When I first stumbled upon "Eliza, from Scratch," I was instantly drawn in by the promise of a rivals-to-lovers dynamic set against the backdrop of a cooking class. Written by the talented Rachael Lippincott, this story seemed to serve a delectable blend of themes—a high-achieving protagonist grappling with her academic biases, rejuvenating family ties through culinary traditions, and navigating the rocky waters of adolescence. I genuinely anticipated savoring every word. But as I dove in, I found my enthusiasm mingled with a touch of disappointment.
At the heart of "Eliza, from Scratch" is Eliza, an academically-driven high school student whose journey of self-discovery unfolds amidst her fraught relationship with her mother and the tantalizing world of cooking. The book aims to explore heavy topics—such as the pressures of academic elitism and the struggles of being a child of immigrants—while also weaving a romantic plot with Wesley, her rival who offers a more laid-back perspective on life. I had hoped for a beautifully intricate character arc, but found myself grappling with Eliza’s glaring biases towards her non-AP classmates.
In particular, the interactions between Eliza and Wesley often left me unsettled. While their initial rivalry added an engaging tension to the narrative, Eliza’s harsh judgments of Wesley felt unjustified and excessive. Yes, Wesley may have made a snide remark, but the narrative’s decision to condone Eliza’s harsh internal dialogue struck me as problematic. As she evolves and begins to recognize her biases, the journey felt superficial compared to the weighty discussions surrounding cultural identity and heritage.
However, Lippincott excels in crafting reflective passages that delve into the complexities of the immigrant experience. I appreciated the moments where Eliza grapples with her heritage, the guilt of living in between cultures, and the struggles of not fully connecting with her roots. These reflections illuminated the spaces where Eliza truly grew, making her blatant disregard for Wesley’s intellect feel even more jarring in contrast.
Lippincott’s writing style has a lovely rhythm, often flowing effortlessly during expository moments. Yet, the narrative occasionally falters with stilted dialogue that feels bogged down by excessive detail. Despite this, there were certainly bright moments that made me chuckle and warmed my heart—especially during Eliza and Wesley’s sweetest exchanges, which reminded me of the thrill of young love.
While my experience with "Eliza, from Scratch" was mixed, it’s an alluring read for anyone who enjoys complex family dynamics, coming-of-age stories, or culinary adventures. Readers who resonate with themes of cultural identity and personal growth might find themselves charmed, even if the main story doesn’t hit all the notes perfectly.
In closing, while "Eliza, from Scratch" offered immense potential and a delightful premise, I couldn’t help but wish for a deeper exploration of its key themes. This book invites reflection on the ways we judge others, but it also paints a picture of how beautifully food can bridge gaps—even when the writing sometimes misses the mark. As I turned the last pages, I was left hoping that Eliza’s journey would resonate more profoundly, not just with her, but with all of us navigating the complexities of our identities.