Book Review: Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for my advanced readers copy.

My thoughts:

Pen was determined to forge her own path and follow her dreams. That takes a lot of guts at any age, but especially at age 18.

Xander was a sweetheart who was struggling with abandonment issues and trying to find a sense of belonging and family.

I loved how the author addresses stereotypes that the Chicanx community deals with in this book. I enjoyed the food, the family vibe and sense of community in this story. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up rather quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Mentions of self harm, anxiety, police brutality, ICE, intimidation.

About the Book:

Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father’s restaurant, Nacho’s Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans—leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she’s been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho’s who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she’s been too afraid to ask herself.

Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho’s is an opportunity for just that—a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo’s, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander’s immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself.

Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home.

This stunning and poignant novel from debut author Laekan Zea Kemp explores identity, found families and the power of food, all nestled within a courageous and intensely loyal Chicanx community.