Eve’s Reviews > A Place at the Table > Status Update

I adored this book. It's one of the best books that I've read this year. I loved the message of acceptance and not judging people because they're an immigrant or from a "different" religion (i.e. Islam or Judaism).

The characters were relatable and complex. This was a beautiful book.

Even my brothers have to admit that Mrs. Hameed’s food is better than Hot Pockets.

That's a given. South Asian food is much tastier than Hot Pockets. 😉😁

'Maddy, I don’t want to be your kind of normal. Not if it means making fun of kids because they have brown skin, or dress a certain way, or their parents are immigrants. Don’t you get it? That’s racist.' I force myself to say the word.

Yeeees!!! Go Elizabeth!!! 😁

It was interesting to learn about Maddy's explanation for ditching Elizabeth, but it was mildly disturbing.

'Yuck,' agrees Tariq. He’s eaten his tandoori roast chicken, but the curried peas and potatoes are piled in a lumpy hill on the side of his plate.

I think curried peas and potatoes sound delicious, but that might just be me. Sara's brothers don't seem to agree. Lol!! 😆

But preparing to make the poster is calming. As if I can gather all my pain and anger and pour it into the poster, into my art.

I can relate to this with my Paint By Numbers illustrations.

Dad sits on my bed and strokes my hair. 'Your mother and I know how hard you are on yourself. There’s no punishment that’s going to make you feel more miserable than you are right now.'

That was very merciful of Elizabeth's parents. I can relate to this part of Elizabeth's character: being hard on myself.

'I’m tired.' It’s true. I am so exhausted from feeling stressed-out and worried—even angry—all the time.

This resonates with me. Feeling all of these emotions is very tiring.

I'm very surprised that Maddy stood up for Mrs. Hameed. I was expecting that she would continue to be a brat and a sheep-person for the rest of the book.

Wreaths aren’t exactly a Hanukkah tradition, but at least Mom is trying.

This is true. Hanukkah wreaths aren't traditional at all. Lol!!

I'm still waiting to see how Elizabeth and Sara are going to get in trouble for using the ice cream maker at school without adult supervision. 🤔

I'm guessing that Elizabeth and Sara are about to get into trouble for using the ice cream machine in the classroom when they weren't supposed to.