Have you ever dreamed of becoming a professional chef? Well, now you can live out that dream through Theo in If You Can’t Take the Heat by Michael Ruhlman! This YA book written by a James Beard award-winning author will have you rooting for the main character from page one!
Book Overview: If You Can’t Take The Heat
Summary: When high school football star Theo Claverback breaks his leg just weeks after a devastating break-up, he’s forced to call an audible on his summer plans and put his college ones on hold. He soon finds himself in the most unlikely of places for a jock on crutches: the kitchen of an upscale French restaurant, where he’ll work as a prep cook while his heart and leg heal.
But it’s in the kitchen where Theo finds new purpose and a new romance. As he becomes a trusted employee to Chef and is welcomed into his inner circle, Theo begins to discover the true costs of running a restaurant—and what happens when you get into hot water with the wrong people.
Content Warnings: mention of parental abuse
Our Review
If you like cooking then you’ll love all of the descriptions of Theo working in the restaurant. We especially enjoyed following along as he gradually enhanced his skills. It was inspiring how much Theo was dedicated to becoming a true chef and his determination to balance his personal life and his job at the restaurant. Unfortunately, the romance with Julia felt a bit rushed and unrealistic at times, however, we enjoyed seeing how Theo’s character grew from the experience. Speaking of the restaurant, we loved the found family vibes of it! Each employee, especially his fellow line cooks helped guide Theo on his journey, whether it was teaching him techniques or encouraging him to continue. The head chef became a person Theo looked up to and viewed as a mentor which was so sweet! Overall, If You Can’t Take the Heat is a mix of character growth, found family, and of course cooking, set in an intriguing setting of 1970’s Cleveland.
Filled with mouthwatering food descriptions and heartwarming found family vibes, If You Can’t Take the Heat has inspired our inner chef!
Grab your copy of If You Can’t Take The Heat here!
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