This was a strong horror novel, it had that element that I was looking for from the description. The uses of Haitian lore was really well done and was engaged with what was happening during this story. I enjoyed how good Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite wrote this and am excited for more like this. I was invested in the characters and their story, it was everything that I was looking for.

The Summer I Ate the Rich

Brielle, a half-zonbi living with her Haitian mother in Miami has seen how the other halves live: both the rich and the fully alive, and she wants a part of it so bad she can almost taste it. Her mother, in chronic pain after an accident on the job, struggles to get by most days. Brielle pitches in by working as a server at a swanky restaurant in an exclusive island community, but her real passion is in cooking. Her mother, convinced that Brielle shouldn't resign herself to a life of hard labor, no matter where her passion lies, doesn't approve of Brielle's calling. But when she starts to get supper club bookings and a well-timed internship, Brielle must decide whether to lean into her darker nature to get everything she wants or to play it by the book.

Spoilers ahead:

It pains me to only give this 3 stars. The cover, immaculate. The title, spectacular. The social commentary and Sackler-esque family, hell yes! Brielle as a character, love her. The Haitian lore, descriptions of food, and creole, exquisite. The plot? Half-baked. It was more: the summer I fed some rich people a couple ground up body parts.

Brielle's zonbi/zombie powers are not fully explained--she can influence people with her cooking, I guess, if she puts dead people in her food. But furthermore, there really are no stakes real for her being half monster. Her mom is afraid of her for a while. She experiences blood lust. But nothing happens and she's able to keep it under control pretty easily.

The confrontation between her mom, sisters, and their father was a couple pages. It's not super clear why Brielle had to be there and why her mom and half sisters couldn't do it on their own. He was their monster, not really Brielle's.

Did she really know Preston hit his great-grandfather the moment she met him? Or did she figure that out later when she saw his car at the Banks house? Either way, it doesn't explain her motivation for getting to know him better. Furthermore, her mom says she saw the video, but she really liked Preston and didn't turn him in despite Silas offering a large cash reward for the identity of whoever killed the patriarch of the family. It alludes to the fact that she talked to Silas about the hit and run, but did she get the reward? IDK.(I mean, the police not even taking Brielle's phone in the first place is a stretch)

The tooth! She ground everything up and carried it around in a shaker. How did a molar get into the food. Why did Preston not press her on it. Did she ever tell him she's half zonbi? And what happened with the Michelin star wannabe folks who were there tasting Brielle's menu? Dropped that plot line too!

Brielle alludes to a plan to get even with Silas through her influence. We don't know what it is. What does happen is the FBI eventually comes for him. Did Brielle do this somehow? The agents say they had an ongoing investigation. How does Brielle fit into this or is it just a coincidence.

And why on earth did Brielle and Preston have to get married?? In a funeral home?? At the age of 17??

So many dropped threads and missed opportunities. It was a fun read which is why I'm bummed it didn't live up to its potential.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley!

Oh the commentary on health care and the struggle! Just a constant, pounding reminder - literally in this case with Brielle's mom's pump and consistent beeping. Fibromyalgia is a constant pain - a serious issue for many women. A character on its own.
Brielle is a zonbi - the daughter of her mother and her lover. Forced to emigrate to the US, sisters are left in Haiti with their father - cursed to never leave the land.
With the help of a refurbished flip phone, Brielle donates millions of dollars to charity - the family of her mother's employers. Her life changes - an internship at the family's pharmaceutical company, the interest of their future CEO.
A complicated and fascinating look immigration, poverty, wealth disparity. Oh and revenge.

I wasn't sure about this in the first chapter when Brielle talks about preparing and eating brains BUT this turned out to be a serious page turner that I could not put down. It's an intriguing tale that keeps you guessing what will happen next and the mysticism and rich cultural history give this an exciting edge that I've not encountered before. I loved this book and you will too!

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“The Summer I Ate the Rich” by Elizabeth Rose Quinn is an ambitious and inventive novel that combines elements of Haitian folklore, social commentary, and revenge, all wrapped in a zombie story unlike any you've read before. While it explores themes of class disparity and wealth inequality, the book also delves into Haitian culture and the mystical lore of "zonbi," offering a fresh take on the concept of zombies that stands apart from traditional American portrayals. Content warnings for some gore as well as cannibalism (not as much I was expecting though, based on the synopsis). This book is also more like a revenge story and an exploration on the dangers of certain pharmaceuticals rather than a straight up horror story. I was expecting more horror aspects based on the synopsis, but this book is definitely unique in its portrayal of zombies and revenge.

The protagonist, Brielle, is a 17-year-old Haitian American living in Miami’s Little Haiti. She’s not just an aspiring chef, but also a zombie—though not the mindless, brain-eating kind we’re familiar with in pop culture. Instead, Quinn introduces readers to the Haotian version of zonbi, which is deeply rooted in folklore and mysticism. Brielle’s zonbi tendencies are introduced early in the story, and her powers are explored throughout the novel, adding layers of complexity to her character. Despite her undead nature, she remains an individual who loves her mom and sisters while still grappling with her "urges," creating a fascinating contrast that makes her a compelling, morally gray protagonist. The cannibal aspects are almost nonchalant in their portrayal, even when Brielle is feeding human body parts to other, unsuspecting people, and that specific aspect of her morally gray character created a disconnect for me.

Much of the book's strength lies in its exploration of Haitian culture and the rich mythology surrounding zonbi. Quinn skillfully weaves these elements into the story, providing you with a deeper understanding of Brielle’s heritage and the struggles she faces. The story also offers a biting critique of wealth inequality, as Brielle and her ailing mother work for the rich yet barely have enough to survive. The book’s title and premise suggest a satirical take on "eating the rich," both literally and figuratively, and while there is some gore and cannibalism, it’s less than one might expect given the title and synopsis.

One of the more surprising aspects of the book is its shifting focus. The central plot involving Brielle’s revenge against the wealthy elite doesn’t fully come into play until about 40% into the novel, and even then, it often gets overshadowed by various subplots. For instance, there are chapters interspersed with commentary from Brielle’s sisters, who reveal the truth about their mother’s past. These sections are intriguing but occasionally feel like they detract from the main story, leading to a somewhat scattered plot. The story juggles multiple storylines—revenge, family secrets, Brielle’s powers, and romance—which can make the pacing feel uneven at times. I definitely wasn’t expecting romance in this book and it became a major focus in the second half. This romance subplot, while unexpected, adds a softer dimension to the otherwise intense narrative, and Brielle’s journey becomes as much about personal empowerment as it is about taking down the elite. The book also touches on pharmaceuticals and the healthcare industry, highlighting the disparities in access to medical care, particularly for those without wealth or privilege.

While the book offers plenty of social commentary, it sometimes struggles with tone. At points, it feels like it's trying to be both a sharp critique of class disparity and a glossy, dramatic novel. The juxtaposition of these two tones doesn’t always mesh, leading to moments where the book seems unsure of what it wants to be—a deep, thought-provoking narrative or a wild, escapist romp. Additionally, the climax, involving the takedown of a powerful bokor, feels anticlimactic and underdeveloped. I wanted some more resolution and impact. The book's ending may be unrealistic, but it’s also satisfying in its own way, wrapping up Brielle’s quest for justice and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Overall, “The Summer I Ate the Rich” is a thought-provoking novel with an original twist on zombie folklore. Its mix of Haitian culture, social critique, and dark humor make it a unique addition to the YA genre, even if its various subplots and shifting tones sometimes muddy the waters. For readers looking for a novel that challenges traditional horror tropes while offering biting social commentary, this book is well worth a read.

This rich and deeply impactful novel deals with wealth and class disparities while delving into a much overlooked culture. I have a lot of feelings and thoughts about this book but will only give the basics for this review because it's one of those books where the less you know going in the more pleasantly surprised you'll be when reading.

Brielle is a seventeen year old Haitian American and lives in Miami in the Little Haiti district. She lives with her very traditional mother who suffers from a painful disease. They work for the rich but have very little for their labors.

Brielle is a fantastic character. Not only is she an excellent aspiring chef but she's also a... zombie. But a "zonbi" in the Haitian sense and not the kind you traditionally think about. She's very much a caring, loving person despite her "urges".

As we explore her life and Haitian culture, we'll learn some dark secrets from her mother's past which will have an effect on a plan she has hatched to bring some relief for herself and her mother.

There's more to this story though. And I think you'll enjoy discovering those things as much as I did. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it.

While ‘The Summer I Ate the Rich’ has an incredibly promising premise and a rich blend of dark comedy and horror. But it’s let down drastically by some of the choices in terms of writing style.

There is a lot of breaking up sentences with parenthesis in order to have the character relay information directly to the audience about what they’re thinking in a way that pulls you out of the narrative. It’s not necessary to include sentences like “And fresh yogurt topped with topical fruit compote. (This is where you say, thank you chef.).” Especially not as often as it occurred.

The constant use of “Mummy” instead of alternating between “mother”, “she” or “her” also became a source of minor eye rolling.

I’d be curious to see what the authors come up with next and improve upon in their next book. This just was not for me.

This was a surprising read for me. When you start to understand, yes it is disturbing. But I think this book is just another level of the horror genre. I really enjoyed the drama and twists. The zombie twist was interesting and original in its own way. Overall, for me it felt quite a bit long. It is possible multiple things will be cut but it was a lot for me. But extra points for originality and for making me forget the zombie twist happening behind the scenes.

I really enjoyed this creative take on a teenaged Haitian American girl/zombie. This book was a fun read, as the MC, Brielle spends majority of the book plotting her revenge against greedy capitalists and harmful big pharma empires. But this book was also laden with adventure, friendship, love, grief, folklore, and more. I love the duality of identities as a Haitian and American, zombie and zonbi, mischievous teenager and responsible daughter of immigrants, and more. So many rich layers in all of the characters, but especially in Brielle. Would highly recommend and would definitely read more from Maika and Maritza Moulite.

I do not typically read YA but I am a huge horror fan. I enjoyed the use of the specific cultural elements. The romance was the least interesting part of the book. Thank you to MetGalley and the publisher for a copy.

A unique perspective on Haitian culture and zonbi(zombi) folklore told in this immersive young adult novel.
You can feel the seething anger and disparity of Brielle while she struggles to deal with being surrounded by the upper-class white elite and her mother's healthcare shortcomings.

A great read! 4 out of 5 🌟

It’s a breath of fresh air to read something so unique and immersive. Unfortunately (no, not actually), The Summer I Ate the Rich also evokes frustration, irritation, anger, and disappointment—feelings I found myself sharing with Brielle and her mother. It makes cheering them on and celebrating their wins that much more powerful.

Brielle and her mother, Valentine, exist in different worlds from each other. Where Valentine divides her heart between the United States and Haiti, Brielle divides hers between pleasing her mom and being true to herself. This duo provides such a dynamic view into power imbalances, healthcare’s shortcomings, and the detached lives of the elite. But the all-powerful, unfeeling rich in this book don’t stand a chance against Brielle’s desire for revenge.

On top of all that intrigue and emotion, we’re also gifted with a glimpse into Haitian culture and zonbi (zombie) lore. Maika and Maritza combine truth with fiction in a way that makes me wonder how many zombies may be walking amongst us…

A fascinating horror story about wealth, generational trauma, and medical disparity. Plus, an ending that I never expected! Haitian American Brielle dreams of being a chef, but her mother stopped believed in dreams long ago. She came to this country hoping for a better life for Brielle, but the death of her second husband, low-paying jobs and debilitating chronic pain mean the family can't make ends meet. Plus, there's the fact that Brielle's a zonbi (zombie) and her mother fears what that means for her future. The Summer I Ate the Rich is a horror story where Brielle's hopes are constantly dashed, but mysteriously replaced with opportunity. As Brielle navigates her summer, she'll lean into her powers to get what she needs and more.