I don't love being the first review because I don't think what I have to say will suffice.

I am a 2nd generation American, my mom came to America in her early 20s (or 18/19 idk, sorry Mom!). Within the words of this memoir, I hear the very sentiments my mom has expressed; the idea of trying to love a country that just refuses to love you back. Reading this made me emotional and angry...especially with how things are in America currently (writing this in Jan. 2025) and I'll leave that at that.

Also, I LOVED the format with the recipes and instructions sprinkled throughout; I have the fondest memories of eating those very dishes growing up...I no longer eat meat but you bet I've tried to make the best vegetarian adobo (definitely not the same, but the salty, peppery, vinegar-y flavors are spot on).

I don't feel like I have the words but this was raw, powerful, incredible.

Beautiful prose. The structure with the recipes forming the scaffolding of each chapter was a bit clunky. Some of the characters came across as flat or cliche. Still, a valuable read.

This book is a deeply moving exploration of identity, resilience, and the complex ways food connects us to our roots. Jill Damatac’s storytelling is rich with emotional depth and cultural insight, blending her personal journey with the broader history of colonialism and immigration. Her experiences as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. are heartbreakingly raw, but her rediscovery of her Filipino heritage is profoundly inspiring.

What stands out most is how food becomes both a grounding force and a means of self-discovery—each recipe feels like an act of reclaiming what was lost. The mix of memoir and cultural history is beautifully balanced, making it both deeply personal and universally relatable. It's a poignant reminder of how cooking can be more than just nourishment—it can be a way to heal, honor, and rebuild. This book lingers with you, offering not just a glimpse into one woman's extraordinary journey but a chance to reflect on the stories that shape us all.