Essay Questions

How does Washington use food and cooking as a central theme and what role does it play in the lives of the characters?

The family bakery is a gathering place and a source of sustenance for the characters. When Cam returns to Houston, he becomes involved in the bakery's operations, which brings him closer to TJ's family. This connection is reinforced through the act of cooking and sharing meals. Food also induces nostalgia and cultural significance. Washington utilizes food to establish bonds between the characters as it reflects their emotional states. For instance, TJ takes Cam to a Korean restaurant from their past. This visit to the restaurant stirs memories with detailed descriptions of the dishes from seolleongtang to pickled radish and kimchi. Additionally, the book vividly describes the sensory experience of cooking such as when characters prepare dishes with care and passion. This creates a sense of comfort and togetherness. Food acts as a medium for both connection and solace throughout the story.

How does the novel examine the complexities of grief and loss through Cam's character and the presence of Kai's ghost?

The novel delves deeply into the emotional impact of loss through Cam's character. Cam is grieving the death of his boyfriend and often sees his ghost. During conversations, Cam struggles with this anguish as it makes it difficult to move on after the loss. For example, the mention of Kai's food preferences such as Mexican food and Japanese cuisine brings up their past. This presence serves as a constant reminder of his source of emotional turmoil. Moreover, the manifestation of Kai's ghost in Cam's life adds a supernatural and symbolic layer to the grief narrative. It signifies how the dead continue to inhabit the living's emotional landscape. Therefore, it highlights the inescapable nature of loss. The novel also portrays Cam's journey of navigating addiction and guilt as he finds a way to heal.

How does the novel depict the theme of self-discovery, especially in the context of Cam and TJ's character development?

Cam's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. Initially, he is depicted as struggling with addiction, working at the bakery, and resisting change. Through the support of his friends and the bakery, Cam begins to work on himself and become a more responsible individual. Moreover, TJ's interactions with Ian reflect his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace aspects of his identity. As the story progresses, his interactions with Ian become more than just physical encounters. TJ starts to develop an emotional connection with him, which is a departure from his earlier casual encounters. The novel suggests that personal transformation is not an abrupt shift but a gradual and turbulent evolution. In this way, Cam's character personifies the intricacies of the human spirit in the face of misfortune.