A Heartfelt Journey in Phil Stamper’s Eli Over Easy
When I first picked up Eli Over Easy by Phil Stamper, I was eager to see how he would craft a narrative after his debut, Small Town Pride, which, while promising, felt a bit uneven. This time around, Stamper has truly outdone himself, delivering a poignant and emotionally charged tale that grips you from the first page. It’s a story that lingers long after you turn the last leaf, blending grief with the joy of rediscovery, and I felt a real connection to Eli’s journey.
Thirteen-year-old Eli Adams is thrown into a whirlwind of change and loss when his family relocates to Manhattan, only to face the tragedy of his mother’s untimely death from COVID-19. The abrupt transition—a vibrant city life shattered by unimaginable sorrow—forms the backdrop for a tale that is anything but simple. Eli’s struggle to cope with his grief, combined with his budding interests and relationships, paints a vivid picture of a boy at a crossroads. The way Stamper delicately portrays Eli’s anxiety and the palpable bond between him and his father is truly impressive; you can feel their pain and longing for connection.
What I found particularly resonant was Eli’s unexpected journey into cooking, sparked by the discovery of his mother’s private Youtube videos. The kitchen becomes more than a space for culinary experiments; it evolves into a sanctuary for remembrance and healing. One of my favorite quotes, “You can’t do something perfectly until you’ve messed it up every way possible first, trust me,” encapsulates the spirit of both cooking and life itself. It’s a message of resilience that had me nodding along, reflecting on my own experiences with missteps and learning.
Stamper’s writing shines in his ability to create a rich emotional landscape without becoming overwhelmed by heaviness. The pacing felt just right; the story unfolds naturally, allowing us to breathe alongside Eli as he navigates sorrow, friendship, and budding self-discovery. His interactions with his supportive neighbor, Mrs. Martinez, and the charming Mathias, inject warmth and light into a narrative that could have easily veered into despair. Their conversations about family struggles feel authentic and relatable, adding depth to their characters.
As summer looms, so does the question of whether Eli and his father can find a way to move forward while honoring their shared loss. The relationship between Eli and Mat, while restrained, offers a gentle exploration of young love and the beauty of connection. The moments they share in the kitchen, creating memories through cooking, are heartwarming.
In Eli Over Easy, Phil Stamper presents a sincere narrative that speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the bravery it takes to engage with life’s messy unpredictability. This book is a treasure for middle-grade readers and anyone seeking a story that isn’t afraid to tread into deeper waters while still offering a sense of hope and renewal.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to young readers grappling with change, parents looking to share a touching story with their kids, or anyone who appreciates a beautifully woven tale of resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges. As for me, I’ll carry Eli’s journey with me, grateful for the reminder that even amidst the chaos of grief, there’s always the possibility of joy and reconnection. Thank you, Phil Stamper, for this ticket to step into Eli’s world—it’s a journey I’ll never forget.