At the end of her first week of classes, Chef Clarke advises Mebel to drop out because she doesn’t “have what it takes to be a chef.” (pp. 88-90). What did you think of this scene? Do you feel he was trying to be kind? What about Mebel’s response?

BookBrowse Book Club Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block
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At the end of her first week of classes, Chef Clarke advises Mebel to drop out because she doesn’t “have what it takes to be a chef.” (pp. 88-90). What did you think of this scene? Do you feel he was trying to be kind? What about Mebel’s response?

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My feelings were Chef Clarke was trying to give Mebel and easy out. Chef was kind and matter of fact. He wanted Mebel to think about what the class will demand of her and to realize she will most likely have a hard time with the expectations of the class.

She did not have a response to the chef, but she had one for herself..to learn one skill first before she left.

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I think he was being kind, and I am glad she didn’t give up!!

I adored Mebel!! :heart:

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Oh…I take this to heart. I’m with Mebel on this one. I’ll take the challenge and come out with claws. I hope others feel the same

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I thought Chef Clarke was very fair in his treatment of Mebel. He did think at the time that she would not succeed. He was wrong about her and he gave her credit for her accomplishments.

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I also think Chef Clarke was being kind and Mebel decided she needed to accomplish some of her goals rather than immediately quitting. This is when she began to focus on what she truly wanted and stop falling back on her upbringing and societal expectations. She also became a much more likable character at this point.

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I think he was being kind. I was so proud of Mebel for sticking with it!!

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I think he thought he was doing her a favor. He didn’t think she should waste her time. And let’s face it… she kept saying she didn’t want to be a chef.

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Yes. I thought he was trying to be kind. He also realized that she did not have the same amount of heart put into it as the others. I also found it to be a little ageist, that it would be harder for her than the younger kids

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I think he was trying to be kind because of what he observed. Mebel proved him wrong!

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Mebel is not used to doing what she considers menial work, such as chopping vegetables. She did terrible on the first test. She admitted she did not want to be a chef. Chef Clarke was truly trying to guide her and save her from wasting time and money doing something she clearly isn’t meant to do.

I love how she showered, considered that people are attracted to competence, and marched to the kitchen I’m her pjs to practice cutting potatoes and master that one skill!

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I agree with the others comments. Chef Clarke was being kind and trying to guide Mebel in the best direction going on what he observed. I loved Mebel’s response to this. I feel the author did a great job showing the range of emotions Mebel had to work through to get to her decision.