Scan barcode
laurasarmientov's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I am not you Perfect Mexican Daughter only tells, never shows and everything is dependent on stereotypes. I appreciated the complex relationship built with Julia; frustration persists throughout the book as she incessantly complains mirroring the grim reality of her severe mental illness. Criticisms of her personality often overlook her role as the narrator.
The book would have remained a 3-star read if not for the group therapy scene, where Julia's core flaws are revealed. Despite her remorse, her behaviour in therapy, mocking others' scars and traumas, is unacceptable. While I can overlook stereotypes, negative attitudes, even the token gay best friend, Julia's unresolved issues, perhaps stemming from her mental illness and sister's death, limit sympathy. It's clear she needs to step away and address her narcissism through exposure therapy and humbling experiences outside her circle. A sequel novella with someone confronting Julia about her issues head-on would be compelling.
I loathe how much I see of myself in Julia, highlighting personal traits I despise but know are not reflective of me. It's painful witnessing the familiar inconsistencies in Latinx families, reminiscent of conversations I've witnessed. Sanchez's writing, rooted in a culturally confusing environment, resonates deeply. However, it's irresponsible not to address how stereotypes are used within our families for comfort. Sanchez seems to have relied heavily on offensive and outdated assumptions about Latinos, with mental health and humanity as secondary considerations.
The writing is engaging, blending YA and adult contemporary fiction—a style I enjoy. However, the content is disappointing.
robdawgreads's review
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
camilaquintero's review
5.0
Me and Julia are like the same people. I’ve never felt more connected to a book before.
Merged review:
Me and Julia are like the same people. I’ve never felt more connected to a book before.
Merged review:
Me and Julia are like the same people. I’ve never felt more connected to a book before.
blairfrank's review
5.0
I can't get enough of Julia and her straight-forward sassiness. This book covers it all: mental health, stereotyping, poverty, sex, drugs, and the never-ending sibling rivalry.
amandaladd3's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, and Mental illness
Minor: Rape and Homophobia
jen_the_librarian13's review
4.0
This was moving along as a solid 3 until about the last third of the book when HOLY CRAP it got good. the story itself was always interesting and I enjoyed learning about a different culture but I thought the writing could have been a little more elevated at times. I'm also torn by being annoyed at the MC or loving her. By the end I couldn't put it down and wasn't ready for the story to end when it did. I'd welcome a sequel.
As a teen librarian I really welcome this addition to our collection.
As a teen librarian I really welcome this addition to our collection.
caseyae96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sian_m's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book, it really moved me. Stirred emotions and empathy throughout the book and I felt consistently engaged. It was so enjoyable and it kept me fully focused and wanting to know more. I never once got distracted or wandered off in my mind, having to reread.
An emotionally moving read with potentially triggering topics. So pleased I chose to read it.
An emotionally moving read with potentially triggering topics. So pleased I chose to read it.
leafblade's review
4.0
3.75
I think it had some mild problematic stuff that's sometimes inherent to the latinx experience --abusive parents left unchallenged, gay stereotypes, drug abuse. Also heavy trigger warnings for suicide, self harming, medication, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, sex, rape and surely a few other things I'm forgetting.
It was well written. Sometimes the narration style felt like coming home, and sometimes like a strange thing that you thought you knew but didn't. As I'm not Mexican nor an immigrant, I couldn't relate to some aspects of this story. But the ones I could relate to were done fantastically. The complex threading of latinx families has always fascinated me as an insider, and I think this book hits the nail on the head in that aspect.
I think it had some mild problematic stuff that's sometimes inherent to the latinx experience --abusive parents left unchallenged, gay stereotypes, drug abuse. Also heavy trigger warnings for suicide, self harming, medication, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, sex, rape and surely a few other things I'm forgetting.
It was well written. Sometimes the narration style felt like coming home, and sometimes like a strange thing that you thought you knew but didn't. As I'm not Mexican nor an immigrant, I couldn't relate to some aspects of this story. But the ones I could relate to were done fantastically. The complex threading of latinx families has always fascinated me as an insider, and I think this book hits the nail on the head in that aspect.
adragonwithoutfire's review
4.0
| The way this book dealt with depression and the family issues are well done. Feel like this book really hit home (even tho i'm 0t Mexican).