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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
MY MOTHER CURSED MY NAME by Anamely Salgado Reyes
This debut magical realism novel follows three generations of strong-willed, Mexican-American women. The story highlights the highs and lows of mother-daughter/grandmother-granddaughter relationships and generational trauma quite well.
Though a bit of a slow burn, the Olivares women were interesting and relatable. As they struggled to understand each other, began to open up, be vulnerable and discover truths about themselves, I found myself thinking about my own experiences in a new way.
The magical realism aspect enhanced the story without it feeling contrived or cheesy. I especially loved how their names (Olvido, Angustias and Felicitas) were the opposite of their personalities. It shows how names and labels can hold power.
Overall, a clever and wonderful coming of age story that will appeal to YA readers and beyond.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: July 30, 2024
**ARC won via a Goodreads Atira Books & SimonAndSchuster giveaway - thank you!
This debut magical realism novel follows three generations of strong-willed, Mexican-American women. The story highlights the highs and lows of mother-daughter/grandmother-granddaughter relationships and generational trauma quite well.
Though a bit of a slow burn, the Olivares women were interesting and relatable. As they struggled to understand each other, began to open up, be vulnerable and discover truths about themselves, I found myself thinking about my own experiences in a new way.
The magical realism aspect enhanced the story without it feeling contrived or cheesy. I especially loved how their names (Olvido, Angustias and Felicitas) were the opposite of their personalities. It shows how names and labels can hold power.
Overall, a clever and wonderful coming of age story that will appeal to YA readers and beyond.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: July 30, 2024
**ARC won via a Goodreads Atira Books & SimonAndSchuster giveaway - thank you!
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was not quite what I expected but still an enjoyable read.
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a debut novel for an incredible new voice. This author's style and genre is reminiscent of Isabel Allende, and this is absolutely a stunning new entry into the tradition of magical realism novels about family written by strong Latina/Hispanic women's voices.
Each of the main characters has her own strong voice which comes across beautifully in the writing. Each new reveal explains and gives context to the previous chapters, and it leaves the reader wanting to re-read right away.
The actual story is moving, heart-warming, and unfolds gracefully. The magical realism elements are naturally and seamlessly integrated into a very real and palpable world the author has created.
I loved every moment of this story, and I can't wait to hear more from this author.
Each of the main characters has her own strong voice which comes across beautifully in the writing. Each new reveal explains and gives context to the previous chapters, and it leaves the reader wanting to re-read right away.
The actual story is moving, heart-warming, and unfolds gracefully. The magical realism elements are naturally and seamlessly integrated into a very real and palpable world the author has created.
I loved every moment of this story, and I can't wait to hear more from this author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
I definitely assumed by the title that it would be a little more expansive and grander of a story but it's an intimate study of a three generation family dealing with grief, forgiveness and moving on.
I kind of wanted a fantasy setting with magic abounding and curses and everything but it's modern day second gen family dealing with generational curses. Not bad at all, just not what I was hoping for..
Which I get isn't fair to judge a book by my expectations when I didn't super look into it before starting but I'm not a fair person lol
Also this is a petty, person gripe is when people think walking into a library and getting a job makes someone a librarian. You have to have a Masters In Library Science to be a librarian. If you work at a library without an MILS you are a library paraprofessional. So yeah she's not a librarian and neither is the man who "runs" the city library there, which like simply would not happen. I don't know any city in Texas that has a public library run by a nephew of some random guy. I could go on but I'm getting actually riled up lol
I kind of wanted a fantasy setting with magic abounding and curses and everything but it's modern day second gen family dealing with generational curses. Not bad at all, just not what I was hoping for..
Which I get isn't fair to judge a book by my expectations when I didn't super look into it before starting but I'm not a fair person lol
Also this is a petty, person gripe is when people think walking into a library and getting a job makes someone a librarian. You have to have a Masters In Library Science to be a librarian. If you work at a library without an MILS you are a library paraprofessional. So yeah she's not a librarian and neither is the man who "runs" the city library there, which like simply would not happen. I don't know any city in Texas that has a public library run by a nephew of some random guy. I could go on but I'm getting actually riled up lol
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated