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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
3.5 stars, but worth rounding up.
I had never heard of this one until I received an arc of it at a conference. I normally roll my eyes when I see books saying things like "Game of Thrones" meets "Lord of the Rings" or whatever because it's NEVER true. So when I saw "For fans of Gilmore Girls and To All the Boys I've Loved Before" I thought, "Yeah, sure. We'll see about that."
I only can kind of understand why they mentioned To All the Boys I've Loved Before (Lara Jean and her connection to Korea and Rosa's connection to Cuba? I guess?) But this legitimately felt like Cuban Gilmore Girls, and I was ON BOARD. I do think the connection was more obvious in the first few chapters, but that's fine. I didn't really want a Gilmore Girls retelling, ya know?
So basically, imagine a Cuban-American Rory Gilmore who loves her grandmother and is cursed. Oh and there's a cute, moody boy too. (And it just dawned on me that her best friend is a drummer. How did was that not obvious to me before finishing the book?) I really enjoyed feeling immersed in the culture. I would have liked a bit more character development for some of the side characters like Ana, but overall, I thought this was a fun read. I'd definitely pick up another Moreno book in the future.
I had never heard of this one until I received an arc of it at a conference. I normally roll my eyes when I see books saying things like "Game of Thrones" meets "Lord of the Rings" or whatever because it's NEVER true. So when I saw "For fans of Gilmore Girls and To All the Boys I've Loved Before" I thought, "Yeah, sure. We'll see about that."
I only can kind of understand why they mentioned To All the Boys I've Loved Before (Lara Jean and her connection to Korea and Rosa's connection to Cuba? I guess?) But this legitimately felt like Cuban Gilmore Girls, and I was ON BOARD. I do think the connection was more obvious in the first few chapters, but that's fine. I didn't really want a Gilmore Girls retelling, ya know?
So basically, imagine a Cuban-American Rory Gilmore who loves her grandmother and is cursed. Oh and there's a cute, moody boy too. (And it just dawned on me that her best friend is a drummer. How did was that not obvious to me before finishing the book?) I really enjoyed feeling immersed in the culture. I would have liked a bit more character development for some of the side characters like Ana, but overall, I thought this was a fun read. I'd definitely pick up another Moreno book in the future.
I love that this book is just so, so, so inherently Latinx. I feel like almost every Latinx family has had a family member who has either cursed someone or had a cursed placed on them. The supernatural and storytelling go hand in hand in Latinx familes in a way that feels almost natural and Nina Moreno was able to capture this feeling perfectly.
I enjoyed how in this novel, multi generational trauma is really explored in depth through magical realism. It also explored what being a child of the diaspora feels like and the complicated feelings that come with the longing of a place that has never been your home, but feels painted in your veins. Rosa's relationship with the women in her family, her mother and her grandmother is messy and stems from the lack of proper communication so it was cool to see them all heal together at the end.
I enjoyed how in this novel, multi generational trauma is really explored in depth through magical realism. It also explored what being a child of the diaspora feels like and the complicated feelings that come with the longing of a place that has never been your home, but feels painted in your veins. Rosa's relationship with the women in her family, her mother and her grandmother is messy and stems from the lack of proper communication so it was cool to see them all heal together at the end.
This was fine? I listened to the audiobook so my attention wasn’t always 100% on the book but I don’t think anything about it was that spectacular. Bonus points for own voices but that’s it.
I joined @ImmortalBiblio this month to read Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno. I definitely wanted to read a contemporary book, this came at the precise time. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover. One of the aspects I loved about the book was the family dynamic as we experience Rosa’s relationship with her grandmother Mimi. Another aspect that I connected with was Rosa’s enthusiasm to learn about her culture and family history.
“Everything I knew about Cuba came from this coastal town, hundreds of miles from the island that was so unknown to me. I met my culture in the food I ate at our table, the songs that played on my abuela’s record player, and the stories that flowed through the bodega and Ana- Maria’s lively home. But I couldn’t find my family in those stories. I couldn’t find me.”
My favorite part was how the journey Rosa went through made her see her family in a different way while also accomplishing her goal to visit Cuba. She was able to figure out what to do about her college and her relationship. “Without Mimi, I didn’t know where and how Port Coral fit in my life anymore.”
I recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporaries as this has been my favorite one this year, I went through it so quickly. I can’t wait to read Nina’s next book, I really loved her writing.
“Everything I knew about Cuba came from this coastal town, hundreds of miles from the island that was so unknown to me. I met my culture in the food I ate at our table, the songs that played on my abuela’s record player, and the stories that flowed through the bodega and Ana- Maria’s lively home. But I couldn’t find my family in those stories. I couldn’t find me.”
My favorite part was how the journey Rosa went through made her see her family in a different way while also accomplishing her goal to visit Cuba. She was able to figure out what to do about her college and her relationship. “Without Mimi, I didn’t know where and how Port Coral fit in my life anymore.”
I recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporaries as this has been my favorite one this year, I went through it so quickly. I can’t wait to read Nina’s next book, I really loved her writing.
Ugh. I am heartbroken that Port Coral isn't a real town.
This was pretty adorable and enjoyable. Would have appreciated if the author had committed a little more to the magical realism, but even without it, this was completely charming (Oh, those grandpas and their Insta live streams!)
This was pretty adorable and enjoyable. Would have appreciated if the author had committed a little more to the magical realism, but even without it, this was completely charming (Oh, those grandpas and their Insta live streams!)
I ADORED this one!!! Rosa Santos is my favorite, and I love her to pieces. She's bi, stubborn, always looking out for others and helping them. She's such a big part of this community that she grew up in, and you can tell that she loves this home as much as she loves Cuba. I loved how culturally-infused this book was and how Port Coral felt like a real place, like somewhere I could go and hangout with friends and eat good food. I also completely adored Rosa and Alex's sweet romance, and almost every single character in this book. They + the relationships are just so fucking GOOD. However, the reason this isn't 5 stars (which is what it should have been), is because of what happened with her abuela. I thought it was unnecessary, and it kind of just seemed to derail the story. I love that it brought Rosa home to Cuba, but I didn't love why she got there. I might be in the minority about this part, but yeah. Don't Date Rosa Santos is absolutely precious, and I would die for my girl.
This made me pine for small town life, made me hungry, made me want wild adventures, and made me cry.
This book makes my heart Happy reading it was like reading a love letter to Cuba and the culture and it was just phenomenal. There were so many relatable moments in this book for me personally and I could talk about it and I will probably reread this book multiple times. The main character of Rosa was wonderful and you felt like you could be her friend I really wish we could have known a more about the mom. like maybe get a small perspective from her. every character in this book just came to life.
rep: Bisexual Cuban-American mc
tw/cw: mention of dead family members, death of a family member, some scenes in the hospital, near drowning experiences
I want to thank link: Cande for loving this book so much and recommanding it because that's what made me really excited to read it.
At first, I thought this book would a soft story filled with romance and family, but I was so wrong, this is much more than that. DON'T DATE ROSA SANTOS is a love letter to the sea, Cuba, the importance of family (by blood and chosen), identify, diaspora, your community and yourself.
Every day, I miss the sea. Every day, I wish I could live closer to it. This book reminded me how important it was for me and Alex made me want to sail again. Maybe one day.
I cried because I was happy, because these characters were hurt or when they found comfort in each other. I cried because it was painful and perfect and everything I wanted and needed. I cried because I know what it's like to lose your grandmother and feel like she had the answers and was the keeper of the stories of your family.
I liked how it shifted from a soft YA contemporary to something painful and beautiful at the same time, filled with magical realism. The way they tried to work on their issues felt spontaneous and I say that in the best way possible. They have answers, and they don't, it's how life work.
Before I forget, I want to mention that I read half of the book listening to the audiobook (which was very good btw) and while it was nice, I didn't felt as connected as I wanted until I started the ebook and hit that part. I still recommend listening to the audiobook if it's something you enjoy.
Here is what I liked:
• the sense of community
This reminded me of home. I loved how Port Coral became one to save the Marina, to save what was theirs. And they did it beautifully. All these characters were perfect and imperfect at the same time, they made the whole reading experience 10 times better. (The Peña family owns my heart).
I wish I could write more but at the same time there is too much to say and I don't know where to start but from the quest, to the bodega, the town meetings, the festival, the food they cooked together, their shared love and trust for one another, and more...this was such a good adventure.
• College decisions
I liked that It was a big part of the story but it was not used as a big drama. It felt natural and soft, not that college decisions can't be dramatic but I liked how everything was just...soft. And I loved it when she said:
• the romance
I don't mind romance in books but it's nice to see something different. Again, her attraction to Alex was important for her own journey but it wasn't the main one. Yes, she's cursed and she doesn't know what will happen to her, but they took it slow. It was just precious and it warmed my heart.
Now some quotes:
tw/cw: mention of dead family members, death of a family member, some scenes in the hospital, near drowning experiences
I want to thank link: Cande for loving this book so much and recommanding it because that's what made me really excited to read it.
At first, I thought this book would a soft story filled with romance and family, but I was so wrong, this is much more than that. DON'T DATE ROSA SANTOS is a love letter to the sea, Cuba, the importance of family (by blood and chosen), identify, diaspora, your community and yourself.
Every day, I miss the sea. Every day, I wish I could live closer to it. This book reminded me how important it was for me and Alex made me want to sail again. Maybe one day.
I cried because I was happy, because these characters were hurt or when they found comfort in each other. I cried because it was painful and perfect and everything I wanted and needed. I cried because I know what it's like to lose your grandmother and feel like she had the answers and was the keeper of the stories of your family.
I liked how it shifted from a soft YA contemporary to something painful and beautiful at the same time, filled with magical realism. The way they tried to work on their issues felt spontaneous and I say that in the best way possible. They have answers, and they don't, it's how life work.
Before I forget, I want to mention that I read half of the book listening to the audiobook (which was very good btw) and while it was nice, I didn't felt as connected as I wanted until I started the ebook and hit that part. I still recommend listening to the audiobook if it's something you enjoy.
Here is what I liked:
• the sense of community
This reminded me of home. I loved how Port Coral became one to save the Marina, to save what was theirs. And they did it beautifully. All these characters were perfect and imperfect at the same time, they made the whole reading experience 10 times better. (The Peña family owns my heart).
I wish I could write more but at the same time there is too much to say and I don't know where to start but from the quest, to the bodega, the town meetings, the festival, the food they cooked together, their shared love and trust for one another, and more...this was such a good adventure.
• College decisions
I liked that It was a big part of the story but it was not used as a big drama. It felt natural and soft, not that college decisions can't be dramatic but I liked how everything was just...soft. And I loved it when she said:
Plus, I can combine my Latin American studies with a minor in sustainability. Learn about places I love but also do something about it.
• the romance
I don't mind romance in books but it's nice to see something different. Again, her attraction to Alex was important for her own journey but it wasn't the main one. Yes, she's cursed and she doesn't know what will happen to her, but they took it slow. It was just precious and it warmed my heart.
Now some quotes:
She warned me our land was bleeding and the sea would demand a sacrifice. I left anyway.
For a family so well acquainted with death, we had no idea how to have a funeral. The bones of our dead were lost to the sea, not buried in cemeteries.
"In the fall, Alvaro came home with me and asked Papi if he could marry me. 'What can a teacher give my daughter?' he asked, and Alvaro said, 'Good love letters.'"
She took my hand, and we disappeared into the music that sounded like longing, pain, and love all wrapped up into one song.
The crowd moved like a wave. We were the tide, she was the moon, and like any good salsa song, she held us in motion for as long as she wanted us.
When I think about Cuba, yeah, it's about me and my family, but it's also bigger than us. It's about the island's incredible biodiversity and its future. I want it to survive and thrive
Wow. I feel so full. I'll carry this feeling of hope and light forever. 🌺🌊
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I decided to write up a full review even though the above really captures how I felt once I finished and how I feel about this gem now.
Nina Moreno created an unforgettable story that will resonate so much with Cuban-Americans and other Latinx folx like me. The title Don't Date Rosa Santos entices you with the promise of a YA summer romance but offers a story about, not only loving a boy, but also loving your mother, grandmother, homeland, and community. Don't get me wrong, Alex was a great love interest too! A boy that bakes and loves the sea? I also loved that Rosa defended him with this wonderful line: "There's a lot of pressure for immigrants and their kids when we want to make good on sacrifices." This is a story about loss, love, and the power of healing after generations of inflicted trauma.
The Santos women are cursed to lose the men they love to the sea. Born in Cuba, Rosa's mother comes to Port Coral in a boat pregnant with Rosa. Rosa's mother handles the loss of Cuba and her husband with anger. Rosa's abuela, Mimi, handles her own loss by burying all her wounds away. This leaves Rosa feeling somewhere in between. Neither here nor there.
Rosa feels a hole inside that can never seemed to be filled. The family curse was such a smart way of exploring the intergenerational trauma and I absolutely loved how the process of healing played out with magical realism prose. Moreno hit all the right notes when it came to reflecting the heartache of living in the hyphen. This was such a charming debut that had me on the brink of tears but also giddy with light and love! I'm looking forward to more from Nina Moreno.
CW: death & grieving, anxiety
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I decided to write up a full review even though the above really captures how I felt once I finished and how I feel about this gem now.
Nina Moreno created an unforgettable story that will resonate so much with Cuban-Americans and other Latinx folx like me. The title Don't Date Rosa Santos entices you with the promise of a YA summer romance but offers a story about, not only loving a boy, but also loving your mother, grandmother, homeland, and community.
Sometimes it felt like the idea of being cursed was all in my head. Like it was a fabled warning to remind me to work hard and focus on my goals. The women before me had lost too much for me to be anything but firmly focused on the future. I was meant to achieve and make all of the loss, heartache, and sacrifices mean something.
The Santos women are cursed to lose the men they love to the sea. Born in Cuba, Rosa's mother comes to Port Coral in a boat pregnant with Rosa. Rosa's mother handles the loss of Cuba and her husband with anger. Rosa's abuela, Mimi, handles her own loss by burying all her wounds away. This leaves Rosa feeling somewhere in between. Neither here nor there.
My first time in the sea felt like returning to something. I thought of my mother and abuela, the image of them sharp and sudden. I wanted to see what was on the other side. I wanted to find what was lost. I wanted to know how to move forward… My only offering heart, humility, and these coins. My tongue was heavy with the wrong language.
Rosa feels a hole inside that can never seemed to be filled. The family curse was such a smart way of exploring the intergenerational trauma and I absolutely loved how the process of healing played out with magical realism prose. Moreno hit all the right notes when it came to reflecting the heartache of living in the hyphen. This was such a charming debut that had me on the brink of tears but also giddy with light and love! I'm looking forward to more from Nina Moreno.
CW: death & grieving, anxiety