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bex0926's review
3.0
3.75/5
This was such a cute book! I loved how it wasn’t just a romance but also focused a lot on family and identity and growing into yourself.
The one thing is I wish there was a lil more development on Pen and Xander’s relationship. All of a sudden after their first date they’re saying I love you which just seems a little unrealistic? Idk but other than that, super cute and love how the restaurant is a safe place for so many people who need it. Thought that was special :)
This was such a cute book! I loved how it wasn’t just a romance but also focused a lot on family and identity and growing into yourself.
The one thing is I wish there was a lil more development on Pen and Xander’s relationship. All of a sudden after their first date they’re saying I love you which just seems a little unrealistic? Idk but other than that, super cute and love how the restaurant is a safe place for so many people who need it. Thought that was special :)
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact meets Maurene Goo’s The Way You Make Me Feel.
moxiegirlzriot's review
5.0
Full of laughter, love, and delicious Mexican food. Totally recommend, especially for fans of Acevedo's With The Fire on High. If you aren't hungry at the beginning, you'll be starving by the end. A lovely Latinx story dealing with family, mental health issues, immigration, and following your passion.
danacoledares's review
4.0
Both plots were great; wonderful characters. Xander getting out of the hospital without being reported was a stretch, but one I was willing to accept.
Docked a star because the romance did not seem believable to me AT ALL. I really wish the characters had been allowed to develop as friends.
Docked a star because the romance did not seem believable to me AT ALL. I really wish the characters had been allowed to develop as friends.
shellysbookcorner's review
4.0
Thank you Libro.fm for my advanced listening copy.
Pen was determined to forge her own path and follow her dreams. That takes a lot of guts at any age, but especially at age 18.
Xander was a sweetheart who was struggling with abandonment issues and trying to find a sense of belonging and family.
I loved how the author addresses stereotypes that the Chicanx community deals with in this book. I enjoyed the food, the family vibe and sense of community in this story. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up rather quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book does contain some content that may be hard for some readers.
Mentions of self harm, anxiety, police brutality, ICE, intimidation.
Pen was determined to forge her own path and follow her dreams. That takes a lot of guts at any age, but especially at age 18.
Xander was a sweetheart who was struggling with abandonment issues and trying to find a sense of belonging and family.
I loved how the author addresses stereotypes that the Chicanx community deals with in this book. I enjoyed the food, the family vibe and sense of community in this story. I did feel that the ending was wrapped up rather quickly, but overall I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book does contain some content that may be hard for some readers.
Mentions of self harm, anxiety, police brutality, ICE, intimidation.
morganbrabender's review
5.0
I haven’t been moved to tears by a book in a long time, but this one did it for me. Multiple times. I can’t accurately express how wonderful this book is. The quote below gives you an idea about how beautiful the writing is and how deep the themes go. This story is about community, family, identity, dreams, belonging, and love. The author does a wonderful job of conveying everything she intends to and you’re left a better person than you were before reading this book. I highly recommend!
“That’s what I’ve learned about fear. Courage isn’t currency, and claiming it isn’t a game. The things that scare us aren’t roadblocks but mirrors, and bravery isn’t about shattering our reflection, it’s about having the strength to look.”
“That’s what I’ve learned about fear. Courage isn’t currency, and claiming it isn’t a game. The things that scare us aren’t roadblocks but mirrors, and bravery isn’t about shattering our reflection, it’s about having the strength to look.”
amppet22's review
5.0
This book is so wonderful. You fall in love with the characters and at the core of it is the love you feel for everyone in this story. This story is about finding yourself and working through hard times. It’s about love and family. I’m not great at summaries, I never want to spoil anything, but this is a wonderful story. You can imagine the taste of Pens food. You can see the nervousness in Xander’s eyes. You feel the love this book gives. I connected to this in so many different ways and I felt at home when I read the last pages. This book is special and I hope you all read it!