Reviews

Don't Ask Me Where I'm from by Jennifer De Leon

vy15's review

Go to review page

fast-paced

3.75

kelleemoye's review

Go to review page

5.0

I really, really, really liked this book, and I don’t see why there hasn’t been more hype around it. I loved the characters, the story, the evolution, and definitely the theme. Beautifully written with real representation.

itskhaliamonique's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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

4.0

colorfulleo92's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was an very interesting read as it's thouches on topics I know nothing about. Intriguing and infuriating at times. I like these kinds of books that are fiction but at the same time highlights topics and information that i know very little or nothing about and at the same time as I read an enjoyable story.

livlovelit's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Don't Ask Me Where I'm From is a great read. Liliana's story feels real, relatable, and especially important right now. The world needs more books that give voices to young women of color and their unique life experiences, as well as humanizing stories of immigration. Even with these big themes, any kid (or adult) can understand the universal feeling of trying to find your place in the world.

kthornette's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This cover is beautiful. That had to be said.

Liliana, I enjoyed reading your story. I love your passion for writing and finding yourself.

The pacing was a little weird. It started really fast, dragged a bit, and then sped up again got the end just to tie up loose ends. As much as I love an interracial pairing, I think the story could’ve still worked if not be better without the love story. Maybe if I liked Dustin more, I’d think differently. I wish the story focused more on her father and, to avoid spoilers, the situation involving him.

This book reminds me of Somewhere in Between by Melissa De La Cruz. If you like stories of first-generation kids of undocumented parents who try to find their American identity while dealing with racism and classism, then you’ll like this book.

lonelyhuman's review

Go to review page

2.0

This was a case of “I liked the idea but wasn’t a fan of the execution”. I liked the idea because I don’t think that it’s something that I’ve read before and I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t. The very first thing that I did not like at all was the writing style, that doesn’t mean that no one else will like it, but I just thought that it felt like a first draft (if that makes sense). I didn’t like the main character for some reason, I can’t put my finger on why though. I also felt like the ending was super convenient and maybe too happy
Spoiler it doesn’t make sense that she would suddenly become an amazing student, the wall would be in the newspaper and her father would be back all on the same day.

readsewknit's review

Go to review page

3.0

Liliana Cruz is a high-school student with parents originally from Central America; she is bright and spends her time building miniature scenes or crafting words. 

She is initially resistant when admitted into METCO, a desegregation program; she is bright and yet attends an underperforming school in Boston, and this is an opportunity to give her a stronger educational experience while diversifying the suburban school, so she acquiesces. So begins some predictable situations of the struggle to make new friends but also the guilt that can arise when she starts to find a home there and others feel she has left them behind.

Relevant issues are covered, and we see how even well-intentioned educational experiences can backfire. Themes of perseverance and family are key.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

joyciemarie's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

erika_chancla's review

Go to review page

5.0

I wish there was more books like this when I was growing up! I loved reading about Liliana and her struggles to fit in!