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marxxnna's review against another edition
3.0
The book touched on a lot of things that I’ve gone through with my parents. It took some time to finish the book because I wasn’t ready to relive a bunch of that but I’m glad I read it.
I resonated a lot with Julia. I was often described as “terca” and “necia” too, the daughter who wouldn’t comply—except when it came to school and chores. I wanted to defy all rules my parents had set out for me as an adolescent. I felt Julia’s pain when it came to dealing with her Olga’s death and wanting to know the circumstances. It’s difficult having to move on with the world when you just want everything to stop.
I’m not going to praise Julia because there are some things she does and says that I don’t agree with, but she is a growing adolescent.
However, as a daughter of immigrants, I wasn’t a big fan of how Mexico was being portrayed or talked down about by Julia. I understand that not every Mexican child understands the culture but there’s no need to bash and belittle the people from there. Crossing the border is not done easily and leaving behind one’s family is absolutely hard to do. These are the risks people are willing to take in order to achieve a better life, let’s not minimize the people who couldn’t do the same.
I resonated a lot with Julia. I was often described as “terca” and “necia” too, the daughter who wouldn’t comply—except when it came to school and chores. I wanted to defy all rules my parents had set out for me as an adolescent. I felt Julia’s pain when it came to dealing with her Olga’s death and wanting to know the circumstances. It’s difficult having to move on with the world when you just want everything to stop.
I’m not going to praise Julia because there are some things she does and says that I don’t agree with, but she is a growing adolescent.
However, as a daughter of immigrants, I wasn’t a big fan of how Mexico was being portrayed or talked down about by Julia. I understand that not every Mexican child understands the culture but there’s no need to bash and belittle the people from there. Crossing the border is not done easily and leaving behind one’s family is absolutely hard to do. These are the risks people are willing to take in order to achieve a better life, let’s not minimize the people who couldn’t do the same.
deejayvv's review against another edition
5.0
This book is such an important book because it gives such clear and accurate representation for young Mexican teens. I felt incredibly represented here as did many of my students while reading this. Definitely a must add to your library regardless of background because of how captivating the characters are.
spicynicole's review against another edition
4.5
yes julia is annoying but as the daughter of an immigrant, I felt so seen
lizbybz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.5
reginann's review
emotional
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
cemarci's review against another edition
4.5
4.5 really really enjoyed! It has so much an emotion, does such a great job of communicating the main characters perspective and motivations, and in many ways is so relatable. Just aggregate read that I would still categorize as light although there are some intense moments. And I would call it barely a mystery. It really is more a coming of age story in my mind. It does a great job of centering the thoughts and values of a teen, and lets her be where she is right now in her understanding of self/family/life.
Overall, I think it does a good job of addressing teenage mental illness. However, at times I think it used dramatic/violent scenes to move the plot along in a way that almost felt gimmicky. Specifically in ref to the Mexico violence, border crossing story, and the callback at the end of the book to scene where her father finds her in her room. So me these moments didn’t feel totally necessary and were almost trauma porny. But otherwise, a great book that reflects on growing up. Good read for YA and for my older self who can relate.
goss's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sabrams_010's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
susyispnk's review against another edition
inspiring
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
3.0
It was nice to read about a character that I can relate to in many aspects. Even if I'm not of Julia's age, I could still see the similarities in our lives as mexican-american people.
that_person_logan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
I think this is a wonderful book that should be required reading in high schools across the world.
It’s raw, it’s beautifully written, and above all it is real. Nothing is glossed over and it makes for a very emotional and compelling read.
Highly Recommend but please do your research on potential content warnings before deciding to read it!!
It’s raw, it’s beautifully written, and above all it is real. Nothing is glossed over and it makes for a very emotional and compelling read.
Highly Recommend but please do your research on potential content warnings before deciding to read it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Blood, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Rape, Pregnancy, Gun violence, Homophobia, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual content and Deportation