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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
WARNING THIS BOOK CONTAINS RAPE AND DRUG USE
This has to be one of the best books that portrays what it is like to be a Mexican-American. The whole thing was so good that I couldn't put it down, and honestly we need more of those books with Mexican-American MC's in it.
This book is the diary of Gabi, a chubby Mexican girl that has to struggle with the ins and outs of high school. It details the day to day life that she goes through and it's nice to see that this book captured the craziness of being of teenager without becoming a typical ya contemporary novel. And Gabi has to be one of the cutest MC's I have seen in a while. So relatable with the chubby thighs and good Mexican food. Now I'm craving it.
Gabi also writes a lot of poetry in this book, which is a welcome touch as it breaks up the text with something else to read.
One thing that I did find nice was that it gives the perspective of being a child of a parent who does drugs, without it being the main theme of the book.
Honestly I loved that this book also touches on teen pregnancy and being gay, and I think a lot of kids may struggle with those issues and finding them in a book may help know they are not alone. One thing that did anyone me in this book was the romance in it. At times it became too dramatic and I wanted it to end because of how suffocating it was. But I guess that's close to real life.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that felt really relatable for a Mexican-American. I definitely recommend picking it up.
This has to be one of the best books that portrays what it is like to be a Mexican-American. The whole thing was so good that I couldn't put it down, and honestly we need more of those books with Mexican-American MC's in it.
This book is the diary of Gabi, a chubby Mexican girl that has to struggle with the ins and outs of high school. It details the day to day life that she goes through and it's nice to see that this book captured the craziness of being of teenager without becoming a typical ya contemporary novel. And Gabi has to be one of the cutest MC's I have seen in a while. So relatable with the chubby thighs and good Mexican food. Now I'm craving it.
Gabi also writes a lot of poetry in this book, which is a welcome touch as it breaks up the text with something else to read.
One thing that I did find nice was that it gives the perspective of being a child of a parent who does drugs, without it being the main theme of the book.
Honestly I loved that this book also touches on teen pregnancy and being gay, and I think a lot of kids may struggle with those issues and finding them in a book may help know they are not alone. One thing that did anyone me in this book was the romance in it. At times it became too dramatic and I wanted it to end because of how suffocating it was. But I guess that's close to real life.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that felt really relatable for a Mexican-American. I definitely recommend picking it up.
One of the more enjoyable YA novels I have read lately.
This is an ingenious little book. It starts out incredibly relatable and easy to read, but as the reader grows with Gabi, more important ideas take shape. I love the development she has and I especially love the innocently critical lens through which she views life.
I wanted to like this, especially as a Latina, but I got bored. I would’ve DNF’ed this but I wanted to get up to the zine. I think this is good for a teen (which it is meant for) but if you’re an adult and are wanting to read this, I’d say skip.
funny
reflective
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
I picked this book up because it was in my classroom library and the cover was… provocative. I really enjoyed the epistolary style, and felt like it moved the story along at a quick pace. I also appreciated the honesty with which the book tackled complex issues; the internal conflicts felt very real, and the ebbs and flows of Senior year were also quite realistic - I appreciated how not all of the conflicts occurred at the very end of the novel, because, you know, sometimes problems happen in the middle of January in the midst of a school year.
I would best describe this book as a grittier version of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”, advancing many of the same themes and tropes, but with a slightly older audience in mind. A good read, although I will reserve it for only a few of my eighth grade students who are mature enough to handle the material.
I would best describe this book as a grittier version of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”, advancing many of the same themes and tropes, but with a slightly older audience in mind. A good read, although I will reserve it for only a few of my eighth grade students who are mature enough to handle the material.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Rape, Abortion, Death of parent
The longer I sit with Gabi, the more I appreciate it. What shined through for me were Gabi's brilliant poems and zines. Think young people would really love it - especially fat girls of color in their senior year who might identify with Gabi's particular struggles, jokes, and musings. Has the power to be just the right book, I think, which is so special.
Wonderful story and such loveable and relatable characters!
I read this book in two days, mostly just trying to get it over with. I appreciate the book, but I didn't necessarily like it. My biggest issue is how the main teen characters were all supposed to be seniors in high school, but they reminded me more of middle schoolers. I mean, we're talking seventeen and eighteen year olds here. Nearly adults. We can all say "penis" as opposed to "thing." It did have some good messages. I liked Martin. He was probably the character that made the most sense throughout the entire novel. Idk. I just kept reading this and waiting to fall in love or get completely roped in and it just never happened. I can't say I understand the hype. It's a 2 for me.
emotional
lighthearted
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
Fantastic read! Gabi is truly a girl that will have your hear in pieces for her by the end.