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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I’m glad I finally decided to pick up this book and read it. Although the main character comes from a Mexican background , there was a lot that I could relate to having immigrant parents and feeling like they do not understand the need for you to be independent etc.
I think Julia starts off resenting her mother but towards the end of the story she understands that her mom is human as well which allows for healing to take place between the both of them.
I really enjoyed this story.
I think Julia starts off resenting her mother but towards the end of the story she understands that her mom is human as well which allows for healing to take place between the both of them.
I really enjoyed this story.
emotional
funny
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“But how do we live with the secrets locked within us? How do we tie our shoes, brush our hair, drink coffee, wash the dishes, and go to sleep, pretending everything is fine? How do we laugh and feel happiness despite the buried things growing inside?” (pg. 284)
For most of this book, the protagonist is a judgmental brat with an attitude problem. Even in a group therapy session after a traumatic event, her inner monologue is dominated by her judgments about the other kids and how they look, like a boy with cystic acne who “looks as if someone set fire to his face.” I found it obnoxious but I kept reading because I was curious about the mysteries surrounding Julia’s older sister, and I wanted to see how it would all end. As family secrets come to light and Julia finally begins to understand how her parents became the people they are, I found myself rooting for her so hard. I wanted to see Julia conquer her demons, believe in herself, and achieve everything she’d ever dreamed of. Of course the ending couldn’t give me everything, but it was beautiful and hopeful and left me in tears. I think a lot of teens will relate to Julia’s feeling of being trapped in her life with parents who don’t understand her. Children of immigrants, especially, will likely find resonance with their own experiences.
(Possible triggers: death of family member, rape, attempted suicide)
For most of this book, the protagonist is a judgmental brat with an attitude problem. Even in a group therapy session after a traumatic event, her inner monologue is dominated by her judgments about the other kids and how they look, like a boy with cystic acne who “looks as if someone set fire to his face.” I found it obnoxious but I kept reading because I was curious about the mysteries surrounding Julia’s older sister, and I wanted to see how it would all end. As family secrets come to light and Julia finally begins to understand how her parents became the people they are, I found myself rooting for her so hard. I wanted to see Julia conquer her demons, believe in herself, and achieve everything she’d ever dreamed of. Of course the ending couldn’t give me everything, but it was beautiful and hopeful and left me in tears. I think a lot of teens will relate to Julia’s feeling of being trapped in her life with parents who don’t understand her. Children of immigrants, especially, will likely find resonance with their own experiences.
(Possible triggers: death of family member, rape, attempted suicide)
emotional
reflective
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I loved this book! I am 12 y/o but this is by far the best book I’ve ever read. I would recommend this book! To anyone who is wondering, this (in my opinion) is good for 11+ or younger depending on how mature you are. This book does have some sexual content, but it is very vague, it also has a lot of cussing. When I read this book, I felt like I was right there! But overall, it’s a great book and i really loved this book!
An interesting look at what life is like for first-generation American citizen teens, whose parents still want them to act in "traditional" ways. Overall, this book had WAY too much going on at once for me. The mystery of Julia's dead sister, Olga, and the secrets she was keeping. Julia's depression and her anger with her parents. The new boyfriend that's white and wealthy and doesn't understand her. The gay friend and his disapproving parents. Her trip to Mexico to spend time with her family there. Her struggle to go to college. While I liked the book by the end, I didn't really connect with the characters. Julia felt bratty and whiny at times, especially about the quinceanera party that her parents want to give her after her sister's death. Overall, this is a good book to add to the shelf for its Latinx, urban, immigrant themes.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated