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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
This book is officially my favorite book. Julia's journey is so beautiful. I'm not very good a reviews, but I can whole-heartedly say that I could read it a million times over.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I didn’t realize how young of a read this would be, and it comes across like someone trying to force as many Mexican stereotypes into one story as possible. I can see it being influential for a middle to older elementary school audience, especially for younger girls of color who are maybe less familiar with the concept of mental health but there were too many asides that didn’t advance the plot for my taste and the ending felt pretty unsatisfying.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Follow me on Instagram @bookmarkedbya / instagram.com/bookmarkedbya and see the full review at my blog: https://bookmarkedbya.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter-erika-l-sanchez/
*Thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a free copy of this book.
The introspective story of the struggles a teen faces when she can't - and doesn't want to - live up to the expectations of her Mexican parents, especially after her upstanding sister dies.
I love Young Adult novels; I love how raw and honest they are, and this one is no exception. The story shares so much about Mexican culture and, very uniquely - I think, melds that with how cultural expectations can have negative effects on those they have been placed upon. Our main character, Julia, finds it impossible to come to terms with what she wants in life and what her parents want for her. This aspect of the novel is so moving, eye-opening, and honest. What I didn't love was the voice Sanchez chose for Julia. She is extremely negative - which I can forgive because she struggles with mental illness - but coupled with surface-level emotional sincerity, I ultimately found the writing lacking. For what it’s worth, I generally enjoy YA writing - I'm fine with a more juvenile voice, but it must also be deeply rooted in emotion. I didn’t quite find that here. That said, this novel is so worth reading and is rich in culture and inclusivity; it sends a wonderful message that so many need to hear. While the writing left me wanting more, I enjoyed Julia's story and how the American and Mexican cultures she knows are at play to mold her hopes and dreams for her life and her relationship with her family.
*Thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a free copy of this book.
The introspective story of the struggles a teen faces when she can't - and doesn't want to - live up to the expectations of her Mexican parents, especially after her upstanding sister dies.
I love Young Adult novels; I love how raw and honest they are, and this one is no exception. The story shares so much about Mexican culture and, very uniquely - I think, melds that with how cultural expectations can have negative effects on those they have been placed upon. Our main character, Julia, finds it impossible to come to terms with what she wants in life and what her parents want for her. This aspect of the novel is so moving, eye-opening, and honest. What I didn't love was the voice Sanchez chose for Julia. She is extremely negative - which I can forgive because she struggles with mental illness - but coupled with surface-level emotional sincerity, I ultimately found the writing lacking. For what it’s worth, I generally enjoy YA writing - I'm fine with a more juvenile voice, but it must also be deeply rooted in emotion. I didn’t quite find that here. That said, this novel is so worth reading and is rich in culture and inclusivity; it sends a wonderful message that so many need to hear. While the writing left me wanting more, I enjoyed Julia's story and how the American and Mexican cultures she knows are at play to mold her hopes and dreams for her life and her relationship with her family.
This was a great book. While the protagonist is YA, it’s a valuable read for many! It is one that I would love to have in a classroom! It was honest and heartfelt, as well as culturally appropriate!
Huh…where to begin. I had high expectations for this book, thinking it would speak to me since I’m Chicana. I’d just finished the beautifully written The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and this book was a very sloppy second…
The main character is unlikeable, author keeps making it a point that she’s overweight…I get the normal insecurities, however, just mention it once—I’ll remember and draw a picture in my mind, no need to keep reminding me, sheesh. That’s secondary though: I found the book to be playing into the Mexican stereotypes a little too much (being poor/hungry/cleaning homes/non-English speakers/etc.). Then she goes to stay with family in Mexico for some time…forget it, character starts talking about the way her cousins dress, their makeup, the company they keep, even the food.
But the kicker was her mental health. It felt like the author dropped it in the book rather than develop it and weave it from the beginning of the book.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but it fell short for me. Skip it, there are better Mexican-American books/authors out there.
The main character is unlikeable, author keeps making it a point that she’s overweight…I get the normal insecurities, however, just mention it once—I’ll remember and draw a picture in my mind, no need to keep reminding me, sheesh. That’s secondary though: I found the book to be playing into the Mexican stereotypes a little too much (being poor/hungry/cleaning homes/non-English speakers/etc.). Then she goes to stay with family in Mexico for some time…forget it, character starts talking about the way her cousins dress, their makeup, the company they keep, even the food.
But the kicker was her mental health. It felt like the author dropped it in the book rather than develop it and weave it from the beginning of the book.
I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but it fell short for me. Skip it, there are better Mexican-American books/authors out there.
emotional
funny
medium-paced