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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I have really conflicting emotions about this book. On the one hand, I loved the insight into Mexican culture, Julia's journey of self-discovery, and the mental health representation. On the other hand, I really didn't care for Julia. I'm the type of reader who really needs to connect with the characters and I couldn't connect with Julia. She was very confrontational and whiny, and while I see some of the explanations for these behaviors, it doesn't make it any more enjoyable.
Still, the storyline and messages were all great, so I'd give this 3.5 stars.
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2020/01/16/i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter/
Still, the storyline and messages were all great, so I'd give this 3.5 stars.
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2020/01/16/i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter/
I enjoyed this story, but there were times when I wanted to throw the book at the wall out of frustration with Julia and Ama. I wasn't always in love with the language, but all in all I did enjoy the book. The more I learned where Julia and Ama were coming from, the easier it was to not want to strangle them. Everyone has a different walk with hardships and problems, and Julia and Ama are definitely included in that. I feel like they handled their challenges the best they could with the cards they had been dealt. It did end well, so that was also nice. I loved the random Spanish words, that made my heart happy. I also purchased the Kindle version in Spanish, so one of these days I'm going to have to read that. All in all a pretty good book with some very hard moments.
I loved this book. I found it a compelling story about a young woman struggling to reconcile her ambitions and her parents'/culture's expectations, as well as a realistic portrayal of what it is like to live with depression. I found Julia, the main character, refreshing: she is smart, creative, and yearning to experience life in all its fullness. I noticed that a few other reviewers did not respond well to her. I really appreciated that she was a character who did not care about being well-liked--few women, real or fictional, are this way!
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wish I read this 10 years ago when I was a young adult
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Rape, Abortion, Suicide attempt
Stepping into Julia's life was difficult, yet very worthwhile.
I struggled to read this YA novel as I found the main character generally unlikable; the author juggled numerous challenging themes; and the mystery 'hook' was heavy handed. I also found the characters to be mostly one dimensional. I applaud Sánchez tackling difficult topics in young adult literature though, such as depression, suicide, racism, poverty, homophobia, sexual assault, street violence and the constant threat of deportation that undocumented families face.
it had a bit too much going on to do any of them completely right. there’s be some times where I could see the purpose and relevance to everything but then there’s be sentences like “I’m so bad at suicide. I win at being the worst at killing myself. I’m a champion.” like what?
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter was so unique. I loved the way it handled grief, depression, anxiety, etc. and how therapy was ACTUALLY ADDRESSED in this book. Most times they go, "Oh, therapy is bad because of this." However, it's effective for some people. Therapy isn't a monster.
HOWEVER
Julia could be a bit unbearable sometimes, and often times, Lorena. It just made me want to throw the book across the room. Some topics could've been handled with a little bit more grace, I believe, but otherwise, it was great.
It felt very immersive into Mexican culture and the expectations Julia's parents had.
Overall, it was a pretty solid book that I enjoyed, however, it had a few flaws.
HOWEVER
Julia could be a bit unbearable sometimes, and often times, Lorena. It just made me want to throw the book across the room. Some topics could've been handled with a little bit more grace, I believe, but otherwise, it was great.
It felt very immersive into Mexican culture and the expectations Julia's parents had.
Overall, it was a pretty solid book that I enjoyed, however, it had a few flaws.
I do not typically read YA books. Even when I taught high school, you had to twist my arm to spend precious free time reading YA books, but something about this one really appealed to me. I’m glad I read it. It felt very true to me. I both identified with Julia and could see many of my former students in her. If I were still teaching high school, I would definitely have a copy of this in my classroom library. I agree
with what others have said about the ending being too neatly packaged.
with what others have said about the ending being too neatly packaged.