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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
I have felt like Julia does a lot of times. I kind of didn't like her in the first chapters, but as I read on I identified a lot with her and understood her better.
I love how the book supports mental health, getting help, and being open minded and kind to others (as we never know what they are going through, like Juanga).
The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is that I feel that Julia's recovery is a bit romanticized. Therapy and mental health medication are wonderful, and the right therapist + right medication can be amazing and unbelievably helpful. But I don't believe they work that fast. Or that recovery is that smooth.
Still, I really appreciate how the story shows there is light after so much darkness, and that anyone can get out of a dark depressive hole when they are willing to open up and accept help. I love the hopeful ending.
I love how the book supports mental health, getting help, and being open minded and kind to others (as we never know what they are going through, like Juanga).
The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is that I feel that Julia's recovery is a bit romanticized. Therapy and mental health medication are wonderful, and the right therapist + right medication can be amazing and unbelievably helpful. But I don't believe they work that fast. Or that recovery is that smooth.
Still, I really appreciate how the story shows there is light after so much darkness, and that anyone can get out of a dark depressive hole when they are willing to open up and accept help. I love the hopeful ending.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Was not expecting to like this book so much. Absolutely loved the character development and felt satisfying to read.
more like a 3.25 rating but bc it’s so near and dear to my heart it’s bumped up a whole star.
i read this back in high school and decided to reread it to see if i’d still feel the same.
i’ve never felt more seen as a person with julia along with her sister, it felt nice for smth to relate so close to home
i read this back in high school and decided to reread it to see if i’d still feel the same.
i’ve never felt more seen as a person with julia along with her sister, it felt nice for smth to relate so close to home
emotional
inspiring
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
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think that this is one of those YA books that doesn't work quite as well if you read it as an adult. It was good read, just one that I had trouble relating to past the age of 17. I do feel like the author did a great job handling some heavy topics and situations, and I do think this an important book. It would be perfect in a middle/high school classroom library.
There were a few times when I wanted to quit reading this in the beginning because the first-person narrative of Julia Reyes is very intense, but something kept making me pick it up again, until I genuinely wanted to...and I'm very glad I finished this book.
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to better understand: grief/loss, depression, Mexican-American culture & expectations, sexual harassment and assault, family bonds and secrets, and adolescent experiences. It is not light reading but it really is excellently written and important!
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to better understand: grief/loss, depression, Mexican-American culture & expectations, sexual harassment and assault, family bonds and secrets, and adolescent experiences. It is not light reading but it really is excellently written and important!
Chicago--Julia's older sister is killed by a truck, but leaves behind a cache of mysterious stuff in her closet. While Julia tries to figure out the clues, she deals with her own grief, overprotective parents, friendships, and a boyfriend from the rich suburbs. Attempts suicide, then parents send her to Mexico to spend time with her family...she finds out about her parents' story in crossing the border (mother raped...sister was conceived in the rape, father had given up talents in art). When she returns, she is refreshed, and learns that her sister had an affair with an older married man and was pregnant at the time of her death.