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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
It was very well written, I just struggled to really get into for some reason. Easy to read but a slow read for me. I'm excited to see it made into a movie or mini series tho!
Being first gen Chicano is hard for Julia, who is bright, sarcastic, hilarious, rebellious, depressed, and doesn't want to follow the example of her sister Olga, who pleased everyone but herself--until Olga's untimely death. Olga was perfect...or was she? And just how is Julia supposed to live with the burden of guilt, unfulfilled desires, and sorrow? Sanchez's strong, funny authorial voice and the fraught relationship between the repressive supermadre and her rebellious daughter reminded me of The Poet X, which I loved. This writer has a more down-to-earth, unpoetic style, and she addresses important mental health issues head-on.
I picked this book up as part of Hispanic Heritage Month and expected an easy-read YA. Spending a few years living with a partner from Mexico, getting to know his family, spending time with our friends, and speaking Spanish in the home, I was looking forward to hearing from some familiar voices. While an entire culture cannot be depicted in one family dynamic, of course, I did hear those voices, and I loved it. At times, I felt a vague sense of home that felt really heartwarming.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter's main character Julia is angsty and confrontational - really not an enjoyable personality, at times. Her circumstances though - an overbearing, manipulative, anxious mother, an absent father, and the pressure of a "perfect" sister - give her reason to be. I was surprised when the book took emotional turns, and felt deeply for Julia as she grappled for some form of identity; searched for her own voice. The way her mother suffocated her with attempts to control, yet called it "love" and "worry" were intensely believable, and the book tackles several other heavy topics in a meaningful way.
I also really enjoyed the interactions between Julia and her sarcastic, feisty best friend Lorena, especially on the audiobook version.
This book was more than first met the eye.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter's main character Julia is angsty and confrontational - really not an enjoyable personality, at times. Her circumstances though - an overbearing, manipulative, anxious mother, an absent father, and the pressure of a "perfect" sister - give her reason to be. I was surprised when the book took emotional turns, and felt deeply for Julia as she grappled for some form of identity; searched for her own voice. The way her mother suffocated her with attempts to control, yet called it "love" and "worry" were intensely believable, and the book tackles several other heavy topics in a meaningful way.
I also really enjoyed the interactions between Julia and her sarcastic, feisty best friend Lorena, especially on the audiobook version.
This book was more than first met the eye.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really wanted to love this book, but it was too pessimistic for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Funnier than I expected and the pace was very fast in the beginning. Once it got to the main plot it slowed down which I appreciated given the themes it centered on.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
It took me a solid six months to finish this book. Every few chapters I had to put it down for days or weeks.
The audiobook narrator did an excellent job distinguishing characters, but her pace was a little slow. For the first time ever I listened at a slightly speeded up rate (1.25x), or maybe I couldn't handle dwelling in the story for too long. I don't know, it was intense.
The audiobook narrator did an excellent job distinguishing characters, but her pace was a little slow. For the first time ever I listened at a slightly speeded up rate (1.25x), or maybe I couldn't handle dwelling in the story for too long. I don't know, it was intense.