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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Overall, it was a decent, breezy read. The story, characters and setting were all interesting. The story gets a little slow in the middle but the writing picks up in both flow and engagement again during the last third.
What I wasn't so happy about were the recurring themes of fat-phobia, traditional beauty norms, plus race, class and gender stereotypes. My hunch is the author is trying to bring common narratives and stereotypes into the story that kids both encounter and internalize, and maybe try to confront them. However, the norms and stereotypes are used much more frequently to describe charactersthan they are challenged or countered in the text (and usually are not challenged or called very directly and powerfully). It also gives a somewhat narrow view into how people experience mental health issues, and what kinds of outcomes and resolutions there might be.
Normally this would get under my skin less. But this a book for young adults that seems intent on helping them be more sure of who they are and how they can be in the world. If you're trying to shape ideas and outlooks for an impressionable audience, you should really be *on point*.
What I wasn't so happy about were the recurring themes of fat-phobia, traditional beauty norms, plus race, class and gender stereotypes. My hunch is the author is trying to bring common narratives and stereotypes into the story that kids both encounter and internalize, and maybe try to confront them. However, the norms and stereotypes are used much more frequently to describe charactersthan they are challenged or countered in the text (and usually are not challenged or called very directly and powerfully). It also gives a somewhat narrow view into how people experience mental health issues, and what kinds of outcomes and resolutions there might be.
Normally this would get under my skin less. But this a book for young adults that seems intent on helping them be more sure of who they are and how they can be in the world. If you're trying to shape ideas and outlooks for an impressionable audience, you should really be *on point*.
Beautifully written and perfect. A must read, especially for young adults!
This book was let down. Full disclaimer, I didn't finish it. I couldn't get into Julia's voice. I kept thinking I would relate to the story, at least culturally, but it felt like such a cliche. Typical teenage angst, typical bad relationship with parents, typical perfect sibling. It didn't captivate me, at all.
Me encantó, es una historia que clasificaría para adolescentes, pero que toca temas que algunos adultos seguimos arrastrando. Es la historia de una adolescente proveniente de una familia de migrantes mexicanos, Julieta es la primera generación que nace del otro lado de la frontera y se enfrenta al choque de culturas, teniendo que lidiar con la ansiedad y la depresión, la sensación de fracaso al no llenar la expectativa familiar y trabajar con heridas que viene arrastrando en su relación materna.
emotional
inspiring
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
This book spoke to me, as a Mexican woman who immigrated to the U.S. the story is wholesome and reflective.
A strong YA novel showing the experiences of a young, first-generation Mexican girl. It has a little of many things teens like in a novel: grief, mothers-daughters, depression, weight issues, teen sex, and profanity. It is certainly a coming-of-age story where the main characters makes mistakes, but she also makes some amazingly mature choices as well. It's not full of Mexican stereotypes although there are some, it's done in a witty, intelligent way.
I first read this book in 2020 and loved it. I decided to reread it as my son's 10th grade English class is reading it. My son wanted to talk about parts of the book with me, so rereading it seemed like a good idea. On this second reading, I have come to the conclusion that this is a great book for teens to read and discuss. My son and I discussed topics we really haven't talked about before. Here are my top reasons for teens to read this book:
1. It is high interest literature that will engage teen readers.
2. Teens will better understand the Mexican-American experience
3. A strong female protagonist will resonate with teens. I would not call Julia a role model for all teens, but through her journey, students can look at their own values and understand others and themselves better.
4. Reducing the stigma of mental health issues
5. The novel fosters empathy and understanding of people from different cultures as well as the LGBTQ+ community giving the reader a perspective that may be different than their own.
6. Critical thinking and the discussion of societal expectations
7. The many universal themes that can be found including love, loss, resilience will help teens to improve their emotional intelligence.
As for my son, he hasn't read a YA book with the language and mature content in this novel (although he has certainly been exposed through Netflix and movies), but I can only see him learning from what this book offers. I do not see it detrimental in any way.
1. It is high interest literature that will engage teen readers.
2. Teens will better understand the Mexican-American experience
3. A strong female protagonist will resonate with teens. I would not call Julia a role model for all teens, but through her journey, students can look at their own values and understand others and themselves better.
4. Reducing the stigma of mental health issues
5. The novel fosters empathy and understanding of people from different cultures as well as the LGBTQ+ community giving the reader a perspective that may be different than their own.
6. Critical thinking and the discussion of societal expectations
7. The many universal themes that can be found including love, loss, resilience will help teens to improve their emotional intelligence.
As for my son, he hasn't read a YA book with the language and mature content in this novel (although he has certainly been exposed through Netflix and movies), but I can only see him learning from what this book offers. I do not see it detrimental in any way.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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 debated if this book was a 4 or a 5; there are a few parts in the middle that drag just a little. Still, given the subject matter (most especially the main character's deepening depression) it's hard to know how else the book could go. Despite that small complaint, I really, really liked this. It's smart and fascinating, and avoids pat answers.