A review by grayswagner
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

3.0

While I enjoyed the important topics being discussed, I felt as if not all of them found a true arc by the end of the novel. The diary format of the novel led to some choppy plot lines and provided only retellings of the character’s experiences. The representation of a latinx plus-size woman is extremely important and overall well done. However, a lot of the Spanish became translated for the reader through repetition. I would’ve enjoyed to simply read the Spanish on its own. As a larger woman myself, some of Gabi’s internal monologues have been in my head before. I found some of her conversations shameful though as she only finds confidence when she starts to lose weight. This landed in a sore spot for me. Overall, I appreciate the attempt to scratch at the topics included. I wish to see more development in the future.

The poetry aspect was fantastic as well.