A review by machster9
They Could Have Named Her Anything by Stephanie Jimenez

3.0

There were certain aspects of this book I enjoyed; the dilemma faced by a Latino teenager, trying to fit in with her peers in a predominately white school, find her identity, and establish independence from her parents; two young women from different backgrounds, establishing an unlikely relationship because they provided a view into a life each of them thought they were missing out on; the "girl who has everything", who wishes for the one thing she doesn't have - a loving relationship with her parents. In the end, though, I really found it hard to like any of the characters. I recall having difficult relationships with girlfriends in high school, but these two were just awful to each other, most of the time. Rocky's parents were self-centered, ignorant of their children's needs, and uncaring about anyone but themselves. Out of anyone, I empathized the most with Maria's parents, who, although dealing with their own issues, clearly wanted the best for their children in the long run.