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

2.0

I heard the author speak at a local event, and she was really interesting, so I was very much looking forward to this book. I was disappointed. The author explained her characters in her talk much better than she did in the book. Not only were many of the characters unlikable, but I couldn't understand why many of them behaved as they did. For instance, plenty of insecure teenage girls stick with complete jerk boyfriends, but the book didn't explain WHY Maria was attracted to or wanted to stay with Andres when he was such an a**hole. I know the reasons may have been illogical or self-destructive, but readers didn't get a sense of her inner turmoil or thoughts about it. It just made her seem like an idiot.

Spoiler

And the plot between Maria and Charlie needed more build up. It didn't make sense the way it happened given their relative stations in life. Maria came from a strict but ultimately loving home. Her behavior in this situation was more that of someone who was alone or abused. I think it is possible that they could have ended up having an affair, but it would need a lot more steps to get there in real life.

One part of the ending was nice and Maria went through some growth, but a lot was left hanging.

Finally, the seemed to be a cross between an adult and a YA book, but didn't seem like it would ultimately appeal to either audience.