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A review by lattelibrarian
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
5.0
This diary-esque novel follows Gabi during her final year of high school where nothing seems to go right for Gabi or any of her friends. Written with a strong voice with an even stronger protagonist, this book is certain to make a splash with teen readers. Part diary, part poetry, part zine, this mishmash of a novel was absolutely incredible!!
Gabi is so loud and funny and endearing, and her friends are just so incredibly real. This book critiques how Mexican-Americans are viewed in our culture from the stereotypes to the statistics. What does it mean when you're now a statistic but also still an autonomous person? Do your actions define a statistic or does the statistic define you? And what happens when you try to break free from those stereotypes, when the reason for those statistics are more than just foolishness and impulsive decisions? And what happens when you don't have an outlet to discuss all the things that are happening around you?
This book is so poignant, and I'm honestly a little surprised that more people in my circles haven't read it. It seems like it would fit right in with their reading habits (for real, pals who are reading this). It's YA, it about a Mexican-American fat girl, and discusses some of the harsh realities of being a woman in this society.
Gabi is also another one of those books that has a pleasantly realistic ending rather than a hugely uplifting one or a totally depressing one. Honestly, this text taught me a lot about current discussions in communities other than my own (namely Mexican communities) as well as how Mexican-American familial cultures operate. I loved this book, and can't recommend it enough!
Review cross-listed here!
Gabi is so loud and funny and endearing, and her friends are just so incredibly real. This book critiques how Mexican-Americans are viewed in our culture from the stereotypes to the statistics. What does it mean when you're now a statistic but also still an autonomous person? Do your actions define a statistic or does the statistic define you? And what happens when you try to break free from those stereotypes, when the reason for those statistics are more than just foolishness and impulsive decisions? And what happens when you don't have an outlet to discuss all the things that are happening around you?
This book is so poignant, and I'm honestly a little surprised that more people in my circles haven't read it. It seems like it would fit right in with their reading habits (for real, pals who are reading this). It's YA, it about a Mexican-American fat girl, and discusses some of the harsh realities of being a woman in this society.
Gabi is also another one of those books that has a pleasantly realistic ending rather than a hugely uplifting one or a totally depressing one. Honestly, this text taught me a lot about current discussions in communities other than my own (namely Mexican communities) as well as how Mexican-American familial cultures operate. I loved this book, and can't recommend it enough!
Review cross-listed here!