A review by effinalice
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz

5.0

“Desahogar: to undrown, to cry until you don’t need to cry no more.”

It’s a quick and short book just under 200 pages but it is filled with so much heart. Angie Cruz explores generational trauma, motherhood, gentrification, love, community and so many other things.
I found myself smiling, laughing, and almost crying. Cara’s character is one that will stick with me for a while. She reminds me of my mother, of my witty aunts, of my grandma who loves to tell stories. She’s complex, raw and deeply flawed. Loved !

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water is a contemporary novel. We follow Cara Romero, a Dominican immigrant living in New York City, who goes to career counseling after getting laid off from her factory job. Over 12 sessions with her career counselor, Cara shares the story of her life, including her abusive ex-romantic partners and mother, her struggle to pay rent in a rapidly gentrifying city, and her estranged relationship with her son.