Finished in a day read
Book Review~ but I never really gave a book review so yee :3
My review: At first I was getting annoyed, but then I began to connect to some things as a Hispanic girlie. I was unsure first reading this but it made me rethink a lot giving me a bit more appreciation to my parents.
Julia goes up and down as her family goes through grief and trying to be her own person along with trying understand who her sister is. In all it’s a easy read. The way the Arthur handled grief as it’s a main theme in the book was written well did tear up.
As someone who recently dove into 'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter' by Erika L. Sánchez, I can totally back up why this book is an 'Emotional Contemporary YA BESTSELLER.' The cover itself, with the girl with a braid, instantly drew me in, hinting at the deeply personal journey within. It's not just a beautiful design; it truly captures the essence of Julia's struggle to navigate her identity amidst family expectations. The story revolves around Julia, a Mexican-American teenager living in Chicago, grappling with the sudden death of her seemingly perfect older sister, Olga. Julia feels suffocated by her family's grief and their unspoken comparisons, believing she can never live up to Olga's memory. But as she starts to uncover hidden secrets about Olga, Julia questions everything she thought she knew about her sister and herself. This journey of discovery, grief, and self-acceptance is incredibly powerful and can deeply resonate, especially if you're a young person trying to find your own voice. It’s an eye-opening read that truly makes you appreciate your own family, despite all their complexities. What struck me most was how incredibly relatable many of Julia’s experiences were. Remember that moment in the book where there's a conversation about making tortillas? I literally laughed out loud because I too have had that exact type of conversation with my mom. It's these small, culturally specific details that make the narrative feel so authentic and lived-in. Another part that felt too close to home was Julia’s struggle with her career aspirations – wanting to be a writer versus the pressure to pursue a more 'stable' job in an office. It perfectly captures that universal tug-of-war between following your dreams and meeting family expectations, something many of us, particularly in first or second-generation immigrant households, experience. The book isn't afraid to tackle heavy themes like mental health, cultural identity, body image, and family secrets with such raw honesty. Erika L. Sánchez's writing style is so engaging and fluid, making it an easy read despite the serious topics it explores. It’s truly a testament to how well the author handled grief as a main theme – you can't help but feel every tear and triumph alongside Julia. If you're looking for a YA novel that offers a profound look into what it means to be a young woman navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal ambition, this is absolutely one to pick up. It's more than just a story; it's an experience that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, urging you to appreciate your roots and forge your own path.
