Summary
While this book encompasses normal teen experiences - growing up, dealing with overprotective parents, preparing for college, friendship, love - it also deals with several difficult experiences such as grief and loss, uncovering one's past, mental illness, and suicide. Sanchez makes it clear she's not afraid to discuss hard topics and believes they need to be discussed. We watch our narrator and main character over the course of two to three years - from the time of her older sister's death until the time she leaves home for college in New York. Julia's dreams of leaving behind her poor Mexican neighborhood and her overprotective, nosy parents are beautifully interwoven with the search for her older sister's true identity and the discovery of what is meant when people tell her her parents "had such a hard life," both of which ultimately help her uncover her own identity as well. We see Julia mostly as a mess - selfish, loud, erupting at things we may see as minute. By the end of the story, however, she is confident and mature, ready to take on the challenges of college and more cognizant of her family and friends and their needs. It is a great story of growing up, overcoming challenges, and learning to see other people for who they really are and not who you assume them to be. Due to content, it is recommended for upper middle to high school students.
Personal Reflections
I really loved this book. The characters were well-developed and relatable. Whereas society tends to shy away from discussing the topics of mental illness and suicide, I applaud authors like Erika L. Sanchez for writing about them. She did this beautifully, giving us insight into the situations that may drive a young teen to attempt suicide, while cautioning readers to pay attention to warning signs of depression and anxiety as contributors. Fortunately, our narrator is saved and overcomes, but the harsh reality is not all who suffer are.
Again, I caution you - the book would be for more mature readers due to language, violence, and content. But, I also encourage you to give this book a try. I listened to it on Overdrive through the public library and found it very enjoyable. Check it out at your library!
