Book Talk/Review: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Summary

In her review, Andrea discusses 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter' by Erika L. Sanchez, a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist. The book follows 15-year-old Julia, who struggles with the death of her 'perfect' sister Olga. Julia, the black sheep of the family, navigates grief, family expectations, and her own identity. Andrea praises the author's portrayal of a teenager's voice and the exploration of mental health stigma in Latino culture. The book resonates with themes of loss, family, and growing up, recommended for readers seeking a quick, immersive read.

Takeaways

• 📚 The book 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter' by Erika L. Sanchez is a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award finalist.
• ☁️ The story is set in Southern California and begins with the protagonist, Julia, at her sister Olga's funeral.
• 👧 Julia, the 15-year-old narrator, is the 'black sheep' of her family, contrasting sharply with her 'perfect Mexican daughter' sister Olga.
• 🏠 Olga's death uncovers secrets, leading Julia to discover items like racy lingerie and a hotel key, sparking the plot.
• 📖 The book is an easy, quick read that deals with heavy themes like grief, family dynamics, and mental health.
• 🌟 Julia's character is well-crafted, making readers feel frustrated yet invested in her journey.
• 🏡 The story explores the theme of grief and its impact on a fractured family, with mental illness playing a significant role.
• 🗣️ Mental health is often stigmatized in Latino and Mexican cultures, with the book aiming to shed light on this issue.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Julia's family, including her undocumented parents, go through significant growing pains and must accept a new reality.
• 🌐 The book offers a rich and authentic portrayal of Mexican culture that resonates with Latino readers and provides insight for others.
• 🔍 Readers are left wanting to know more about Olga's secret life and the dynamics within the family.

Q & A

Who is the author of 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter'?

Erika L. Sanchez is the author of 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter'.

What was the book's position on the New York Times bestseller list?

The book was number five on the New York Times bestseller list.

What significant recognition did the book receive?

The book was a finalist for the National Book Award.

How old is the protagonist, Julia, at the beginning of the story?

Julia is 15 years old at the beginning of the story.

What is the cause of Olga's death?

Olga was killed when she was hit by a bus.

How does Julia perceive herself in comparison to her sister Olga?

Julia considers herself the exact opposite of her sister Olga, seeing herself as the black sheep of the family.

What is Julia's relationship with her parents like?

Julia's relationship with her parents is strained; her father is distant and her mother is overprotective.

Who is Julia's best friend and what does her mother think of her?

Julia's best friend is Lorena, and her mother dislikes her because of her style of dressing and makeup.

What does Julia discover in her sister's room that changes the story's direction?

Julia discovers racy lingerie and a hotel key in her sister's room.

What themes does the book explore?

The book explores themes of grief, mental illness, family dynamics, and the challenges of adolescence.

How does the book address mental health issues within the context of Latino and Mexican cultures?

The book addresses mental health issues by portraying Julia's struggles and showing that such issues are often stigmatized or misunderstood in Latino and Mexican cultures.

What is the significance of Julia's parents being undocumented in the story?

Julia's parents being undocumented adds to the complexity of their family's situation, but it is not the main focus of the book.

What other books are recommended for readers who enjoy 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter'?

Readers who enjoy 'I am NOT your perfect Mexican daughter' might also like 'Looking for Alaska' or books that deal with similar themes of grief and self-discovery.