nbeckham's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow, a powerful read. Painful in parts. The author really nailed the character’s voice- she fully embodied an angry and sad teenager. Loved the setting in Chicago, particularly the winter scenes. Just paired so well with Julia’s inner feelings. I don’t think the description for this book is really accurate- the relationship between Julia and Conner is really minor. And while she is consumed with the mystery around her sister, I’d say this book is more about mother daughter relationships.
penguiniq's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
What an aggressively unlikable book. Nothing worked here from the bratty protagonist to some of my all-time least favorite tropes in fiction being deployed late in the narrative. So many chances for a meaningful coming of age story, none of which paid off.
payshens117's review against another edition
5.0
*4.5
i love this so much. i relate to the mc soooo bad. i wanna jump into this book and give julia a fat hug.
i love this so much. i relate to the mc soooo bad. i wanna jump into this book and give julia a fat hug.
thedisquietedpen's review against another edition
4.0
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is fantastic. On the one hand, it is a mystery--what, if anything, was Olga hiding before she died?--but on the other hand, it is a coming-of-age story. It deals with mental health and immigrant issues maturely, not straying away from difficult questions, but not grotesquely putting them on display. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
chim422's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
ort1zzzz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
isoseismic7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I greatly underestimated this book because it’s a “YA” young adult book. I’d seen it in the Spanish section at Barnes and Noble and wanted to read it but didn’t feel ready to read it in Spanish yet. I thought I’d wait to read it, but then saw the English version at Goodwill and had to buy it. It’s funny how some books chase after you! At the beginning, I thought the plot was going to be fairly simple, but WOW, now having finished the book I feel like I’ve lived two years with the main character Julia (pronounced hoo-lee-ah). Gone through tragedy and joys, gone to Mexico with her and back to Chicago. Wow, what a book.