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idesofjaim's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This isn't a new story or a necessarily unpredictable one, but I was captivated by the audiobook narrator and sucked in, and it should be known that my rating of the book is likely swayed by how good this audiobook was.
I've known a Cara Romero or two in my life, and they're both fascinating and frustrating. This is exemplified by Cara's journey to finding any sort of work because she finds reason after reason to turn down interviews and offers. And while these may seem like excuses, it's also a good reflection point for us now as we lose that sense of community in the United States capitalist society. Look at how many employers are forcing people back into the office when it is so obvious just how much remote work and flexibility improves our lives.
Yes, Cara's treatment of her son is disappointing, and I know this will be a turnoff for many people. I feel similarly, as I do of the fact she makes a bit of a martyr out of herself as a mother, especially when she compares herself to Angela. It is disappointing, but it's also realistic, and I'd rather have a realistic character in a novel like this. I will not fault anyone who stays away from this book for that reason.
Now those who don't like the involvement of the psychic and astrology, I'm going to stop you right there and ask you to put some respect on Walter Mercado's name. I get that people don't believe in these concepts and find them foolish, but to disparage a book without understanding how this would culturally make sense for someone like Cara is plain ignorant.
Anyway, I also enjoyed the format of this book. Listening to Cara fill out applications was so ridiculous but entertaining. Do I think a social worker would let someone use their sessions focused on finding a job to be used for free therapy? Most likely, no, and bless the fictional social worker. The irony is not lost on me that Cara doesn't really believe in therapy but that's more or less what she gets.
I would certainly consider further work by Angie Cruz based on this novel.
I've known a Cara Romero or two in my life, and they're both fascinating and frustrating. This is exemplified by Cara's journey to finding any sort of work because she finds reason after reason to turn down interviews and offers. And while these may seem like excuses, it's also a good reflection point for us now as we lose that sense of community in the United States capitalist society. Look at how many employers are forcing people back into the office when it is so obvious just how much remote work and flexibility improves our lives.
Yes, Cara's treatment of her son is disappointing, and I know this will be a turnoff for many people. I feel similarly, as I do of the fact she makes a bit of a martyr out of herself as a mother, especially when she compares herself to Angela. It is disappointing, but it's also realistic, and I'd rather have a realistic character in a novel like this. I will not fault anyone who stays away from this book for that reason.
Now those who don't like the involvement of the psychic and astrology, I'm going to stop you right there and ask you to put some respect on Walter Mercado's name. I get that people don't believe in these concepts and find them foolish, but to disparage a book without understanding how this would culturally make sense for someone like Cara is plain ignorant.
Anyway, I also enjoyed the format of this book. Listening to Cara fill out applications was so ridiculous but entertaining. Do I think a social worker would let someone use their sessions focused on finding a job to be used for free therapy? Most likely, no, and bless the fictional social worker. The irony is not lost on me that Cara doesn't really believe in therapy but that's more or less what she gets.
I would certainly consider further work by Angie Cruz based on this novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Homophobia
rachelkwashe's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
ciwanski's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was completely charmed by this story!! The storytelling was so good and felt so natural!
We are not perfect people, but taking part in and holding onto community can help us learn and grow and love, and this novel shares that message.
I definitely recommend the audiobook!!
We are not perfect people, but taking part in and holding onto community can help us learn and grow and love, and this novel shares that message.
I definitely recommend the audiobook!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage, Sexual content, Outing, and Deportation
kaybee23's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I recommend the audiobook. Having a knowledge of Carribbean Spanish will make it more enjoyable but it's not required.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Kidnapping and Alcohol
kaela35's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
This was incredibly well written. I picked it up on a whim after I’d previously read summaries and decided it wasn’t for me, but I’m glad I did. Cruz managed to write a heroine that I was pulling for to the end, despite her many flaws and problematic views. The format was really well done, and I sped through this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Homophobia
irinalast's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Strangely relatable experiences of childhood and relationships - as someone from a Slavic immigrant family. Cara has a distinct voice, and we can understand her thoughts and actions even while we see her flaws and wrongs. I wish her character the best.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
nozycozy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this book it was written in a way that the MC is talking to you so I highly recommend listening to the audio book. Listening to Cara Romero was like having a cafecito with a beloved Tia. She was spilling all the tea about her life and everyone she knew in her community. I felt like a chismosa haha But in a good way 😆 The story telling was phenomenal the ups and downs, the wisdom, the reflection kept me engaged. I felt conflicted with Carmen at times but in the end she’s human and she is doing her best to change. I loved Cara’s growth. As a daughter of immigrant parents Cara’s relationship with her son really hit close to home. I would get emotional. Cara Romero’s (Cara Bonita 💅) character was very well fleshed out and complex that she felt real and human. I enjoyed listening to her story and despite her mistakes I couldn’t help but root for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse
bmpicc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is one of the BEST audiobooks I have ever listened to. The narrators were perfection, the sounds/set-up made it feel like I had a movie playing in the background (or an old radioshow), and the story itself was timely. Opting to use career counseling to tell the story was an awesome choice. All that aside, I ADORED Cara Romero!
“My name is Cara Romero, and I came to this country because my husband wanted to kill me. Don’t look so shocked . You’re the one who asked me to say something about myself.”
There was an innocence & honesty to Cara that was so refreshing. The American dream. It is filled with highs and lows. Cara is not perfect, but she is trying.
I don't recall when or how this book ended up tagged in my Libby app, but I am grateful I finally reached it. I listened in a single day and I have no regrets!
“My name is Cara Romero, and I came to this country because my husband wanted to kill me. Don’t look so shocked . You’re the one who asked me to say something about myself.”
There was an innocence & honesty to Cara that was so refreshing. The American dream. It is filled with highs and lows. Cara is not perfect, but she is trying.
I don't recall when or how this book ended up tagged in my Libby app, but I am grateful I finally reached it. I listened in a single day and I have no regrets!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Grief
svmreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
hollyrebecca's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A funny, reflective and uniquely told tale about searching for a job in times of economic slump. Though in reality, this is a tale of life, a tale of finding yourself and understanding the consequences of your actions, a tale family and friendship, a tale of community and culture.
Cara Romero is enrolled on a career counselling scheme to help her find a new job. She has 12 weeks in which to do this and 12 sessions to help her, with the story told through Cara’s side of these sessions. But Cara has more than the lack of a job to think about. Her sister is planning to move away, her son remains estranged despite her best efforts, she’s falling behind on rent, and her friends are struggling with their own lives despite Cara’s tireless efforts to help.
Cara is such an interesting character. So very human with all of her fallibilities and quirks, I’d be hard pressed to say she’s a good person despite all of her apparent good deeds.
It’s important to recognise that we only hear this story from Cara herself, and everyone is bias when relating their own story. Cruz provides interesting insights between chapters in the form of bills and letters either corroborating or contradicting the story told by Cara. This provides an extra layer to the tale as you wonder about the reliability of Cara’s storytelling.
I listened to the audiobook for this story and it added much more weight to the tale. The delivery was very engaging and made me feel like the counsellor sat listening to Cara. Cruz has an uncanny way of knowing exactly what I’m thinking and, as such, Cara responds to the questions and thoughts in my own head.
A wonderful and engaging story!
Cara Romero is enrolled on a career counselling scheme to help her find a new job. She has 12 weeks in which to do this and 12 sessions to help her, with the story told through Cara’s side of these sessions. But Cara has more than the lack of a job to think about. Her sister is planning to move away, her son remains estranged despite her best efforts, she’s falling behind on rent, and her friends are struggling with their own lives despite Cara’s tireless efforts to help.
Cara is such an interesting character. So very human with all of her fallibilities and quirks, I’d be hard pressed to say she’s a good person despite all of her apparent good deeds.
It’s important to recognise that we only hear this story from Cara herself, and everyone is bias when relating their own story. Cruz provides interesting insights between chapters in the form of bills and letters either corroborating or contradicting the story told by Cara. This provides an extra layer to the tale as you wonder about the reliability of Cara’s storytelling.
I listened to the audiobook for this story and it added much more weight to the tale. The delivery was very engaging and made me feel like the counsellor sat listening to Cara. Cruz has an uncanny way of knowing exactly what I’m thinking and, as such, Cara responds to the questions and thoughts in my own head.
A wonderful and engaging story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Homophobia