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A review by idesofjaim
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
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