I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

Summary:

Julia is not the perfect Mexican daughter. She wants nothing more than to get away from her family and start a life on her own after high school. She want the complete opposite of the life of her sister Olga who is the perfect Mexican daughter. She always put family first. But, when Olga dies tragically, Julia is left to deal with here family all on her own while trying to work through her own grief. Looking back on Olga’s life, Julia realized her sister may have not been so perfect after all.

My Thoughts:

This book was much heavier than I expected and touched on some pretty serious topics. The story was written well for a young adult audience in my opinion.  

With that in mind, it’s hard not to feel a little lost with what this book is trying to be because there is so much going on. Family issues, coming of age, grief, mystery, finding love, and mental health all play a part. It’s not unrealistic and I would say that it even resembles what life is like for a lot of young adults.

Julia can come across a bit whiny at times but then I remember she’s just a high school kid. I think this is also is a way to emphasize how much she grows as a character by the end.

I greatly appreciated the perspective the author brings of immigrant parents trying to provide a better life for themselves and their children. It’s easy to judge from the outside looking in. The author does a great job of expressing the trials and tribulations an immigrant family can experience and the emotions that come with that.

Mental health is a central topic in the story without taking over the entire focus. Therapy is not something that is always easily approached or accepted in society let alone the Mexican culture but this book steps away from any negative stigmas and manages to portray how getting help can be nonjudgmental and beneficial.

I think this book does an excellent job of showcasing the struggles of a young adult, the cultural pressures one can go through, and the familial duty one can feel. I think what I loved most was the sense of hope in the end. This book is a great read but it doesn’t come without warnings.