I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

by Erika L. Sánchez
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 9990
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-15
  • ISBN: 9781524700515
  • Publisher: Ember
  • Published: 2019-03-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In a poignant and gritty tale, Julia, a teenager, grapples with the aftermath of her sister Olga's tragic death. As she navigates the pressures and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home, Julia begins to question the idealized image of her sister. With the support of her best friend Lorena and her first love, Connor, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about Olga's life, ultimately discovering that her sister was not as perfect as everyone believed. /n/n The novel delves into themes of family, identity, and the complexities of cultural expectations. Julia's story is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she learns to live up to her own standards rather than those imposed on her. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and empowering, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young woman's journey through grief and self-acceptance.

Reviews
The Cougar Star · 2024-01-24
thought-provoking 3.00

The book is thought-provoking and effective in its storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the writing style but doesn't love it.

The reviewer found the book to be thought-provoking and effective in its storytelling. While they didn't love it, they appreciated the writing style and the way it made them think. The narrative is engaging and deals with complex themes of identity and family dynamics. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in its cultural insights and emotional depth, even if it didn't fully resonate with them personally. It's a book that leaves a lasting impact and encourages reflection on important societal issues.

Quick quotes

    While I can't say that I really loved it, it did definitely make me think, and it was very effective in that manner.

    Sanchez's writing really is something else.

    It's a book that leaves a lasting impact and encourages reflection on important societal issues.

LibroFullTime · 2022-03-27
excellent 4.50

This debut novel is praised for its excellent storytelling and relatable themes. The reviewer highlights the captivating narrative and the author's ability to connect with readers.

The reviewer at LibroFullTime calls this debut novel excellent, noting that they've had the fortune to read several good ones recently. They found the story truly captivating and relatable, with the author's life experiences adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the honest portrayal of cultural and familial expectations, making it a standout read. They also mention the book's ability to shine a light on important issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This is another excellent debut novel; I've been so lucky to read a few really good ones recently, thanks to NetGalley.

    Erika L. Sanchez – “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” is a story that is truly captivating.

    Her life was relatable and her story was truly captivating.

FunFandomBlog · 2019-08-17
disappointing 2.50

Despite a strong start, the book ultimately disappointed the reviewer. The protagonist's actions were seen as letting down her mother, mirroring the book's shortcomings.

The reviewer at FunFandomBlog starts off positively, noting a strong beginning to the novel. However, they feel that the book ultimately lets them down, much like the protagonist, Julia, lets down her mother. They found the cultural and familial dynamics interesting but felt the execution fell short of expectations. The reviewer suggests that while the book has its moments, it doesn't fully deliver on its promise, leaving them somewhat disappointed.

Quick quotes

    Despite a relatively strong start, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter ultimately let me down just as much as Julia lets down her mother.

    The book has its moments, but it doesn't fully deliver on its promise.

    The cultural and familial dynamics are interesting, but the execution falls short.

Girl in the Pages · Cristina · 2017-12-11
important 4.00

The book is described as an important and stunning narrative that sheds light on cultural and familial expectations. The reviewer appreciates the honest and candid portrayal.

Cristina from Girl in the Pages praises the book as an important and stunning narrative that shines an honest and candid light on cultural and familial expectations. She appreciates the depth and relatability of the characters, particularly the protagonist's struggle to break free from societal norms. The reviewer finds the book both entertaining and thought-provoking, highlighting its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. Cristina's overall impression is positive, noting the book's significance in addressing important issues.

Quick quotes

    Overall: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is an important and stunning narrative in many ways, shining an honest and candid light on the cultural and familial expectations.

    The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, highlighting its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level.

    The depth and relatability of the characters, particularly the protagonist's struggle to break free from societal norms, are commendable.

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