This gripping debut about a Mexican-American misfit is alive and crackling—a gritty tale wrapped in a page-turner ... The story spirals into dark territory when Julia begins to suffer from clinical depression. But she’s so blunt, funny and brave that she never becomes an object of our pity. And her moments of joy...are transcendent.
... [a] stunning novel that grapples with such complex subjects as grief, depression, mental health, suicide, and biculturalism. The content, voice, and tone of the book demonstrate Sánchez’s skillful writing while at the same time keeping the story authentic ... Sánchez is very shrewd about the way grief sets in, particularly for an unexpected death, as she deftly crafts Julia’s innermost thoughts ... a nuanced story ... don’t tend to read young adult books very often; however, what I appreciate about this one is the universal message it sends about Latina mental health and also in experiencing grief. Sánchez’s protagonist possesses deep intellect and sharp wit even in the face of her struggles with mental health. At a moment when white authors continue to culturally appropriate the stories of Mexican immigrants, if you are looking for an authentic story don’t hesitate to pick up this astonishing debut novel [first] published in 2017.
... the author does a great job pulling the reader’s heartstrings ... the expert use of foreshadowing builds tension as the plot progresses ... Not long into the book, I found myself really rooting for Julia. She’s by far my favorite character; her relatable qualities and desires make her likeable even with all her downsides. It made me feel deeply for the characters ... It encompasses Julia’s journey very well and concludes the theme of change. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter was a realistic yet enlightening break from day-to-day life for me, and I think that’s something we can all use once in a while.
... a rich cast of characters, and Sánchez's writing is spot-on with her depiction of teenage life that is timeless. This story will resonate with many...who have felt lonely within their own families ... This coming-of-age story about acceptance of yourself, as well as your family and culture, is a definite purchase.
This bildungsroman immigrant story captures the chaotic life of a young person trying to navigate two worlds while trying to follow her own path ... Sánchez weaves these threads along with a tragic story of distant sisters to create an earnest and heartfelt tale that will resonate with teens.
Sánchez’s prose is authentic, but it’s difficult to root for Julia, because she’s so contemptuous, judgmental, and unpleasant ... An abrupt plot development involving self-harm and mental illness feels forced, as does a magically life-changing trip to Mexico in the third act. This gritty contemporary novel about an unlikable first-generation Mexican-American teen fails to deliver as a coming-of-age journey.
