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I wouldn't necessarily use the word perfect.
But I can definitely say that being a daughter who would not bring shame to the family was one of my top priorities growing up.
By shame I mean not complying to a mix of religious and conservative society standards.
In the meantime I gave up the possibility of having an open and authentic relationship with my parents. Especially my mom.
To say "I am not your perfect Mexican daughter" hit a cord would be an understatement.
Julia, the main character navigates a family dynamic that constricts, their expectations feel restraining.
She deals with it the way I dealt with it, by writing.
A path that finally leads her to herself.
Part of the magic of reading is that the borders of our differences are blurred out. I forgot Julia's family was Mexican and mine is Salvadorean, how she was born here in the U.S.A and I was not and the fact she is fictional while I am not. I stayed with the character until the end. When I finished the book I was left with the impression of having read a thriller novel.
Growing up I tried to live in a safe middle ground, a place of trying to be myself while not disappointing others. It has been a painful process to peel myself off the expectations of loved ones, sorting out what does not feel true to myself. That is what I value most from this book, the way it shares that pain. It is the book I would have loved to read as a teenager. Even now as an adult, it makes me feel seen and also brave.
It highlights the importance of telling our stories. As latinas and as women. Using our voices disrupts the culture of silence.
Julia and I may share a few things in common but my favorite one is that we both judge books by its cover. This one in particular was love at first sight with a title that is illicitly perfect.
