I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Erika L. Sanchez, a Mexican-American novelist, has been greatly recognized for her outstanding literature throughout recent years. Erika earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Mexico. On 2017, Sanchez published her empowering novel called, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” and has since then made a huge impact on critics and mainly teenagers. It’s really no surprise that her young adult novel won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature; Sanchez has been recently named a Princeton Arts Fellow and has received many acknowledgements because of her great work. Sanchez’s piece of literature has impacted hundreds of teens as it touches upon relatable, major conflicts that Hispanic families encounter, which makes readers feel identified and intrigued by this compelling story.The author narrates the life of Julia, a bold and rebellious teen, after her ‘perfect’ sister, Olga, dies in an accident. Julia is a complex character who feels left out from her family as she has always been different and expectations to what a Mexican lady should and shouldn’t do are always present reminded by her mother. Different from Julia, Olga seemed to be the perfect daughter, always helping around the house, doing what her parents wanted her to do, obeying the rules, and going to a close to home college. Nevertheless, Julia finds out some strange objects in Olga’s room that arouses curiosity and makes Julia question whether Olga was actually as innocent and a goody two shoes as she made it seem. With determination and help of her best friend as well as lover, Julia seeks to find the truth about her dead sister’s hidden, intriguing life.As previously mentioned, Julia lives in a household where expectations and limitations are always present. Erika Sanchez does an amazing job portraying how the life of a Mexican young girl is. I felt greatly identified as I grew up in a strict, Mexican household. There are all these responsibilities thrown at girls from a very young age. They’re expected to be the ones staying at home, helping mothers cook, clean, etc. while the guys just go work or stay home doing nothing or at times, just drinking. Julia, however, opposes to these norms, but feels guilty for it as her mother always compares her to her sister and even boasts about how great Olga was. Sanchez creates a strong, hard-headed character and gives motives for her defiant actions, which because of her actions and personality, a captivating plot is produced.I could really relate to Julia and her personality; she’s smart, reserved, loves reading and writing, and doesn’t follow on the expectations her Mexican family have. Since I can remember, I was always expected to clean the house, wash clothes, and cook. I’m expected to clean all the mess even if it’s all my brothers and I absolutely hate that. This book felt close to home as I’ve had similar thought that Julia had. Additionally, alike her, I am often compared to my siblings to notice how one is better at some things than the other, which is actually really upsetting. Erika L. Sanchez’s novel had a positive impact on me because her life was relatable and her story was truly captivating.“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” is genuinely one of the best books I’ve read since I could really identify with the protagonist. The plot of Julia’s story is interesting and keeps readers entertained while also revealing the truth about how Mexican families are. I believe it sets an important message to people, mainly teenagers. We are too often pushed to our limits and people still expect more from us. Teens are expected to always obey their parents and do everything they want, especially in Mexican families, where everyone has a significant role. In her novel, Sanchez reveals how everyone has secrets and literally no one is perfect, but that is okay, that’s how life is.

One of the best books I’ve read. Finished in 3 days. It was amazing and breathtaking .

An amazing book. I never read & I happened to be given this book for a class. I read the first chapters so fast since it kept me so interested. Read the other half of the book later on for other assignments & man… I wish it was longer. Beautifully written, amazing representation of a Chicana in Chicago with nothing but dreams. Highly recommend.

Enjoyed the story for the most part. It’s written from the point of view of a 15 year old 1st generation Mexican girl. She has the typical attitude that most teens have and has a difficult time understanding her parents. She fights with her mom a lot and her dad is just very unavailable. Ending is heartwarming though!!

A truly wonderful read! I could not stop until the end. I feel like the author did an amazing job to bring me into the story, drawing my own parallels to her characters. I am eager to read more of her work. Well Done Young Lady. I know your Uncle Jacob is beaming with pride, as he should be.

We travel through cultures and generations, observing what shapes us into our various identities. Through the eyes and thoughts of Julia, we learn about real life.

I didn’t want to read this book. I heard of it and decided I KNOW this story already.I happen to be visiting my dad’s hometown in Mexico when I learned America Ferrera was Directing the making of the movie. I love that I watched America Ferrera’s acting debut “Real Women Have Curves.” Such a raw and beautiful movie. If a movie is created like that, I’d watch it. Thus, I felt I needed to read the book first.It was an incredible experience reading this in Mexico. I grew up American and my dad struggled with deciding whether he wanted me to be a subservient woman who cooks and cleans for her family (my parents and siblings) or if he should encourage my schooling. He chose the latter. While visiting my aunt and female cousins (there is a lot of them) in a remote ranch, I can see the life that was not chosen for me. It’s surreal to see it, to never have left, crossed the border, experience a life outside a rural Mexican bubble. I love my family, and I wish they can all come and live with me, but know it would be such culture shock as experienced by many who immigrate to the states and the characters in this book. Great read. It’s been awhile since I encountered a page turner.