At some point in most people's lives they’ve wished that things could be different. Less financial stress, where they live, or how they look. In “I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika L. Sánchez the main character Julia struggles with the feeling of change. Julia resented her altered life after her older sister Olga died due to a bus accident. Still, she wanted her life to be something else, something good. She had dreams of going to school, for writing, in New York. Throughout the book she talks about all of the problems going on in her life. First and foremost, Olga’s sudden death, leaving a huge impact on her mother, Amá, and her father Apá. This transformed her whole family dynamic. As she grieves, she becomes obsessed with her sister's life. While struggling with financial difficulties, pressures from family, and anxiety and depression; she unravels her dead sister's hidden life. The author wants us to know that every person has an internal battle going on that you might not know about. Each main character in the book had a conflict that wasn’t revealed right away. For example, Julia’s mother had a tragic incident while crossing the border. Juanga, Julia’s friend, was kicked out of his house by his parents for being gay. Julia originally didn’t like him, but after spending more time and learning stuff about him she realized he has problems too. This book had a considerable number of unexpected events going on from beginning to end. It really surprised me when Julia self-harmed by cutting because she had never mentioned thoughts of suicide or self-harm. The author was bringing us in that direction though seeing as Julia was constantly talking about how much she hated her life. She mentioned multiple times how she was hungry, and never had privacy or trust from her parents. This was challenging to imagine since my parents have always given me those necessities and a safe environment without me asking. Something I also noticed while reading; she was giving signs of depression throughout the story. However, not many noticed or tried to help until she went to the hospital from self-harming. One of the only characters who truly saw her pain and talent with words was her teacher, Mr. Ingman. He gave her words of encouragement that she hadn’t heard before when he said, “You were one of the best students I’ve ever had, and I want to see you do well. You have to get the hell out of this neighborhood. You have to go to school. You can become something great. I see it in you. You’re a fantastic writer” (Sánchez 168). While this motivated her greatly, those words had never been said to her. This confirmed that not everyone cares enough to notice the little things before it’s too late. I usually don’t read this genre or type of literature. Nonetheless, it taught me much about the inequalities of life. I’ve always been grateful and appreciative for what I have; this book showed me more insight to what everyday life is like for someone in Julia’s position. The story made me feel inspired that someone can still work hard and never give up their dreams. Despite the odds stacked against them. Julia found wonder and light in the smallest things like fresh tortillas, the smell of books, and being outside. It gives me hope that, though it might not seem like it, circumstances can change for the better. Finding beauty in the things you enjoy, no matter how small, can enrich your life. by Thea S.
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AuthorSTenth grade students at Decorah High School share how they're reading outside of their own experiences and how it has changed them. Categories
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November 2022
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