Synopsis
Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year in high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy's pregnancy, Sebastian's coming out, the cute boys, her father's meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity.
July 24
My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn't want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it's important to wait until you're married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, "Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas." Eyes open, legs closed. That's as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don't mind it. I don't necessarily agree with that whole wait until you're married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can't tell my mom that because she will think I'm bad. Or worse: trying to be White.
July 24
My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn't want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it's important to wait until you're married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, "Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas." Eyes open, legs closed. That's as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don't mind it. I don't necessarily agree with that whole wait until you're married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can't tell my mom that because she will think I'm bad. Or worse: trying to be White.
My Review
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel QuinteroMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Platypires for Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
Oh man. I really wanted to like this book more than what I ended up rating it. The story was captivatig and really relatable. During the beginning, I was just loving it. I felt I was Gabi, and her family life was very similar to mine growing. The language and the boys will be boys culture. Again, I was finding it very relatable.
Unfortunately, the story lost track to what I felt was what I call those "PSA" moments. It started reading like an after school special and was beyond obvious. Instead of Gabi being a normal teenager. She was the feminist, strong , independent, self assured teen that we all wish we were at that age. It honesty didn't feel real at all. Plus add in all the drama that happen in just a short period. Drug abuse, death, rape, homophobia, teen sex, pregnancy, and the list goes on. The story had a lot going on.
Overall I liked the story and wish it wasn't preachy. I understand why this book made so many MUST READ list. Its great for parents. Not so sure about actual teens.
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