Book Review: Loca — A Raw, Heartfelt Read Just in Time for Pride

One of my favorite things is when someone tells me, “I read this and thought of you.” So first, a huge shoutout to my girl, Zainab Karim for lending me her copy of Loca. You were right—I devoured it.

How serendipitous that I picked this one up during Pride Month. This wasn’t just a good read—it was timely, emotional, and eye-opening.

At first, the writing style took a little getting used to. It’s raw and unapologetically real. But once I adjusted, I could appreciate how deeply personal and authentic the tone was. Loca isn’t overly dramatic in the traditional sense, but as an empath, it quietly took me through a rollercoaster of emotions.

One theme that really stuck with me was the nuanced depiction of motherhood—specifically, the not knowing if you want to be a mom even after you already are one. That’s real. The story explores what it means to navigate parenthood alongside a partner who seems decent on paper but doesn’t truly respect your need for freedom and independence. That tension hit me hard—because sometimes it’s not about outright abuse, it’s about the slow erosion of your autonomy.

I also appreciated the window the author provided into life as a Dominican immigrant. The joy, the struggle, the layered trauma, and the persistent hope—it’s all in there. I was particularly taken aback by the raw depictions of homophobia and homophobic violence. Even though I know these issues existed in the '80s and '90s—and still exist today—experiencing them through the lens of a character made it hit different. It hurt.

As someone with Mexican and Guatemalan roots, I also found it refreshing to experience a different facet of Latinx culture. I was Googling Dominican slang, looking up dishes I’d never tried, and appreciating how beautifully diverse our comunidad really is.

Loca gave me so much to feel, to reflect on, and to hold with care. If you’re looking for a book that’s raw, honest, and layered with truth—especially during Pride Month—this one’s worth picking up.