I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, family, grief, and the pressures of cultural expectations. The story follows Julia Reyes, a sharp-witted and ambitious teenager growing up in Chicago, as she struggles to fit the mold of the "perfect Mexican daughter" after the sudden death of her older sister, Olga.
While Olga was seen as the ideal daughter—obedient, modest, and family-oriented—Julia dreams of breaking free from her family's constraints to pursue her own path. However, as Julia dives deeper into her sister’s seemingly flawless life, she uncovers hidden secrets that challenge her understanding of her family and herself.
Through vivid storytelling and raw emotion, Erika L. Sánchez crafts a narrative that tackles the complexities of navigating two cultures, the weight of unspoken expectations, and the journey to find one's own voice amidst chaos and loss. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a heartfelt and resonant novel that speaks to anyone who has ever felt caught between who they are and who they are expected to be.
