Review: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Literature Reviews - 2025

Review: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

A Thought-Provoking and Unfiltered Coming-of-Age Novel

Erika L. Sánchez’s I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a raw, deeply emotional, and culturally rich young adult novel that explores themes of identity, grief, family expectations, and mental health. This National Book Award finalist presents a story that resonates with many first-generation immigrant children, particularly those navigating the cultural and generational gaps within their families.

Plot Overview

The novel follows Julia Reyes, a headstrong and ambitious teenager growing up in a working-class Mexican-American family in Chicago. Julia's life is thrown into disarray when her seemingly perfect older sister, Olga, is tragically killed in an accident. In the wake of Olga’s death, Julia is left to grapple with her parents’ grief and their relentless comparisons between her and her late sister. Her mother, in particular, is devastated, and Julia feels the weight of her expectations to fill the void left by Olga.

However, when Julia stumbles upon clues suggesting that Olga might not have been the ideal daughter her parents believed her to be, she embarks on a journey to uncover her sister’s hidden secrets. Along the way, she wrestles with her own identity, her dreams of becoming a writer, and her struggles with depression.

Characterization and Themes

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Julia’s characterization. She is not a traditionally “likable” protagonist—she is often angry, judgmental, and frustrated with the world around her. But this makes her all the more real. Julia’s sharp tongue and strong opinions can be off-putting, but they reflect the struggles of a young woman who feels trapped between her own ambitions and her family’s expectations.

The novel does a commendable job addressing mental health, particularly depression. Julia’s internal battles are portrayed with honesty, and Sánchez does not shy away from depicting the heavy realities of living with mental illness. Some reviewers noted that the depiction of depression and a sudden suicide attempt in the book were jarring, but the novel does follow up with Julia’s journey through therapy and recovery.

The novel also explores the challenges of being a first-generation immigrant, particularly the tension between embracing American values and respecting traditional Mexican culture. Julia’s parents, who sacrificed everything to provide a better life for their children, struggle to understand her desire for independence. The story highlights the pressures placed on immigrant children, who often feel caught between two worlds—never quite “Mexican enough” for their family, but also never fully accepted as “American.”

Strengths

  1. Authentic Cultural Representation — The book provides an honest depiction of Mexican-American life, including language, customs, and family dynamics. Readers unfamiliar with the culture can learn about quinceañeras, traditional food, and the expectations placed on daughters in Mexican households.
  2. Relatable and Flawed Protagonist — Julia’s imperfections make her a compelling character. Her struggles with family, mental health, and self-worth are deeply relatable, especially for teenagers navigating their identities.
  3. Engaging and Thought-Provoking — The novel raises important discussions about generational trauma, societal expectations, and the complexities of grief. Many readers found it to be an eye-opening exploration of topics often overlooked in mainstream YA fiction.

Criticisms

  1. Abrupt Time Jumps — Some reviewers pointed out that the book’s pacing was inconsistent, with significant events (such as a suicide attempt) happening suddenly and without enough buildup or resolution. This led to moments where the story felt rushed.
  2. Julia’s Harsh Personality — While Julia’s unfiltered nature is realistic, some readers found her difficult to root for, particularly due to her harsh judgments of others, including her best friend. However, this also adds to the novel’s authenticity—teenagers are often flawed and still figuring out their worldview.
  3. Shifting Focus from the Mystery — Initially, the story sets up a mystery surrounding Olga’s secret life, but this plotline eventually takes a backseat to Julia’s personal struggles. Some readers felt this shift was abrupt and wished the mystery had been more fully developed.

Final Verdict

Despite some structural flaws, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is an important and powerful novel that sheds light on the immigrant experience, family expectations, and mental health struggles. It may not be an easy read due to its heavy themes and emotionally raw storytelling, but it is undeniably impactful. The novel is especially valuable for readers who want to explore diverse narratives and for young people struggling with identity and familial pressures.

Recommended For:

  • Readers interested in culturally diverse YA fiction
  • First-generation immigrants who relate to balancing two cultures
  • Teens and young adults navigating mental health challenges
  • Those who appreciate flawed but deeply real protagonists