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What Can't Wait
Marissa has smarts and plenty of promise, but she's marooned in a broken-down Houston neighborhood--and in a Mexican immigrant family where making ends meet matters much more than making it to college. When her home life becomes unbearable, Marissa seeks comfort elsewhere--and suddenly neither her best friend or boyfriend can get through to her.
What Can't Wait tells the story of one girl's survival in a world in which family trumps individual success and independence, and self-reliance the only key that can unlock the door to the future.
What Can't Wait tells the story of one girl's survival in a world in which family trumps individual success and independence, and self-reliance the only key that can unlock the door to the future.
234 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2011
23 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Hope Pérez
10 books294 followersWhen I’m not reading, writing, or teaching, I hang out with my sons, Liam Miguel and Ethan Andrés. In the scraps of time that remain, I also like to run (I did the Houston Marathon in 2007 and the Chicago Marathon in 2009), bake (but let’s don’t revive the “Cookie Girl” nickname, please), watch movies, and collage.
My novels are WHAT CAN'T WAIT, THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY, and OUT OF DARKNESS, a 2016 Printz honor book and named one of BOOKLIST's "50 Best YA Books of All Time." THE NEW YORK TIMES called it a "layered tale of color lines, love and struggle." OUT OF DARKNESS has been banned and removed in many school districts as a result of coordinated attacks against youth access to diverse books. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/ashleyhopeperez
My novels are WHAT CAN'T WAIT, THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY, and OUT OF DARKNESS, a 2016 Printz honor book and named one of BOOKLIST's "50 Best YA Books of All Time." THE NEW YORK TIMES called it a "layered tale of color lines, love and struggle." OUT OF DARKNESS has been banned and removed in many school districts as a result of coordinated attacks against youth access to diverse books. Find out more: https://linktr.ee/ashleyhopeperez
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 25, 2011
I once spent a summer internship volunteering at a women's shelter. I think that was probably the most gut-wrenching two months of my life. It wasn't just the black eyes, and hopeless faces and horror stories. It was the fact that these women, over and over, went back to the same lives, going nowhere, being no-one because they couldn't see a way out. Nothing is guaranteed to make you feel quite so helpless as seeing injustice you can't do anything about. And while I admired the permanent employees at the shelter, I wondered how they could do it, day-in and day-out without getting burned out. How they could spend weeks trying to help someone out of an abusive relationship, only to have her pack up herself, her kids and move straight back into the same situation she had struggled so hard to overcome.
Reading What Can't Wait gave me some very nasty flashbacks to that summer. This is the book that Between Here and Forever ought to have been. Sharp, perceptive and heart-rending. This is a story about someone in a hopeless situation, struggling to reach out for a dream that seems further and further away from her grasp. Marisa is a senior in a Houston high school. Her father is cold and distant, her sister's married to a first-class jerk, her brother is lazy and her mother is resigned and helpless. Marisa's smart, and secretly, she's ambitious. She doesn't want to quit studying after high school and go to work at the local store. She wants to go to UT-Austin and study engineering. But when disaster strikes the Moreno family, that dream, already remote, becomes almost impossible to achieve. Sandwiched between family duties and her own aspirations, Marisa is torn in a million different directions, with no idea of which path is the right one.
There are some books that dance with reality, and others that grab it by the throat and squeeze. What Can't Wait is of the latter sort. I think if I had never worked at the shelter, if I had been allowed to live my pampered, comfortable existence with no idea of what real life was, I would have found myself getting more than a little impatient with Marisa's refusal to just reach for her dream and run off with it. To be honest, even knowing better, I sometimes found myself wanting to shake her and say, 'Think of yourself, for a change!' But I know this is not as easy as it sounds, and Perez does a brilliant job illuminating that. "No man is an island entire of itself;" said John Donne and nothing can bind a person more securely than the obligations of family duty. Marisa doesn't hate her family; even from her scary, distant father, she still hopes for approval. She loves her niece and wants her to have a better life, one of the main reasons she finds herself taking the more self-sacrificial route.
This book is a brilliant depiction of what it feels like to be a teenager caught between a rock and a hard place. Marisa's life is drawn with a hard-edged pen - you can tell that Perez really knows what she's talking about. Similarly, her up-and-down relationship with boyfriend Alan and best friend Brenda also rings largely true, even if I thought Alan was a little too good to be true. But hell, Marisa totally deserves that, and I guess he does stand up for himself when push comes to shove.
Gritty, sometimes frustrating but with a message of hope at the end, What Can't Wait is a much better read than a lot of YA fiction I've been subject to this year. It might not pack the punch of, say Jellicoe Road, but definitely holds its own against contenders like Between Here and Forever and If I Stay. Certainly a book I would recommend.
Reading What Can't Wait gave me some very nasty flashbacks to that summer. This is the book that Between Here and Forever ought to have been. Sharp, perceptive and heart-rending. This is a story about someone in a hopeless situation, struggling to reach out for a dream that seems further and further away from her grasp. Marisa is a senior in a Houston high school. Her father is cold and distant, her sister's married to a first-class jerk, her brother is lazy and her mother is resigned and helpless. Marisa's smart, and secretly, she's ambitious. She doesn't want to quit studying after high school and go to work at the local store. She wants to go to UT-Austin and study engineering. But when disaster strikes the Moreno family, that dream, already remote, becomes almost impossible to achieve. Sandwiched between family duties and her own aspirations, Marisa is torn in a million different directions, with no idea of which path is the right one.
There are some books that dance with reality, and others that grab it by the throat and squeeze. What Can't Wait is of the latter sort. I think if I had never worked at the shelter, if I had been allowed to live my pampered, comfortable existence with no idea of what real life was, I would have found myself getting more than a little impatient with Marisa's refusal to just reach for her dream and run off with it. To be honest, even knowing better, I sometimes found myself wanting to shake her and say, 'Think of yourself, for a change!' But I know this is not as easy as it sounds, and Perez does a brilliant job illuminating that. "No man is an island entire of itself;" said John Donne and nothing can bind a person more securely than the obligations of family duty. Marisa doesn't hate her family; even from her scary, distant father, she still hopes for approval. She loves her niece and wants her to have a better life, one of the main reasons she finds herself taking the more self-sacrificial route.
This book is a brilliant depiction of what it feels like to be a teenager caught between a rock and a hard place. Marisa's life is drawn with a hard-edged pen - you can tell that Perez really knows what she's talking about. Similarly, her up-and-down relationship with boyfriend Alan and best friend Brenda also rings largely true, even if I thought Alan was a little too good to be true. But hell, Marisa totally deserves that, and I guess he does stand up for himself when push comes to shove.
Gritty, sometimes frustrating but with a message of hope at the end, What Can't Wait is a much better read than a lot of YA fiction I've been subject to this year. It might not pack the punch of, say Jellicoe Road, but definitely holds its own against contenders like Between Here and Forever and If I Stay. Certainly a book I would recommend.
March 6, 2011
At First Sight: Marisa's life has always been complicated - living in Houston, helping support her family and most often than not taking care of her niece Anita and getting dragged into her older sister's messes - but, during senior year of high school a bit of hope opens up for her since her AP calculus teacher keeps urging her to apply to a prestigious engineering program at UT-Austin.
Marisa knows is a long shot and that her immigrant parents have never cared much about how well she does at school and are more worried about how much money she can scrounge up to help pay the house bills than about Marisa's college plans; but she has always wanted something more for herself and this might just be her way to get it, if she can survive Senior Year.
This is a plan that gets infinitely more complicated when her sister Cecilia's husband gets injured in a work accident, and Marisa finds her self stretched more thin than ever. Her only comfort being her best friend Brenda and her new boyfriend Alan, and her niece Anita, for whom Marisa would do anything and everything, even going after her dreams, against all odds, just so Anita can see that it can be done.
Second Glance: I was very excited to read this book and also a bit reluctant, mostly because I tend to go very hard on characterization of Mexican characters. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by the occasional but proper use of Spanglish* and the fact that the author didn't fall into easy stereotypes
The story itself, well, it goes a bit in circles (though not much), but it is one of easy derails off the road and hard choices between what's best for you and what your family wants. Marisa's family was an accurate description of Mexican family-dynamics in the good and the bad, a bit old fashioned and perhaps a bit exaggerated but very true in it's essence.
I loved Marisa's voice, her vulnerability and her mistakes, the way she gets off track at times - because it shows just how easy it is - and how she pushes to make things right. I really liked Alan and Brenda who perhaps not always understood the way Marisa thought but who tried to be there for her every step of the way. And even Marisa's siblings were well drawn, her irresponsible, vaguely lazy brother and her sister who's always dumping responsibilities on Marisa, but comes through eventually, as does their mother.
Bottom Line: What Can(t) Wait is an interesting look at the choices we make to become who we want to be, and a good book all around, regardless of anyone's background. It was a great pace and something interesting to say.
Favorite Quote: "Because whatever our other failings, Mexicans don't let people in crisis go hungry." - Marisa (So true, at so many levels, lol).
Marisa knows is a long shot and that her immigrant parents have never cared much about how well she does at school and are more worried about how much money she can scrounge up to help pay the house bills than about Marisa's college plans; but she has always wanted something more for herself and this might just be her way to get it, if she can survive Senior Year.
This is a plan that gets infinitely more complicated when her sister Cecilia's husband gets injured in a work accident, and Marisa finds her self stretched more thin than ever. Her only comfort being her best friend Brenda and her new boyfriend Alan, and her niece Anita, for whom Marisa would do anything and everything, even going after her dreams, against all odds, just so Anita can see that it can be done.
Second Glance: I was very excited to read this book and also a bit reluctant, mostly because I tend to go very hard on characterization of Mexican characters. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by the occasional but proper use of Spanglish* and the fact that the author didn't fall into easy stereotypes
The story itself, well, it goes a bit in circles (though not much), but it is one of easy derails off the road and hard choices between what's best for you and what your family wants. Marisa's family was an accurate description of Mexican family-dynamics in the good and the bad, a bit old fashioned and perhaps a bit exaggerated but very true in it's essence.
I loved Marisa's voice, her vulnerability and her mistakes, the way she gets off track at times - because it shows just how easy it is - and how she pushes to make things right. I really liked Alan and Brenda who perhaps not always understood the way Marisa thought but who tried to be there for her every step of the way. And even Marisa's siblings were well drawn, her irresponsible, vaguely lazy brother and her sister who's always dumping responsibilities on Marisa, but comes through eventually, as does their mother.
Bottom Line: What Can(t) Wait is an interesting look at the choices we make to become who we want to be, and a good book all around, regardless of anyone's background. It was a great pace and something interesting to say.
Favorite Quote: "Because whatever our other failings, Mexicans don't let people in crisis go hungry." - Marisa (So true, at so many levels, lol).
January 13, 2017
This book was really good because it was about love and whether to listen to her parents or her calcus teacher. Her name was Marisa and she was very smart, her life with her best friend was sad because they got in a fight about she too crazy and she's to nerdy. My favorite part about this book was the ending because she made a good decision of going to the college she wanted to go and listen to her teacher, which in my case I would have too.
December 1, 2010
What Can't Wait deals with a huge number of very important issues clearly and concisely. It was a pleasure to read and I was enthralled even though there isn't much in the way of a dramatic plot. There are, for certain, moments of high tension; these include an accident with a forklift as well as teenage pregnancy. Although this is uncommon for a YA novel, the book is good because it's different and it focuses on Marisa's daily life which is often tough for her to handle at times.
Marisa's life is interesting to read about for a number of reasons. She is an intelligent girl with high expectations for herself. She wants to graduate and attend an engineering course in Austin but her father, in particular, believes her only ambition should be to stay at home and help provide for her family. Her aspirations guide her through the novel and show how stereotypes still make life hard for many teenagers with big wishes for their futures.
What's great about this book though is it shows how hard work can pay off and it follows Marisa's journey towards acceptance; her bid for acceptance at UT-Austin, as well as her desire to be understood by her family and recognised for her hard work and commitment (a big ask especially from her father). Her teacher, Ms Ford, is the only one that seems to really have faith in her encouraging her immensely to stretch herself academically even when home pressures make it difficult. What Can't Wait highlights to its readers that achieving success can still be harder for women even in the 21st century (of course this is not in all cases but it's still a problem) and that it how it could remain without determined people like Marisa standing up for themselves overcoming huge hurdles for the good of mankind.
Marisa's niece is integral to the story. Marisa looks after her regularly to help out her sister and she feels responsible for little Anita's education. Marisa helps to teach Anita to read and I felt that it mirrors her own ambitions, making sure that Anita gets the best start possible to ensure she can be whatever she wants. The way in which Marisa's hopes for Anita compare with her own dreams is very sweet and it really indicates to the reader how serious she is about changing attitudes for the better.
Ashley Hope Pérez has presented a terrific character in her book and I hope that many will read her work so that people will recognise that women are capable of great things and that determination, in particular, is the key.
Alan is an interesting character too. He's funny and I love the way in which his artwork reflects his feelings, it's a really lovely idea and it's wonderfully described. I can imagine exactly what his pictures look like without any illustrations, a sign of a simply superb author. Alan's relationship with Marisa works well in the novel and the challenges they face do sincerely help to develop the story.
Overall I would highly recommend What Can't Wait. It's delightful - sweet, fresh and powerful. Look out for this book next March and makes sure it flies off the bookshelves because it really deserves to. Pérez is a debut author with tons of talent - watch out.
Marisa's life is interesting to read about for a number of reasons. She is an intelligent girl with high expectations for herself. She wants to graduate and attend an engineering course in Austin but her father, in particular, believes her only ambition should be to stay at home and help provide for her family. Her aspirations guide her through the novel and show how stereotypes still make life hard for many teenagers with big wishes for their futures.
What's great about this book though is it shows how hard work can pay off and it follows Marisa's journey towards acceptance; her bid for acceptance at UT-Austin, as well as her desire to be understood by her family and recognised for her hard work and commitment (a big ask especially from her father). Her teacher, Ms Ford, is the only one that seems to really have faith in her encouraging her immensely to stretch herself academically even when home pressures make it difficult. What Can't Wait highlights to its readers that achieving success can still be harder for women even in the 21st century (of course this is not in all cases but it's still a problem) and that it how it could remain without determined people like Marisa standing up for themselves overcoming huge hurdles for the good of mankind.
Marisa's niece is integral to the story. Marisa looks after her regularly to help out her sister and she feels responsible for little Anita's education. Marisa helps to teach Anita to read and I felt that it mirrors her own ambitions, making sure that Anita gets the best start possible to ensure she can be whatever she wants. The way in which Marisa's hopes for Anita compare with her own dreams is very sweet and it really indicates to the reader how serious she is about changing attitudes for the better.
Ashley Hope Pérez has presented a terrific character in her book and I hope that many will read her work so that people will recognise that women are capable of great things and that determination, in particular, is the key.
Alan is an interesting character too. He's funny and I love the way in which his artwork reflects his feelings, it's a really lovely idea and it's wonderfully described. I can imagine exactly what his pictures look like without any illustrations, a sign of a simply superb author. Alan's relationship with Marisa works well in the novel and the challenges they face do sincerely help to develop the story.
Overall I would highly recommend What Can't Wait. It's delightful - sweet, fresh and powerful. Look out for this book next March and makes sure it flies off the bookshelves because it really deserves to. Pérez is a debut author with tons of talent - watch out.
May 11, 2011
Pleasantly surprising. Not great, but certainly better than I expected.
July 23, 2016
After a number of disappointing 2011 debuts, I was more than a little worried that my first year participating in the Debut Author Challenge would be a bust. Surely, I thought, they have to have found at least one author this year that we'll remember in ten years. Or even five years. Right? Right, I decided about 50 pages into What Can(t) Wait, and her name is Ashley Hope Perez.
I know I've ranted and raved about how every PoC/diversity book these days seems to be an issue book, and I stand by that. I should be able to find as many different sorts of characters in my chick lit and humorous novels as I do in my heavyweights. What Can(t) Wait, however, is an eloquent reminder of why we have issue books in the first place - to remind teens that actually face these issues that they're not alone. Perez accomplishes this with incredible heart and wit, keeping me as engrossed in Marisa's story as I was, I kid you not, in the Vampire Academy series.
It's hard to put my finger on exactly what made this book work for me, simply because everything was so much greater than the sum of its parts would lead you to believe. Other than a slow and somewhat awkward beginning, it's almost flawless in its execution, and the strength of its plot - its subtle subversion of stereotypes - left me with that sort of achy feeling I get when I know I will never, ever write a book as good as the one I'm reading.
If I had to pick some highlights, I'd start with the fact that Marisa's strength is freaking calculus, which comes out of left field when compared to a lot of similar YA novels where the parents want the kid to do well at math or science when the kid is really good at the arts, which I think is a lot of author projection and autobiography at play. Second, Marisa's (also Mexican immigrant) boyfriend is a genuinely nice guy - and here's the best part - with depth. I'm tired of the machismo bad boy image of so many YA love interests (looking at you, Jace), but also equally exhausted by the two-dimensional good guy, and Perez manages to avoid both tropes.
Finally, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love when YA protagonists actually have to work to make ends meet. It's a much more realistic reflection of the teen experience (certainly my experience) than inexplicably rich or upper middle class kids, and I think it can be just as funny, romantic, and even escapist when done right, as it is here. Marisa finding things to be funny about even when her life sucks? (The scene where she sings "Sexy Back," anyone?) I was fist pumping SO HARD, because that's my life.
Maybe that's what made this book work for me: the fact that, even though we live in radically different families and circumstances - I can't imagine my family wanting me to get married over going to college, for example - I could associate with Marisa so well, and I imagine other teens would be able to, too. Good storytelling, in my book (pun fully intended), is a writer taking the very specific and making it general, and that's exactly what Perez does here.
Her next novel, The Knife and the Butterfly? Definitely going on pre-order, guys.
In short, it's an issue book that gives me exactly what I want out of an issue book while never really feeling like an issue book, and not only one of this year's best debuts, but one of its best YA novels so far, period.
I know I've ranted and raved about how every PoC/diversity book these days seems to be an issue book, and I stand by that. I should be able to find as many different sorts of characters in my chick lit and humorous novels as I do in my heavyweights. What Can(t) Wait, however, is an eloquent reminder of why we have issue books in the first place - to remind teens that actually face these issues that they're not alone. Perez accomplishes this with incredible heart and wit, keeping me as engrossed in Marisa's story as I was, I kid you not, in the Vampire Academy series.
It's hard to put my finger on exactly what made this book work for me, simply because everything was so much greater than the sum of its parts would lead you to believe. Other than a slow and somewhat awkward beginning, it's almost flawless in its execution, and the strength of its plot - its subtle subversion of stereotypes - left me with that sort of achy feeling I get when I know I will never, ever write a book as good as the one I'm reading.
If I had to pick some highlights, I'd start with the fact that Marisa's strength is freaking calculus, which comes out of left field when compared to a lot of similar YA novels where the parents want the kid to do well at math or science when the kid is really good at the arts, which I think is a lot of author projection and autobiography at play. Second, Marisa's (also Mexican immigrant) boyfriend is a genuinely nice guy - and here's the best part - with depth. I'm tired of the machismo bad boy image of so many YA love interests (looking at you, Jace), but also equally exhausted by the two-dimensional good guy, and Perez manages to avoid both tropes.
Finally, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love when YA protagonists actually have to work to make ends meet. It's a much more realistic reflection of the teen experience (certainly my experience) than inexplicably rich or upper middle class kids, and I think it can be just as funny, romantic, and even escapist when done right, as it is here. Marisa finding things to be funny about even when her life sucks? (The scene where she sings "Sexy Back," anyone?) I was fist pumping SO HARD, because that's my life.
Maybe that's what made this book work for me: the fact that, even though we live in radically different families and circumstances - I can't imagine my family wanting me to get married over going to college, for example - I could associate with Marisa so well, and I imagine other teens would be able to, too. Good storytelling, in my book (pun fully intended), is a writer taking the very specific and making it general, and that's exactly what Perez does here.
Her next novel, The Knife and the Butterfly? Definitely going on pre-order, guys.
In short, it's an issue book that gives me exactly what I want out of an issue book while never really feeling like an issue book, and not only one of this year's best debuts, but one of its best YA novels so far, period.
October 29, 2012
Genre: Realistic Fiction WHAT CAN´T WAIT
Ashley Hope Pérez
Marisa had seventeen years old when she came with her family to United States. They comes to Houston from Mexico, her family worked hard and expected that she worked hard too, but she is a teenager girl, she need go to school. She is excellent in calculus; she should study hard, because she will take the AP test, and get into engineering college in Austin. Some days she think that will be possible go to the college, and others days she doesn’t have sure what she wants. Her parents wanted that she marry with some boy from her neighborhood and has grandkids. To her parents she did not need to go to college because they do not have as a college, thought she did not need too. They said that if he wished to work could be in the neighborhood grocery store, but she wanted to go to college. Marisa was babysitting his niece, daughter of her sister Cecilia, his father did not agree that on Saturdays in the morning instead of working the extra classes were calculus. Her life story is an example in parts to many people because she always tried to help her family and has always been dedicated to the study.
This book will interest to teenagers girls, for people that want to know about the life of a Mexican family that came to United States. Can help immigrants from others countries too, because show how hard is sometimes to live in a country that you are seen as an "alien ". The book can help many people, because Marisa wanted go to the college in Austin, and her parents said that she can’t go, that she need help at home, needed to work to help her family, she didn't leave her goals.
I really liked this book, showed me that when we want something, we need try, and keep trying. Helped me understand that have people with more difficulty than me, I’m not American, so this book help me a lot! She was dedicated and showed that it is not because we are not American who does not have the same potential.
April 4, 2011
Marissa wants to be more than what her family expects her to be. Her family expects her to marry, work hard and stay around her family to help them out. Marissa wants so much more. She tries hard at school and is even taking AP calculus to get into a good university to become more than an assistant manager at the local grocery store. With all her family and work obligations, Marissa finds it hard to keep up with her advanced classes and sometimes she even thinks that she will never be able to achieve her goals, but her calculus teacher believes she can be so much more than Marissa even believes.
When her life gets unbearable Marissa will have to decide whether she should, or even could, put her needs before her family, and when the time comes, will she be able to leave everything behind to live her own life.
What Can't Wait is a gripping debut novel about making the hard decision between family commitments and personal desire. Marissa is a very strong character who really cares for her family. She watches her niece, cooks for her family, works long hours and gives half her pay to her family, and she even manages to keep up with high level courses in order to gain admittance into a proper college. Even for people who don't know the Mexican culture that Marissa comes from will be able to relate to her because of her desire to please her family and not let them down, but also the desire to achieve more than what her family expects.
What Can't Wait is a roller coaster of emotion as Marissa is faced with the ups and downs of high school and family commitments, all leading up to her making the biggest decision of her life. When it comes time, will she actually be able to leave her family and start her life?
When her life gets unbearable Marissa will have to decide whether she should, or even could, put her needs before her family, and when the time comes, will she be able to leave everything behind to live her own life.
What Can't Wait is a gripping debut novel about making the hard decision between family commitments and personal desire. Marissa is a very strong character who really cares for her family. She watches her niece, cooks for her family, works long hours and gives half her pay to her family, and she even manages to keep up with high level courses in order to gain admittance into a proper college. Even for people who don't know the Mexican culture that Marissa comes from will be able to relate to her because of her desire to please her family and not let them down, but also the desire to achieve more than what her family expects.
What Can't Wait is a roller coaster of emotion as Marissa is faced with the ups and downs of high school and family commitments, all leading up to her making the biggest decision of her life. When it comes time, will she actually be able to leave her family and start her life?
August 21, 2011
As an inner-city public school teacher, myself, I found that What Can(t) Wait rang true in so many ways. Ashley Hope Perez has written a realistically strong yet conflicted main character, Marisa. An academically talented high school senior, but the daughter of parents who do not seem to value education, Marisa must decide what type of future she wants for herself--an engineering degree from a prestigious college, or a manager's position at the local grocery store where she already works evening and weekend shifts. Her internal struggle between giving in to her family's pressure to contribute to their immediate financial stability and living up to her own potential as an individual is poignantly rendered.
I also appreciated the unique peer relationships that Perez wove into her narrative--a best friend who isn't perfect but sincerely cares, a boyfriend who supports and pushes Marisa in positive ways, a distantly-related classmate who takes advantage of her in a vulnerable moment, and two siblings who are older though not particularly wiser. Marisa's mother and father are portrayed through actions more than words, and Perez has done a commendable job capturing their family dynamics within a number of subtle scenes.
Complex characterization, and quiet, building tension are the hallmarks of a debut author that I will be sure to watch in the future. I look forward to reading more from Ashley Hope Perez, and I will surely share this novel with my students!
I also appreciated the unique peer relationships that Perez wove into her narrative--a best friend who isn't perfect but sincerely cares, a boyfriend who supports and pushes Marisa in positive ways, a distantly-related classmate who takes advantage of her in a vulnerable moment, and two siblings who are older though not particularly wiser. Marisa's mother and father are portrayed through actions more than words, and Perez has done a commendable job capturing their family dynamics within a number of subtle scenes.
Complex characterization, and quiet, building tension are the hallmarks of a debut author that I will be sure to watch in the future. I look forward to reading more from Ashley Hope Perez, and I will surely share this novel with my students!
December 7, 2010
The rating is actually 3.5/5.
Please check my blog for individual ratings.
When l got this book on Netgalley l had the impression it would be a very simple,easy and relaxing book to read with a straight forward storyline, a nice change from paranormal which l enjoy every now and then.
Well l was wrong, even though this book doesn't have the most complex story line and it is quite a easy read this book does tackle many difficult situations and problems which many teenage girls go through day to day. This book for me was a great success because of the great character that Ashley created, without Marisa this story could of been totally the opposite of a success for me.
The great way which Lauren wrote this enabled me to interact with the books which made it easy to feel feelings such as sympathy towards Marisa as she felt so real, at some points it felt like l was reading my best friends diary.
This book also didn't drag out a description of feelings or the surroundings, instead these feelings were found out as the book went along, providing you with enough information to understand how difficult things are for Marisa at that time.
I don't really have anything negative to say about this book, the only reason its 3.5 rating is because it's not a book full of different things going in but this isn't the sort of book which should be. Enjoyable, quick read.
Please check my blog for individual ratings.
When l got this book on Netgalley l had the impression it would be a very simple,easy and relaxing book to read with a straight forward storyline, a nice change from paranormal which l enjoy every now and then.
Well l was wrong, even though this book doesn't have the most complex story line and it is quite a easy read this book does tackle many difficult situations and problems which many teenage girls go through day to day. This book for me was a great success because of the great character that Ashley created, without Marisa this story could of been totally the opposite of a success for me.
The great way which Lauren wrote this enabled me to interact with the books which made it easy to feel feelings such as sympathy towards Marisa as she felt so real, at some points it felt like l was reading my best friends diary.
This book also didn't drag out a description of feelings or the surroundings, instead these feelings were found out as the book went along, providing you with enough information to understand how difficult things are for Marisa at that time.
I don't really have anything negative to say about this book, the only reason its 3.5 rating is because it's not a book full of different things going in but this isn't the sort of book which should be. Enjoyable, quick read.
March 25, 2011
I have to be honest: when I first read the description for this book, I was kind of hesitant to read it. But, I decided to read it anyway. And this is the first time I've ever been glad that I second guessed myself.
Lately, I've been reading a lot of crap books, but this was not one of them. The characters were so realistic (which you have to both love and hate). Also, the heroine, Marisa, was just so strong and brave. She's one character who I can look up to. No matter how tough things got for her, she never gave up (even though she sometimes wanted to).
Marisa's teacher once quoted to her: "Don't ask for an easier life; ask to be a stronger person." And that's exactly what Marisa did. When things were tough at home, she kept on going. When she fell, she got back up again (but most of the time, only after licking her wounds a bit).
Let's face it: life is hard. But the way I see it, the harder the life, the stronger the person. Marisa Moreno is a great example of this. And, she made it. She succeeded because she didn't give up.
I just think that this book is really inspirational (even though it's fiction) for young girls, especially ones who come from backgrounds like Marisa's.
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lately, I've been reading a lot of crap books, but this was not one of them. The characters were so realistic (which you have to both love and hate). Also, the heroine, Marisa, was just so strong and brave. She's one character who I can look up to. No matter how tough things got for her, she never gave up (even though she sometimes wanted to).
Marisa's teacher once quoted to her: "Don't ask for an easier life; ask to be a stronger person." And that's exactly what Marisa did. When things were tough at home, she kept on going. When she fell, she got back up again (but most of the time, only after licking her wounds a bit).
Let's face it: life is hard. But the way I see it, the harder the life, the stronger the person. Marisa Moreno is a great example of this. And, she made it. She succeeded because she didn't give up.
I just think that this book is really inspirational (even though it's fiction) for young girls, especially ones who come from backgrounds like Marisa's.
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
July 7, 2011
In a way, I was inspired by this book. I can't really expain it other than saying that this book made me think whatever you're going through, there is a way to get out so never give up; everyone has problemas. And that's what this chica had. She had to tackle school along with watching her 5 year old niece and still have a little fun on the way. Her family really didn't care about the education part even though she almost had straight A's and didn't even care for anything else other than watching her neice and giving half of her paycheck to help pay the bills. Eventually, she grew tired of this and it became too overwhelming for her; which is understandable. This book was very realistic and yet inspiring and it didn't end with that happily ever after feeling; it had a realistic ending to it which I liked a lot.
September 21, 2019
This was such a perfect book. I've been wanting to read this for at least seven years! And I should have read it a long time ago. I didn't expect this story. Being from an immigrant family, I always thought that all immigrant parents want their children to go to college. I get the staying close to home thing but sheesh. Planning out her life of misery, what "great parenting." I felt like I got a new perspective. I sometimes forget how much parents can put on their kids. I sometimes forget how some kids can slip through the cracks and if not for some bravery, they would become just like their parents. This really made me happy.
August 1, 2011
This book was an incredibly poignant story. The heroine is a young girl struggling to get through her senior year of high school. She is the youngest daughter in a Latino family in Houston. Her dream, to pass her AP Calculus class/exam and progress on to the prestigous Univ of Texas in engineering is sabotages by almost everyone in her life.
I work with young gifted Hispanic students and this book broke my heart. It reminded me that I won't ever truly understand the uphill battle these kids face to succeed academically. This book was well written and I have a list of people I want to beg to read this.
I work with young gifted Hispanic students and this book broke my heart. It reminded me that I won't ever truly understand the uphill battle these kids face to succeed academically. This book was well written and I have a list of people I want to beg to read this.
Read
December 3, 2015Graded By: Erin
Cover Story: Mathalicious!
BFF Charm: To Love Oneself Is the Beginning of a Lifelong Relationship (aka HELLS YES)
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Muy Legitimo a Dejar
Bonus Factors: H-Town, Math, The Marilla Cuthbert Award
Relationship Status: Have You Been Reading My Diary, Ashley Pérez?
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Mathalicious!
BFF Charm: To Love Oneself Is the Beginning of a Lifelong Relationship (aka HELLS YES)
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Muy Legitimo a Dejar
Bonus Factors: H-Town, Math, The Marilla Cuthbert Award
Relationship Status: Have You Been Reading My Diary, Ashley Pérez?
Read the full book report here.
September 13, 2018
I read this to prepare for a book club I will be facilitating next year in a youth detention center. I loved how it shows so many struggles that teens face. Marisa faces so many choices and challenges. So much realistic tension between family and future. I already know this will be all too realistic and familiar to the teens.
May 18, 2011
This book really took me back to my days in Houston, where I taught inner-city students who were much like the characters in this book. I think high school girls from any background would enjoy this story. Maybe boys too.
February 25, 2019
An excellent realistic fiction about a teen trying to find her way amidst family struggles. This is one of the titles we are discussing in the book group I am running for the American Library Associations Great Stories Club. I am very excited to see what the teens think of it.
January 13, 2016
I Think this book was a amazing, but i didn't know what was happing during the ending but other wish i would recommemd i to a lot of people
November 23, 2019
From the first page you meet Marissa, she is fullfiling the role of good daughter and sister. We meet her babysitting her niece, Anita, while her older sister flounces in with more complaints about her useless, partying husband. But Marissa has homework to do. She likes school, has dreams of going to University of Texas-Austin despite the rest of her siblings barely graduating high school.
Her immigrant parents are barely keeping the family afloat, and so they rely on her not only for free babysitting, but also money from her part-time job. It's hard to get Calculus tutoring when your family expects you right home after school. Things become worse when an accident happens-- and all of a sudden her beloved niece needs more care than ever before. How can Marissa even have time to fill out her application let alone keep up good grades when her father wants to her to quit high school to help the family?
This pretty much, I think, should be required reading for all public high school teachers, students, and administrative officials. If you've ever thought "well why can't she be on time" or "she's just lazy" or "he doesn't challenge himself with difficult classes" or something similar about someone in a cultural minority that values family...here's your path to understanding.
And there's a sweet, lovely romance as well, so the book was like catnip for me. A thought-provoking and readable story. You'll fall in love with Marissa, too.
Her immigrant parents are barely keeping the family afloat, and so they rely on her not only for free babysitting, but also money from her part-time job. It's hard to get Calculus tutoring when your family expects you right home after school. Things become worse when an accident happens-- and all of a sudden her beloved niece needs more care than ever before. How can Marissa even have time to fill out her application let alone keep up good grades when her father wants to her to quit high school to help the family?
This pretty much, I think, should be required reading for all public high school teachers, students, and administrative officials. If you've ever thought "well why can't she be on time" or "she's just lazy" or "he doesn't challenge himself with difficult classes" or something similar about someone in a cultural minority that values family...here's your path to understanding.
And there's a sweet, lovely romance as well, so the book was like catnip for me. A thought-provoking and readable story. You'll fall in love with Marissa, too.
February 5, 2020
This book was a tear-jerker, funny, and questioning novel. The main character, Marisa, had a lot of problems through her high school life. She had a fight with her parents and decided to move in with her sister, Cecilia. She stayed there to calm herself down. She also broke up with her boyfriend, Alan. They eventually get back together.
March 19, 2011
What do you do when your family is so far removed from your aspirations in life they won’t back you up when you try and get there? Marisa is 17, the same age her sister was when she got pregnant and married her good-for-nothing ass of a boyfriend. Over the years there has been rarely anything but an A on her report card but her father can’t read and her mother doesn’t want to look at them. She is expected to graduate from school, get married, have a baby, and work at the local store for the rest of her life. But there are a couple of people in her life that understand she’s more than that.
When thinking about university at the beginning of her senior year, Marisa’s calc teacher, Mrs F, mentions the Engineering course at the University of Texas. Not knowing much about her personal life Mrs F convinces Marisa she’s good enough to go and makes her apply. What follows is a highly emotional year for Marisa; her sister’s husband is involved in an accident making him unable to walk so her sister has to be the main breadwinner. Her family haven’t got much money so she is forced to give up half of her wages to help them out, even when she cuts her hours to look after her niece. The only thing Marisa wants to do is make life better for herself so she can help the family out more but with her dad refusing to even acknowledge school it is going to be very difficult.
When I read the summary of What Can(t) Wait I knew that there would be parts of this book that infuriated me. Obviously being a Caucasian English girl growing up in the middle of a little village in North East England the story is quite far away from anything I have experienced first-hand. My parents were always supportive of anything I did, especially school, so knowing that Marisa’s father didn’t want her to carry on her education and he just wanted her to get married and bring up her husband and family really bugged me.
I know very little about Mexican families, I know they are very family orientated and as far as I’m aware they are very religious too. This book was all about Mexican families (I think there were two white characters within the whole thing!), Mexican ideals and the things that were there but no-one spoke about. Even though I don’t know much about the type of life Marisa leads the way the book was written made me understand fully about the expectations of her family and how completely normal these were. I guess one thing that definitely put this across was how normal it was for Marisa’s sister to be on the couch after a bust-up with Jose, and how the news about a 14 year old character getting pregnant was taken.
I liked that you had Marisa’s sister, Ceci, around to show exactly what was expected of Marisa because I don’t think I would have gotten as much out of the story if it wasn’t for her. I found myself thinking “man if that’s what they want for Marisa, it’s no wonder she wants out!” I also like how much of a feel you got for Marisa’s Mami too, she was obviously the dutiful wife she was meant to be yet at the same time you could tell how much she wanted Marisa to be happy and to do what she wanted to do, especially towards the end. I felt betrayed by Mami part way through but at the same time I know she was just worried.
I loved the relationship that Marisa has with Alan too, he is such a sweetie and I do think he is the perfect guy for her! I love the descriptions of his drawings too, I felt like I could see them. That’s said for a lot of this book actually, I felt like I could see it, like a movie, in my head.
I really couldn’t stand Marisa’s father, you could see what he thought quite clearly and I really didn’t like the way he states that girls and maths don’t mix. I don’t think he was meant to be a nice character but he really, really frustrated me. I just kept thinking that yeah, he had a bad childhood but surely he wants better for his kids than he had, surely he wants everything they want. Maybe he was jealous, maybe he was old-fashioned, or maybe I just didn’t understand that part of the culture. I don’t know what it was but he was definitely the only thing I didn’t like about this book.
I think What Can(t) Wait is an amazing story about finding out what you want your life to be like and fighting to get it that way. The story was a bit predictable but it had a fair few twists within it to keep you on your toes. Whilst reading it I could tell that the author was either in the same kind of situation or knew plenty of people who had to deal with the issues Marisa had to deal with. It was like she just seemed to “know” teenagers and how they thought and acted, the story was really well done and I look forward to seeing more by Ashley Hope Perez.
July 28, 2012
What Can(t) Wait cuts at your raw nerves without any remorse and tells the story of a young Mexican American girl living in Houston. The schools they mentioned, Chavez and Lamar also happen to be real schools in the Houston area. As a current teacher I just wanted to run up to Ashley and hug her. One of the most awful things about education is that while many students come from difficult backgrounds, we're told not to discuss these issues at conferences. There are so many uncomfortable issues, which educators don't want to discuss or address as to how to help these students, so for that reason alone I loved this book. This book finally said to the public, "Yes, there are students who have no support when it comes to getting an education and many students due to life circumstances have no interest in the value of an education."
I have to say Perez was brave for addressing these issues that people tend to overlook or pretend that sheer enthusiasm for teaching your subject will help overcome. If there is one thing you learn about Marisa it's simply that had she not made the choice to make her life better no amount of intervention from her teacher would have saved her. That thought is all at once humbling and sad, because you see just what Marisa had to go through simply to follow through on her goals and there were instances where she simply gave up.
Perez does not at any point sugar coat what it's like to live on the south side. Marisa's goal to attend UT conflicts with what her dysfunctional family needs. Again, the portrayal is raw and honest. For this particular book it's difficult to simply be a reviewer, as I just want to jump out of my desk and scream, "You see, look at what these kids are dealing with! Why aren't we acknowledging it!"
On that end, I felt relief, because finally someone put into words what it's like to attend school and be told to stay home to take care of your niece or to take extra shifts at work to give to your family or even to or even to be told attending U of H or HCC is your only option. (University of Houston is a decent school, but I've seen kids drop the chance to go to bigger schools, simply because it's not in Houston and there parents wouldn't approve. I even went through a similar experience, but like Marisa I just kept fighting it.)
This is not a feel good book and even the ending lacks the hope you might see in other coming of age novels. The story is so gritty and raw that the few softer moments only helps the reader to take an emotional breather.
Anytime you think things can not possibly get worse for Marisa, they always do. This is why Alan, her boyfriend, became such an integral character as he does lighten the tone of the book even though his family is hampered by their own issues. There's a scene in the book where Alan does the right thing, the gentlemanly thing, and after that I was sold that he is one of the better YA boyfriends. He may curse more than the average YA heart throb, but the spectacular thing about him is that as a romantic hero to Marisa, he never enters the fray of unhealthy or unlikable teen relationships.
There are no loose ties and once the story ends I didn't feel let down as much as I was on edge wondering what would be next for Marisa. There was none of that fluffy happily ever after nonsense or even a beautiful scene as she reflects on her life with the hint that things will go her way.
After such a tough emotional roller coaster with such a frank look at the life of a girl coming from a disadvantaged background I wondered where the gold at the end of the rainbow was. I wasn't given any gold. Instead, Marisa tells the reader in so many words to suck it up, this is life.
I have an idea of where she will end up and though this book in no way needs a sequel it would be fun to hear from the author where she believed Alan, Marisa's best friend Brenda, Greg, and Marisa herself end up four to eight years after the end of the book.
Perez does not believe in happily ever afters so if you wanted her to make everything perfect at the end, this book is not for you. Instead you're told this is where Marisa's story ends and whether she's happy or not all depends on Marisa.
There are scenes that will simply make you uncomfortable. Perez never once holds back. If an unfiltered insider look with emotionally painful scenes are not your preference you are better served avoiding this book.
However, if you want to take a chance and see exactly some of the hurdles some young teens go through, this is the book for you.
I have to say Perez was brave for addressing these issues that people tend to overlook or pretend that sheer enthusiasm for teaching your subject will help overcome. If there is one thing you learn about Marisa it's simply that had she not made the choice to make her life better no amount of intervention from her teacher would have saved her. That thought is all at once humbling and sad, because you see just what Marisa had to go through simply to follow through on her goals and there were instances where she simply gave up.
Perez does not at any point sugar coat what it's like to live on the south side. Marisa's goal to attend UT conflicts with what her dysfunctional family needs. Again, the portrayal is raw and honest. For this particular book it's difficult to simply be a reviewer, as I just want to jump out of my desk and scream, "You see, look at what these kids are dealing with! Why aren't we acknowledging it!"
On that end, I felt relief, because finally someone put into words what it's like to attend school and be told to stay home to take care of your niece or to take extra shifts at work to give to your family or even to or even to be told attending U of H or HCC is your only option. (University of Houston is a decent school, but I've seen kids drop the chance to go to bigger schools, simply because it's not in Houston and there parents wouldn't approve. I even went through a similar experience, but like Marisa I just kept fighting it.)
This is not a feel good book and even the ending lacks the hope you might see in other coming of age novels. The story is so gritty and raw that the few softer moments only helps the reader to take an emotional breather.
Anytime you think things can not possibly get worse for Marisa, they always do. This is why Alan, her boyfriend, became such an integral character as he does lighten the tone of the book even though his family is hampered by their own issues. There's a scene in the book where Alan does the right thing, the gentlemanly thing, and after that I was sold that he is one of the better YA boyfriends. He may curse more than the average YA heart throb, but the spectacular thing about him is that as a romantic hero to Marisa, he never enters the fray of unhealthy or unlikable teen relationships.
There are no loose ties and once the story ends I didn't feel let down as much as I was on edge wondering what would be next for Marisa. There was none of that fluffy happily ever after nonsense or even a beautiful scene as she reflects on her life with the hint that things will go her way.
After such a tough emotional roller coaster with such a frank look at the life of a girl coming from a disadvantaged background I wondered where the gold at the end of the rainbow was. I wasn't given any gold. Instead, Marisa tells the reader in so many words to suck it up, this is life.
I have an idea of where she will end up and though this book in no way needs a sequel it would be fun to hear from the author where she believed Alan, Marisa's best friend Brenda, Greg, and Marisa herself end up four to eight years after the end of the book.
Perez does not believe in happily ever afters so if you wanted her to make everything perfect at the end, this book is not for you. Instead you're told this is where Marisa's story ends and whether she's happy or not all depends on Marisa.
There are scenes that will simply make you uncomfortable. Perez never once holds back. If an unfiltered insider look with emotionally painful scenes are not your preference you are better served avoiding this book.
However, if you want to take a chance and see exactly some of the hurdles some young teens go through, this is the book for you.
March 4, 2011
http://breesabookworm.blogspot.com/
This is a Galley Grab review...Thank you Lerner Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I like books that tell about a persons life, where there is no moment of great climax, but many small moments of meaning. This book is very meaningful, interesting, and hopeful.
Marisa is Mexican, her parent's are from Mexico and moved to Texas later in life. She is bilingual and very very smart. But because of her parent's culture, her life is difficult in ways other people's most likely are not.
The girl has so many responsibilities, it's not even funny. She has to work as much as she is able, she has to watch her sisters daughter, she has to keep up in school...AP courses, etc. Her father doesn't think school is important and actually thinks (and makes her feel) that she is a bad daughter for putting so much time and effort into getting good grades so that she can go to the school of her choice and become an engineer. She even has to give half her paycheck to her family to help pay the bills.
I have to say it was rather interesting to read the dynamics of this family, as mine is nothing like this. I know that people with different cultural backgrounds see things differently, and it's just fascinating to get a glimpse into the workings of a family that are so different from your own, even if they are fiction. I felt like it was realistic though and probably true to life.
So basically, Marisa is dealing with all sorts of family drama, and on top of that she has a new boyfriend, Alan, who she has been in love with forever. But Alan isn't too much of a problem, because he is just so darn wonderful (most of the time). The family drama bleeds into the rest of her life, though, her relationships and school. It's hard for her to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This book is a walk through the last semester of her senior year as she learns to prioritize what's important to her, not let what her father thinks become what's true (because it's not), and to learn how to deal with life and be strong in it.
The book is well written and the dialogue is excellent. One of the only problems I had with the book is within the dialogue, and it's probably my own fault. But there is Spanish mixed in throughout the dialogue, because they are Mexican after all, so they speak Spanish. Definitely makes it more authentic, which is a good thing! I thought the author, Ashley Hope Perez, did a good job with helping you figure out what they were saying by the context of the surrounding English as a whole, but there were still a few spots where I was not able to understand at all what was being said. Of course, I could have just googled it, but to be honest I was so engrossed in the book, I just didn't care all that much!
I loved Marisa's interaction with her niece, Anita. I actually really liked Marisa's character as a whole. She goes through so much in this book and you need to read it yourself to see if she comes out shining. Does she learns to stand up for what she believes in, what she wants? I highly suggest you find out yourself!
Miss Ashley has another book, The Knife and the Butterfly, in 2012, which I am definitely going to read. I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to read this book, because I found another author to follow! Yay!
This is a Galley Grab review...Thank you Lerner Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I like books that tell about a persons life, where there is no moment of great climax, but many small moments of meaning. This book is very meaningful, interesting, and hopeful.
Marisa is Mexican, her parent's are from Mexico and moved to Texas later in life. She is bilingual and very very smart. But because of her parent's culture, her life is difficult in ways other people's most likely are not.
The girl has so many responsibilities, it's not even funny. She has to work as much as she is able, she has to watch her sisters daughter, she has to keep up in school...AP courses, etc. Her father doesn't think school is important and actually thinks (and makes her feel) that she is a bad daughter for putting so much time and effort into getting good grades so that she can go to the school of her choice and become an engineer. She even has to give half her paycheck to her family to help pay the bills.
I have to say it was rather interesting to read the dynamics of this family, as mine is nothing like this. I know that people with different cultural backgrounds see things differently, and it's just fascinating to get a glimpse into the workings of a family that are so different from your own, even if they are fiction. I felt like it was realistic though and probably true to life.
So basically, Marisa is dealing with all sorts of family drama, and on top of that she has a new boyfriend, Alan, who she has been in love with forever. But Alan isn't too much of a problem, because he is just so darn wonderful (most of the time). The family drama bleeds into the rest of her life, though, her relationships and school. It's hard for her to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This book is a walk through the last semester of her senior year as she learns to prioritize what's important to her, not let what her father thinks become what's true (because it's not), and to learn how to deal with life and be strong in it.
The book is well written and the dialogue is excellent. One of the only problems I had with the book is within the dialogue, and it's probably my own fault. But there is Spanish mixed in throughout the dialogue, because they are Mexican after all, so they speak Spanish. Definitely makes it more authentic, which is a good thing! I thought the author, Ashley Hope Perez, did a good job with helping you figure out what they were saying by the context of the surrounding English as a whole, but there were still a few spots where I was not able to understand at all what was being said. Of course, I could have just googled it, but to be honest I was so engrossed in the book, I just didn't care all that much!
I loved Marisa's interaction with her niece, Anita. I actually really liked Marisa's character as a whole. She goes through so much in this book and you need to read it yourself to see if she comes out shining. Does she learns to stand up for what she believes in, what she wants? I highly suggest you find out yourself!
Miss Ashley has another book, The Knife and the Butterfly, in 2012, which I am definitely going to read. I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to read this book, because I found another author to follow! Yay!
September 12, 2016
What Can’t Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez was not an easy read. There were parts that broke my heart. Seventeen-year old Marisa is the daughter of Mexican immigrants living in Houston. This is a novel of figuring out how to balance the expectations that others have for you against the expectations and hopes that you have for yourself. This was definitely a windows book for me. I grew up in an environment that prioritized education. I now teach in an environment that, while incredibly diverse, is also incredibly privileged. Marisa has choices to make that are outside of any of my experiences. Even now as an adult I know that I would struggle if I was put in her position.
It important that I see girls like Marisa in YA because it reminds me that my experience isn’t the only one. And it is even important for someone who is living a life like Marisa to read this because we all need to see ourselves reflected in order to truly understand who we are. We all need mirrors. I really liked Marisa. She is smart, hard wording, loyal, and more than a little rough around the edges. I was pulling for her. I think that she would be a positive reflection.
Marisa has a lot of pressure put on her from her family. To them loyalty, staying together, and supporting one another are the most important things in life. Her interest in school and desire to become an engineer puzzled and frustrated them. “How can you spend time studying/go away to college when we need your help here.” So Marisa gives them money from her after school job, watches her niece, studies for her calculus class, all the while she tries to have something left over for herself.
Let’s take a moment here to hear it for the girls of math. So often in YA math (if it is even acknowledged) is the bogyman that will take down our plucky heroine when least expected. Or it is something that comes so effortlessly to her that she never has to study. Marisa has to study calculus in order to learn it (this is a step that is often forgotten). She has to work hard. Sometimes she has to prioritize.
Ms. Ford reminded me of why I became a teacher. She has incredibly high expectations for Marisa but she is also compassionate. She isn’t a miracle worker. She can’t change Marisa’s life. But she gives her the support that she can. Marisa doesn’t make magical progress. It is uneven. Sometimes she loses hope or focus. Sometimes she reevaluates what is important to her. Sometimes, she has to compromise.
This is realistic fiction at its best. I like that her friends and family have lives outside of her. I like that even when I was angry at her family I feel as if I have met Marisa. Like she is a real person who lives in Texas that I know and that I am Facebook friends with. Actually, I would really like to be Facebook friends with her because I REALLY want life updates from her. I want to know how things turn out. I want to know that she is okay. I may be more invested in her than is healthy. Don’t judge.
Ultimately, this book left me with a feeling of hope. Read it. You definitely won’t regret it.
This review was also published at http://www.onemorestamp.blogspot.com
It important that I see girls like Marisa in YA because it reminds me that my experience isn’t the only one. And it is even important for someone who is living a life like Marisa to read this because we all need to see ourselves reflected in order to truly understand who we are. We all need mirrors. I really liked Marisa. She is smart, hard wording, loyal, and more than a little rough around the edges. I was pulling for her. I think that she would be a positive reflection.
Marisa has a lot of pressure put on her from her family. To them loyalty, staying together, and supporting one another are the most important things in life. Her interest in school and desire to become an engineer puzzled and frustrated them. “How can you spend time studying/go away to college when we need your help here.” So Marisa gives them money from her after school job, watches her niece, studies for her calculus class, all the while she tries to have something left over for herself.
Let’s take a moment here to hear it for the girls of math. So often in YA math (if it is even acknowledged) is the bogyman that will take down our plucky heroine when least expected. Or it is something that comes so effortlessly to her that she never has to study. Marisa has to study calculus in order to learn it (this is a step that is often forgotten). She has to work hard. Sometimes she has to prioritize.
Ms. Ford reminded me of why I became a teacher. She has incredibly high expectations for Marisa but she is also compassionate. She isn’t a miracle worker. She can’t change Marisa’s life. But she gives her the support that she can. Marisa doesn’t make magical progress. It is uneven. Sometimes she loses hope or focus. Sometimes she reevaluates what is important to her. Sometimes, she has to compromise.
This is realistic fiction at its best. I like that her friends and family have lives outside of her. I like that even when I was angry at her family I feel as if I have met Marisa. Like she is a real person who lives in Texas that I know and that I am Facebook friends with. Actually, I would really like to be Facebook friends with her because I REALLY want life updates from her. I want to know how things turn out. I want to know that she is okay. I may be more invested in her than is healthy. Don’t judge.
Ultimately, this book left me with a feeling of hope. Read it. You definitely won’t regret it.
This review was also published at http://www.onemorestamp.blogspot.com
August 24, 2013
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.sg/20...
**This is a review based on an ARC. The text may change!**
It was really fantastic to see how an immigrant to the US from Mexico copes with family, school, a job and learning to live life. It's also pretty much a coincidence how my last post (below) is of Illegal by Bettina Restrepo, which also deals with a family from Mexico.
It was different to see how Marisa lives her life. I mean, I can't imagine ever living like that! But obviously, people DO live like that. I haven't lived in an area with many immigrants of the same background (ish), although I am one of many expats living in Singapore. The difference is that Marisa's family isn't so well off. She wishes she can go to University and earn a degree in Engineering, but her family (and controlling dad) want her to stay home and help earn money.
As each event goes by, we can see how deeply that effects Marisa. The emotions portrayed in this book are amazingly detailed and we can see her sadness in not being able to learn things, her anger towards her family, and love towards her boyfriend Alan. She keeps her emotions to herself and isn't as outgoing as her supportive (and hilarious) friend Brenda. Another interesting thing about Marisa and this book. It has a whole ton of Spanish words sprinkled around in the book, so if you're like me and the only word in Spanish you know is 'hola', I recommend looking up some of the words, but usually, you'll get the gist of it. But anyway, as I was saying, there was one word that I picked up which I remembered from a documentary. Mariposa. Butterfly. I remember watching a documentary on these amazing butterflies migrating to Mexico at the same time each year in time for some celebration. I believe there was a Barbie movie as well, something about Mariposa. I'm not sure. But the butterflies on the cover did make sense after that!
Speaking of Brenda, here comes the sassy, amazing (and not to mention hilarious) best friend. She's outgoing, flirtatious and murderous to those who come to messing with her friends. Anita is Marisa's niece, who is an adorable little girl (so cute and cuddly :D) who helps Marisa see clearly in the end when things look grim. Alan? Loved him! I could really picture him. Actually, that's what Ashley Pérez has done amazingly with this book. You can picture all of the characters, they are just so well developed!
The storyline was an amazing ride as well. With every problem Marisa encounters, whether it be about University or her boyfriend, we are always rooting for the best outcome and hope it happens. With twists and turns which throw the possibilities endlessly everywhere, Marisa's future is one hell of a journey!
Overall, I would say that this is a fantastic debut by Ashley Hope Pérez, showing the not-so bright side of life, those who have been through tough times and girls who aren't thought of as important. It's fresh and new, and girls will have a new heroine to root for! Coming to bookstores on March 28th, GET. THIS. BOOK. Trust me, you won't regret it.
**This is a review based on an ARC. The text may change!**
It was really fantastic to see how an immigrant to the US from Mexico copes with family, school, a job and learning to live life. It's also pretty much a coincidence how my last post (below) is of Illegal by Bettina Restrepo, which also deals with a family from Mexico.
It was different to see how Marisa lives her life. I mean, I can't imagine ever living like that! But obviously, people DO live like that. I haven't lived in an area with many immigrants of the same background (ish), although I am one of many expats living in Singapore. The difference is that Marisa's family isn't so well off. She wishes she can go to University and earn a degree in Engineering, but her family (and controlling dad) want her to stay home and help earn money.
As each event goes by, we can see how deeply that effects Marisa. The emotions portrayed in this book are amazingly detailed and we can see her sadness in not being able to learn things, her anger towards her family, and love towards her boyfriend Alan. She keeps her emotions to herself and isn't as outgoing as her supportive (and hilarious) friend Brenda. Another interesting thing about Marisa and this book. It has a whole ton of Spanish words sprinkled around in the book, so if you're like me and the only word in Spanish you know is 'hola', I recommend looking up some of the words, but usually, you'll get the gist of it. But anyway, as I was saying, there was one word that I picked up which I remembered from a documentary. Mariposa. Butterfly. I remember watching a documentary on these amazing butterflies migrating to Mexico at the same time each year in time for some celebration. I believe there was a Barbie movie as well, something about Mariposa. I'm not sure. But the butterflies on the cover did make sense after that!
Speaking of Brenda, here comes the sassy, amazing (and not to mention hilarious) best friend. She's outgoing, flirtatious and murderous to those who come to messing with her friends. Anita is Marisa's niece, who is an adorable little girl (so cute and cuddly :D) who helps Marisa see clearly in the end when things look grim. Alan? Loved him! I could really picture him. Actually, that's what Ashley Pérez has done amazingly with this book. You can picture all of the characters, they are just so well developed!
The storyline was an amazing ride as well. With every problem Marisa encounters, whether it be about University or her boyfriend, we are always rooting for the best outcome and hope it happens. With twists and turns which throw the possibilities endlessly everywhere, Marisa's future is one hell of a journey!
Overall, I would say that this is a fantastic debut by Ashley Hope Pérez, showing the not-so bright side of life, those who have been through tough times and girls who aren't thought of as important. It's fresh and new, and girls will have a new heroine to root for! Coming to bookstores on March 28th, GET. THIS. BOOK. Trust me, you won't regret it.
September 11, 2016
Recap:
Marisa is the good daughter: cooking for her father and brother, babysitting whenever her sister asks, giving half of her paycheck to the family each month.
But Marisa dreams of going to the University of Texas to study engineering, and ber calculus teacher thinks that Marisa is actually smart enough to make it happen.
But her father has all but forbidden her to go to college.
Her mother doesn't want her to leave home.
Her sister needs her to be a full-time babysitter for her niece.
So college can wait. Family can't, right?
Review:
What Can't Wait really struck a chord with me. I saw so much of myself in Marisa's calculus teacher. Ms. Ford was constantly pushing Marisa, telling her not to make excuses, emphasizing that college was her "ticket out." But as the reader of Marisa's story, I knew that she was barely keeping it together - that she was bound by duty and loyalty to her family, and most especially to her niece. I actually found myself getting angry at Ms. Ford for not cutting her some slack. Why couldn't she try to understand what Marisa was going through? At the same time, I kept flashing back to conversations that I had with my own students. Pushing, pushing, and pushing them to do their best, to be the best - even when I had no idea what they were up against outside of the confines of our school. But then at the same time, wasn't Ms. Ford ultimately right? No matter how valid an excuse is, it's still an excuse. At some point, everyone has to decide for themselves "what can't wait," and then follow through and live with that decision.
Ashley Hope Perez has written a novel that is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes uplifting, and always 100% realistic. She has given her readers a candid look at what it might mean to be a part of a Mexican family. She has infused the Spanish language into nearly every paragraph, making her readers feel like they are truly listening in to Marisa's world. She has forced me to reexamine my own thoughts on teaching and urban education.
Have you read What Can't Wait? Because I'd love to talk about it with you.
Recommendation:
Teachers, parents, and students will all have something to gain through What Can't Wait. Whether it is a deeper understanding of Mexican-American culture, a new perspective on teen pregnancy, an opportunity to examine your own attitude about education, or just the pure and simple pleasure of being immersed in a really outstanding story... this book has something for everyone.
*I would say that this might be better suited for high school students, but I'm well aware that many of the challenges Marisa faces are also present in the lives of middle schoolers. So, I'll say this. If you're planning on passing What Can't Wait along to younger students, make sure you've read it first so that you are prepared for any discussions that may follow.
PS:
Much of Perez's inspiration came from her own students in Houston, where she initially taught as a Teach For America corps member. I taught with the TFA '06 corps in Baltimore. Interested in TFA or urban education? Because I'd love to talk about that too :)
Marisa is the good daughter: cooking for her father and brother, babysitting whenever her sister asks, giving half of her paycheck to the family each month.
But Marisa dreams of going to the University of Texas to study engineering, and ber calculus teacher thinks that Marisa is actually smart enough to make it happen.
But her father has all but forbidden her to go to college.
Her mother doesn't want her to leave home.
Her sister needs her to be a full-time babysitter for her niece.
So college can wait. Family can't, right?
Review:
What Can't Wait really struck a chord with me. I saw so much of myself in Marisa's calculus teacher. Ms. Ford was constantly pushing Marisa, telling her not to make excuses, emphasizing that college was her "ticket out." But as the reader of Marisa's story, I knew that she was barely keeping it together - that she was bound by duty and loyalty to her family, and most especially to her niece. I actually found myself getting angry at Ms. Ford for not cutting her some slack. Why couldn't she try to understand what Marisa was going through? At the same time, I kept flashing back to conversations that I had with my own students. Pushing, pushing, and pushing them to do their best, to be the best - even when I had no idea what they were up against outside of the confines of our school. But then at the same time, wasn't Ms. Ford ultimately right? No matter how valid an excuse is, it's still an excuse. At some point, everyone has to decide for themselves "what can't wait," and then follow through and live with that decision.
Ashley Hope Perez has written a novel that is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes uplifting, and always 100% realistic. She has given her readers a candid look at what it might mean to be a part of a Mexican family. She has infused the Spanish language into nearly every paragraph, making her readers feel like they are truly listening in to Marisa's world. She has forced me to reexamine my own thoughts on teaching and urban education.
Have you read What Can't Wait? Because I'd love to talk about it with you.
Recommendation:
Teachers, parents, and students will all have something to gain through What Can't Wait. Whether it is a deeper understanding of Mexican-American culture, a new perspective on teen pregnancy, an opportunity to examine your own attitude about education, or just the pure and simple pleasure of being immersed in a really outstanding story... this book has something for everyone.
*I would say that this might be better suited for high school students, but I'm well aware that many of the challenges Marisa faces are also present in the lives of middle schoolers. So, I'll say this. If you're planning on passing What Can't Wait along to younger students, make sure you've read it first so that you are prepared for any discussions that may follow.
PS:
Much of Perez's inspiration came from her own students in Houston, where she initially taught as a Teach For America corps member. I taught with the TFA '06 corps in Baltimore. Interested in TFA or urban education? Because I'd love to talk about that too :)
December 3, 2010
What Can't Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez
I was really eager to start this and totally enjoyed everything I read. Miss Pérez is absolutely an author I’ll be on the lookout for in the future, especially if she keeps writing stories just like this one!
"“Another day finished, gracias a Dios."
Seventeen-year-old Marisa's mother has been saying this for as long as Marisa can remember. Her parents came to Houston from Mexico. They work hard, and they expect Marisa to help her familia. And they expect her to marry a boy from the neighborhood, to settle down, and to have grandbabies. If she wants a job, she could always be an assistant manager at the local grocery store.
At school, it's another story. Marisa's calc teacher expects her to ace the AP test and to get into an engineering program in Austin—a city that seems unimaginably far away. When her home life becomes unbearable, Marisa seeks comfort elsewhere—and suddenly neither her best friend nor boyfriend can get through to her. Caught between the expectations of two different worlds, Marisa isn't sure what she wants—other than a life where she doesn't end each day thanking God it's over.
What Can't Wait—the gripping debut novel from Ashley Hope Pérez—tells the story of one girl's survival in a world in which family needs trump individual success, and self-reliance the only key that can unlock the door to the future. FROM GOODREADS
I feel like writing a list of what I liked and don’t.
What I Liked:
- Marisa. She was such a cool character and seemed like a true Mexican-American teenager, one stuck in a horrible home situation.
- Her boyfriend, Alan. He had some of the best lines out there. Sweet, artistic, athletic, family-oriented…he was amazing and perfect for Marisa. I hope there’s a sequel to this JUST so I can read more of him.
- The home situation. Marisa’s quest in finding the perfect school and perfect way to stay connected to her crazy family warmed my heart. It’s fantastic to read about a strong young woman who knows exactly what she wants in life and is just confused on how to handle it. Unlike many other heroines as of late, I’m glad Pérez took a fresh attempt at a teenage voice and created a character who was already on the right track instead of completely lost.
What I Didn’t Like So Much:
- The missing Mexican-background pieces. I would’ve enjoyed some more cultural parts, and even though the Spanish-speaking was there and the HUGE families (I love big families!) I didn’t really feel much connection to Marisa’s culture, one that supposedly was the complete focus of this book.
- I didn’t really feel a plot. Mostly, it was a young woman’s journey through a school year as she gained and lost boyfriends, made scholarly mistakes and went to parties. Where was the big idea? (Main point for the three stars)
Besides my negative points, I really enjoyed WHAT CAN’T WAIT and read it in one sitting! Worth the read!
What Can’t Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez
Audience: 13+
Rating: 3/5
Recommend?: For girls, yes.
I was really eager to start this and totally enjoyed everything I read. Miss Pérez is absolutely an author I’ll be on the lookout for in the future, especially if she keeps writing stories just like this one!
"“Another day finished, gracias a Dios."
Seventeen-year-old Marisa's mother has been saying this for as long as Marisa can remember. Her parents came to Houston from Mexico. They work hard, and they expect Marisa to help her familia. And they expect her to marry a boy from the neighborhood, to settle down, and to have grandbabies. If she wants a job, she could always be an assistant manager at the local grocery store.
At school, it's another story. Marisa's calc teacher expects her to ace the AP test and to get into an engineering program in Austin—a city that seems unimaginably far away. When her home life becomes unbearable, Marisa seeks comfort elsewhere—and suddenly neither her best friend nor boyfriend can get through to her. Caught between the expectations of two different worlds, Marisa isn't sure what she wants—other than a life where she doesn't end each day thanking God it's over.
What Can't Wait—the gripping debut novel from Ashley Hope Pérez—tells the story of one girl's survival in a world in which family needs trump individual success, and self-reliance the only key that can unlock the door to the future. FROM GOODREADS
I feel like writing a list of what I liked and don’t.
What I Liked:
- Marisa. She was such a cool character and seemed like a true Mexican-American teenager, one stuck in a horrible home situation.
- Her boyfriend, Alan. He had some of the best lines out there. Sweet, artistic, athletic, family-oriented…he was amazing and perfect for Marisa. I hope there’s a sequel to this JUST so I can read more of him.
- The home situation. Marisa’s quest in finding the perfect school and perfect way to stay connected to her crazy family warmed my heart. It’s fantastic to read about a strong young woman who knows exactly what she wants in life and is just confused on how to handle it. Unlike many other heroines as of late, I’m glad Pérez took a fresh attempt at a teenage voice and created a character who was already on the right track instead of completely lost.
What I Didn’t Like So Much:
- The missing Mexican-background pieces. I would’ve enjoyed some more cultural parts, and even though the Spanish-speaking was there and the HUGE families (I love big families!) I didn’t really feel much connection to Marisa’s culture, one that supposedly was the complete focus of this book.
- I didn’t really feel a plot. Mostly, it was a young woman’s journey through a school year as she gained and lost boyfriends, made scholarly mistakes and went to parties. Where was the big idea? (Main point for the three stars)
Besides my negative points, I really enjoyed WHAT CAN’T WAIT and read it in one sitting! Worth the read!
What Can’t Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez
Audience: 13+
Rating: 3/5
Recommend?: For girls, yes.
February 28, 2011
How do you choose between your duty to yourself and your duty to your family (hmm I wonder what Kant would have to say about this. We are currently studying him, how timely!)? I read this book in a state of incredulity, I just couldn't fathom a family not wanting their child to go to college. I can understand when parents want their teen to pick a more affordable college, but to not want their child to go at all? Unfathomable and it near broke my heart. What's even worse is that at first, Ms. Ford doesn't understand why Marisa can't dare to dream of going to UT. She does think Marisa isn't as dedicated to her schoolwork, and like Marisa, you just want to shake her and say 'she's trying as hard as she can but she can't do it all!' I got so swept up in this book, I was actually talking to Ms. Ford. I know I'm crazy. While initially Marisa's story may not seem universal it is, the stress of applying for college is just tenfold for Marisa but we can all relate to being under immense pressure from our families (it may not be grades or getting a big-paying job but it could also be the arts, sports, etc). In addition, the secondary characters are all developed. Besides Alan, Marisa's best friend, Brenda was a well-rounded character and she made this story more universal. Marisa doesn't want to leave Alan behind and she certainly doesn't want to leave her best friend Brenda behind either. Brenda is going to junior college in Houston. We all have to deal with leaving behind our high school friends since we can't take them all with us ;)
What Can't Wait is a patient book with a strong cast of characters that tells a gripping tale, one with quiet intensity. There's a sense of urgency as the reader waits for Marisa to reach her breaking point because the reader just knows that she can only handle so much. Her mother appreciates her sacrifices but she still doesn't want to reward Marisa by encouraging her college dream. Her father wants Marisa to be submissive and continue to work hard. This story also holds an important lesson for teachers, I think. Perhaps instead of just assuming that they know a student's situation, they should ask questions and be willing to listen. Just don't assume. Please? I also think that today most teachers don't give up on their students, but just remember even when the student seems to give up, don't give up on him or her. This book has a little bit of everything and it truly is a universal story that is more poignant because of Marisa's Mexican heritage. The ending does not leave things peachy keen, but it's not all doom and gloom. It's an authentic mix of hope tempered with realism. This story grabbed hold of my emotions (I was definitely holding my breath as I waited for Marisa's decision) and I can't wait to see what this author writes next ;D Oh and I want an Alan.
More on the blog 3/1 (release date)
What Can't Wait is a patient book with a strong cast of characters that tells a gripping tale, one with quiet intensity. There's a sense of urgency as the reader waits for Marisa to reach her breaking point because the reader just knows that she can only handle so much. Her mother appreciates her sacrifices but she still doesn't want to reward Marisa by encouraging her college dream. Her father wants Marisa to be submissive and continue to work hard. This story also holds an important lesson for teachers, I think. Perhaps instead of just assuming that they know a student's situation, they should ask questions and be willing to listen. Just don't assume. Please? I also think that today most teachers don't give up on their students, but just remember even when the student seems to give up, don't give up on him or her. This book has a little bit of everything and it truly is a universal story that is more poignant because of Marisa's Mexican heritage. The ending does not leave things peachy keen, but it's not all doom and gloom. It's an authentic mix of hope tempered with realism. This story grabbed hold of my emotions (I was definitely holding my breath as I waited for Marisa's decision) and I can't wait to see what this author writes next ;D Oh and I want an Alan.
More on the blog 3/1 (release date)
December 23, 2018
"When we were younger, I imagine that finishing high school would be like waving a magic wand, and then my dad would like me and Ma would understand me and Ceci wouldn't dump on me and Gustavo would do the dishes for once and I'd have my own life.... Here I am, seventeen years old and still tiptoeing around my dad, trying to please my mom, getting bulldozed by Cecilia and ignored by Gustavo."
Marissa's story is one we see played out time and time again in real life. It's one that is so real and isn't about romance for once. It's about a teenager trying to find a way to better her own future, all while juggling her family responsibilities. It's something that so many young women try to do every day and are continually tried to stop because they are supposed to help with the family and wanting to succeed and do better in school is hard for others to imagine. Despite the obstacles put in Marissa's way with the help of a teacher who believes that she can do it, and a boyfriend who is supportive of her decisions as well, she is able to juggle everything for a while.
"You don't have to rescue everybody. Nobody can do that. Don't forget about your stuff, your goals and shit."
Sadly with constantly being discouraged by her family, she starts thinking that it isn't what she needs to do. Add in the constant watching of her niece who she gives full attention to because no one else does, and working with any free time she has, studying just isn't a priority. Until she realizes that she needs to do this for herself, even if it means having to 'disappoint' certain people. She can't keep living her life like it is, it's not what she wants, nor is it one that will ever make her happy. It's a tough choice, but it's one that I'm glad she made and I was so proud of her making it.
Perez did an amazing job with this story. Not only did I feel for Marissa, but I also understood the pressure and stress she was under. It was even possible to see things from her families point of view as well. Seeing Marissa continue on even with everything else she was having to deal, really is something we need more in YA. So many young people are in this type of situation and it's one that is hard to get out of because of how many different ways they are being pulled. But Marissa and so many others find a way and we need these stories to say hey this is real life and yes it's hard, but if you believe in them and gives them the opportunity they can do amazing things.
I can't wait to read Perez's other book now!
Marissa's story is one we see played out time and time again in real life. It's one that is so real and isn't about romance for once. It's about a teenager trying to find a way to better her own future, all while juggling her family responsibilities. It's something that so many young women try to do every day and are continually tried to stop because they are supposed to help with the family and wanting to succeed and do better in school is hard for others to imagine. Despite the obstacles put in Marissa's way with the help of a teacher who believes that she can do it, and a boyfriend who is supportive of her decisions as well, she is able to juggle everything for a while.
"You don't have to rescue everybody. Nobody can do that. Don't forget about your stuff, your goals and shit."
Sadly with constantly being discouraged by her family, she starts thinking that it isn't what she needs to do. Add in the constant watching of her niece who she gives full attention to because no one else does, and working with any free time she has, studying just isn't a priority. Until she realizes that she needs to do this for herself, even if it means having to 'disappoint' certain people. She can't keep living her life like it is, it's not what she wants, nor is it one that will ever make her happy. It's a tough choice, but it's one that I'm glad she made and I was so proud of her making it.
Perez did an amazing job with this story. Not only did I feel for Marissa, but I also understood the pressure and stress she was under. It was even possible to see things from her families point of view as well. Seeing Marissa continue on even with everything else she was having to deal, really is something we need more in YA. So many young people are in this type of situation and it's one that is hard to get out of because of how many different ways they are being pulled. But Marissa and so many others find a way and we need these stories to say hey this is real life and yes it's hard, but if you believe in them and gives them the opportunity they can do amazing things.
I can't wait to read Perez's other book now!
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