GABI, A GIRL IN PIECES by Isabel Quintero is an outstanding work of realistic fiction with a strong Mexican-American cultural perspective. Gabi is a typical high school senior confronting teen issues including human sexuality, drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and binge eating. The story revolves around her friendships, family, and romantic relationships.
Written as journal entries, the story unfolds in a refreshing conversational style with a spattering of Spanish, witty reflections, and a growing self-awareness connected with Gabi’s heritage and family values.
Beyond the diary format, Quintero effectively weaves the use of poetry and letters throughout the narrative making the work a distinct contribution to young adult literature.
Isabel Quintero’s first novel presents an unforgettable character that reflects an entire generation of young women coming of age. Many teens will see themselves in this honest portrayal of everyday experiences from first kisses to weight concerns. What makes this novel particularly moving is the way it so effectively conveys today’s cultures within cultures from discussions of skin color to questions about religious belief.
Quintero provides a fresh new voice in contemporary Mexican American literature. This book should be on all the Latina awards lists, but more importantly on the mainstream best of 2014 lists.
Edelweiss ARC used for review
