A complicated, messy, wonderful character

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi, a girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. This novel follows year in the life of Gabi, a high school senior in a smallish California town, who is spends much of the book struggling to be true to herself but still honor her heritage. Her mother is constantly on her case to lose weight, spend more time on her appearance, and when going out with a boy, keep her “eyes open, legs closed.” She has 2 best friends, one who is gay and the other who is pregnant, a father struggling with his own personal demons, and a younger brother that is beginning to become quite the troublemaker.

Since the novel is written in the form of a diary, Gabi’s distinct point of view comes through with every word. The reader follows Gabi throughout her senior year, during Gabi suffers a family tragedy, supports her friends as they manage their own problems, and falls in love. In the midst of managing all the roller coaster of her senior year, Gabi continues to dream about attending college, even though she knows her family can’t afford it.

What makes Gabi, A Girl in Pieces truly memorable is how well the author, Isabel Quintero, develops the central character. Gabi struggles with being Mexican-American, saying about it, “Being Mexican-American is tough sometimes. Your allegiance is always questioned. My mom worries that I will be too Americana.” (Quintero, 2014, p. 34) Her darker skinned Hispanic friends question her Mexican heritage because Gabi is light-skinned. She has a deep appreciation for tasty treats, store bought and homemade, and must be creative about hiding “her stash” from her mother. She and her friends spend a large amount of time in frank discussions about their love lives and all their encompassing aspects. And much to her own surprise, her own love life begins to flourish. Gabi is truly a multi-dimensional character.

But at the heart of her story is how Gabi develops her voice, as a writer and as a character. It is through her writing that she comes into her own and discovers her real value. And by the end of the story, she sees her future in a more confident and hopeful light.

I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. Quintero’s authentically portrays Gabi as a girl torn between her Mexican and American heritage. Her younger brother is given freedoms she’s not allowed. Gabi and her friends face difficult problems, such as addiction, teen pregnancy, self-acceptance, and death. And throughout the good times and bad, Gabi meets life with a clear mind, a kind heart, and a winning sense of humor. It is not recommended for middle school or junior high children due to some mature themes such as drug addition, rape, teen pregnancy, and even sexual identity. Quintero, speaking through Gabi, incorporates these themes into the story line in a way that they become integral to Gabi’s growth throughout the novel.

#youngadult #MexicanAmerican