Single Chicas

Perfection is a Barbie doll, and, unless you're looking for a guy with a fake smile, a hard head, and no genitalia, then you're better off NOT being perfect―Single Chicas

Single Chicas is a collection of stories about modern Latinas being in, out, and around the zany hurdles of relationships. One woman receives strange calls from a lonely soul, another seeks advice on how to love herself, and another wakes up in a parallel universe to a man she's never met. These chicas will make painstaking effort to survive the complexities with humor and grace. Once again, López dazzles audiences with her brilliantly candid craft. Smart, witty, and funny, these stories will explore the true endurance of singlehood.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Sandra Lopez shares a collection of short stories about being female and single in her book, Single Chicas. The collection covers various topics that relate to being single, some weird and some funny. But they all cast being single in a positive light, promoting self gratification through travel, career, and hobbies. 

There isn't one main character that weaves throughout the collection. Each story has it's own leading lady who takes the reins with each main topic whether it's trying to keep a sibling from getting married or hiring a fake husband for the holidays. Lopez seems to write the women with an even balance of flaws and positive attributes. Though with short stories, sometimes it's hard to connect with the characters as they aren't growing much over the short amount of time. Though they were entertaining, there wasn't one character that I felt I could really relate to. 

I also think the humor was a struggle in some of the stories. The synopsis makes it seem like they're all supposed to be funny, but I didn't think all of them were. They each had funny aspects but I wanted more. I was also a little put off by the dialogue at certain points. In my experience, a guy just doesn't go on rant about how much he loves his girlfriend and never wants her to leave him and will do anything to keep her to a complete stranger. At least, it's never happened to me. Though in the story when that's supposed to indicate an annoying quality, it comes across loud and clear. 

The main thing about the book that I liked was that it did promote singlehood, whether that means being single or just making sure to keep your priorities straight when in a relationship. It promoted self-worth and smart decisions. And that's a good message to come away with. 

Rating: 2.5/5 Cups

Beyond the Gardens

She was a shy artist, who was afraid to blossom into the beautiful flower she was meant to grow into.

At the age of 18, Esperanza Ignacio begins her college years at an upscale Los Angeles art school, where she studies to fulfill her long-term dream in Animation. But she soon learns the truth to the old folktale: "you can take the girl out of the barrio, but you can't take the barrio out of the girl." Even though she's getting financial aid, Esperanza works a part-time job during her break from classes just to make ends meet. Her roommate, Anna, is what she calls a "chicana from Beverly Hills" because of the rich daddy and the new car she got for her quinceaera.

Things get a little confusing for Esperanza when an old friend comes looking for her, hoping to start a meaningful relationship. But is Carlos the right guy for her? She never even considered him to be anything more than a friend since high school. Then comes Jake, a gorgeous mechanic, who shares her passion for books and loves her for who she is. What's a girl to do?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Sandra C. Lopez tells the astounding story of one girl who rises above the strife of growing up in a poor Los Angeles community with her novel, Beyond the Gardens. Esperanza has always focused on building a better future for herself and when she is accepted into an animation program at college, she knows she's on the right track, but her fear threatens to throw her back. Can she accept her past enough to escape it? And will she have the strength to move on when given the option? 

Esperanza is a Latina Californian who has a past that plays a very present role in her life. She grew up in a poor family with a mother who struggled everyday to provide for her family. Esperanza's father was abusive and though he's in prison, she still has to face those scars everyday. Readers will easily connect with Esperanza on an intimate level. She's a person who wants more but is afraid of the hand-slap that will surely come if she reaches for it. Though she doesn't let it hold her back. Esperanza takes each fear and molds it into inspiration. She's a character full of so much hope that readers will instantly connect with her, cheering for her to take each step toward a happier life. 

The plot of the novel follows Esperanza through all four years of college. Readers witness her struggle, face her fears, forgive the past, and form her own path for the future. Beyond the Gardens is an inspiring coming-of-age novel. The dialogue can be a little awkward at times, even a little 'cheesy,' but it takes nothing away from the message of this novel: with a little hope and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups