The relationship dynamics in this felt very real, and I loved the exploration of the curandera's work and the culture surrounding it, but the prose read more like a first draft, a rough gist of intent instead of carefully considered and thoughtfully polished paragraphs, and the book ended so abruptly that I couldn't help wondering if the printer had accidentally failed to include the last 50 pages. Maybe there's supposed to be a sequel to resolve all the hanging plot threads? ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes
Level: High School

Sixteen year old Martha is having a tough time. Her mother abandons her in Laredo, Texas and takes off. Martha has been left with her grandmother who doesn't speak English and she doesn't Spanish. Martha finds herself with a family she never knew about, a grandmother that she can't communicate with, and a legacy of secrets from her mother.

I was so excited to read this book. There are very few teen books that represent grandparents taking care of parental duties. Yet this is a reality for many teens who find themselves with only their grandparents to care for them and checked out adults. I loved the realistic fiction part of this book, the secrets that she uncovers about her mother, and the giant family that she never knew about. Those parts were amazing. For me things got complicated when the magic realism was introduced into the story. It took me out of the narrative in many ways. My biggest complaint is the ending. I needed at least three more chapters explaining what happened. I felt like the ending was dropped on me. As far as I know there isn't a second book. So if you like stories tied with a neat bow this might not be your book. Otherwise pick up this book for the diversity and amazing non traditional family representation. ( )