I think people should read this novel because it touches on reality. Meaning that everything in this book is important. I would definitely recommend this book to friends or anyone you know, because it’s also an interesting book to read. 

This book is about a girl named Esperanza and the hardships she goes through. She goes through a life of poverty and moving into a new house. When she moves she meets new people and also starts growing up sexually and emotionally. Along the way she meets friends Rachel and Lucy who live across the street from her, Sally a much more sexually experienced girl than Esperanza, there’s also her sister Nenny who embarrasses her every now and then, Marin who sells makeup and teaches Esperanza everything she knows about boys and her Papa who is rarely ever home and works a lot and her Mama who is more like a source of comfort for Esperanza. 

I really enjoyed this book mainly due to the fact that the author wrote a lot of parts in the book that seem relatable. She touches upon life of a teenage girl and writes nothing but real ness. Everything in the book that she wrote about any teenage girl can go through, which is why the book really caught my attention.

Some quotes that can back my opinion up is “until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor.” This quote is saying that she basically feels isolated and alone. Until she can find someone to talk about things with she’ll feel like she won’t belong. Another is, “one day i’ll jump out of my skin”, the quote is saying that this person will one day be able to be themselves and be free. No more hiding and faking. 

Therefore this is why I think people should definitely read this book. You’ll understand what Esperanza goes through and how the life of a teenage girl works. You’ll come to see how she handles everything life throws at her.