In the age of smartphones, it is extremely rare for me to finish reading a book in one day. In this case, I picked up the book around noon and didn’t put it down until I read the final pages that evening. The story is of Julia Reyes, a fifteen-year-old daughter of Mexican immigrants growing up in Chicago. Julia’s story is complex yet artfully told. She is living all the typical challenges of adolescence while grieving the sudden death of her sister, not getting along with her parents, and struggling with the challenges of being a first generation American. As the story progresses, it expands to encompass generational trauma, sexual coming-of-age, sexual assault, friendship, depression, suicide, education, and self-advocacy. The book is rich in significant themes and heavy on scenes that illustrate life as it should–and as it shouldn’t–be.
Not long after reading the book, I offered to fill in as group therapist for teen boys who had been involved in sexual abuse, as victims and/or perpetrators. I thought this book was not exactly a fit–they might identify more with a male protagonist. I went ahead with it anyway, with the intent that a female protagonist could help deepen empathy in my clients.
It worked. Together, we listened to and processed the book over twenty-one group therapy sessions. The group members broke down the differences between the consensual and non-consensual sex scenes. They identified with Julia’s downward spiral and hospitalization. They saw her rebuild her life, speak up for herself, and use the resources around her to build the life and relationships she wants. She learns about her family’s traumas and their impact on her childhood, and makes peace with her parents. She learns there was more depth to her “perfect” sister and that comparisons between them were unfair.
I love this book because it illustrates the toughness of human beings, and our ability to leverage personal strengths after the darkest times in life. It’s a great story for showing young people what to do and what to expect in a healthy sexual relationship, and how move forward after trauma.
A Therapist's Book Club 