"Twin sisters Elena and Marianella couldn't be more different. Marianella goes out of her way to actively participate in their Puerto Rican culture, whereas Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella is also fighting a very private battle with mental illness, and takes her own life not long after their fifteenth birthday. As Elena mourns her sister, she tries to live her life without the limitations and rules Marianella set for her. When her life spirals out of control, Elena realizes the depth of her roots and the guilt of not helping her sister before it was too late." --
Story In Poetry Form! I was expecting a novel based on the description of this book, and instead wound up reading long form poetry. Which overall turned out to tell an interesting tale of a teenage girl struggling with her twin's suicide and spiraled into how her family dealt with it as well. And all of that part of it was truly solid. I personally would have preferred it in novel form, and think it could have been even stronger as such. But for what this book is, it really is quite good. (Well, unless there is any hidden meaning here that my HS English teachers always insisted was present in any poetry, but which I've never been good at detecting - if that is here, I completely missed it and cannot speak to it.) But for the visible story, an interesting take that I wouldn't normally have read. So do yourself a favor and read this long form poem, even if you normally prefer novels. If nothing else, it will be a quick read. :D
Reading updates
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Started reading
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30 July, 2018:
Finished reading
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30 July, 2018:
Reviewed