By Annette Chavez Macias
Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I absolutely ADORED this book. The irony of it all is that this big chica cried her eyes out while reading this beautiful story!
This is a must read if you want:
- Strong female leads
- Latinx culture (specifically a Mexican family)
- Love including but not limited to:
- Family Love
- Self love
- A hint of spice, a 3 out of 5 on the spice o meter
Synopsis as stated on Netgalley: “Four cousins navigate love, loss, and the meaning of family over the course of one memorable year in this heartfelt family drama. Cousins Mari, Erica, Selena, and Gracie are inseparable. They aren’t just family but best friends—sharing secrets, traditions, and a fierce love for their abuelita. But their idyllic childhood ends when Mari’s parents divorce, forcing her to move away. With Mari gone, the girls’ tight-knit bond unravels. Fifteen years later, Mari’s got the big house and handsome husband, but her life is in shambles. Erica’s boyfriend just dumped her, and her new boss hates her. Selena can’t seem to find her place in the world—not Mexican enough for her family, not white enough for her colleagues. And Gracie is a Catholic school teacher with an all-consuming crush, but she can’t trust herself when it comes to romance. As rocky as the cousins’ lives have become, nothing can prepare them for the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. When tragedy reunites them, will they remember their abuelita’s lessons about family and forgiveness—or are fifteen years of separation too much to overcome?”
Annette Chavez Macias depicts a cast of independent, strong minded, and loving chicas so smoothly that it is easy to connect with them. Making it a treat to read about their journey as individuals and as a family.
“ ‘Que Dios te bendiga.’ It was the blessing she always gave us whenever we would leave her. She once told me it was better than goodbye because she knew that she would see us again soon.”
Annette Chavez Macias. Big Chicas Don’t Cry(Uncorrected Proof) (Kindle Locations 175-177). Kindle Edition.
The story is told in the first person with alternating perspectives of the four cousins: Mari, Erica, Selena, and Gracie, taking place during modern times in California.
We follow them from the day they find out that Mari’s parents are getting a divorce, they promise to always be there for each other no matter what, but as time goes on they lose contact. Fifteen years past, Mari is now in a marriage that is less than ideal. Gracie is a catholic school teacher with a huge crush on the new gym teacher. Erica is a journalist for a local newspaper who has recently hired a new editor who is a complete jerk as well as not that bad looking either. Finally, Selena, is “an assistant account manager hired because the company wanted to bring in more Latino clients.” Chavez Macias. Big Chicas Don’t Cry(Uncorrected Proof) (Kindle Location 886). Kindle Edition.
We follow these women through their careers, their love interests and disputes; at the center of it all is the love they have for each other and their family.
I loved how many perspectives were told and how the reader is able to experience so many different stories while also having them connected. At the heart these chicas are always following up with each other whether it be through a text or phone call. They meet up with each other for family events and they can confide in each other. I loved how they were each other’s support, it reminded me so much of my family and to be able to relate to them was awesome!
The theme of family is the strongest point of “Big Chicas Don’t Cry”. It was great to read a romance that featured an office crush as well as self love and repairing relationships. There was a great balance of it all and I think that is what defines this book.
“My family included some of the nosiest, most frustrating, most meddling people around. But I loved every single one of them.”
Annette Chavez Macias. Big Chicas Don’t Cry(Uncorrected Proof) (Kindle Locations 4261-4262). Kindle Edition.
Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one character to talk about since I found I loved them all. I loved and related to: Selena who wasn’t quite “Mexican enough” for her family, but in her work life she is the go to for any questions when it comes to BIPOC. Then there is Erica who is out there pursuing her writing career. Mari who feels like she’s suffocating in her relationship that appears to be “perfect”. And then of course Gracie who is shy and feels pressured to be in a relationship by her family. I just found there was SO much of what I had to deal with as a young adult, and as an adult today, in this book I found comfort in reading about their experiences.
“As a kid, I’d been ashamed about not being white enough. But as an adult, I was ashamed for not being Mexican enough.”
Annette Chavez Macias. Big Chicas Don’t Cry(Uncorrected Proof) (Kindle Locations 928-929). Kindle Edition.
I also appreciated the growth of these characters, there isn’t one that is stagnant and it is a timely reflection of women today. Despite what society and family members might want to push onto women, much like the women in this book, they (we) want to find their (our) passions and to be able to thrive on their (our) own.
I saw myself in this diverse cast. I saw my family in theirs and it made me so happy to read such a relatable story. A story that reflects so much Latinx joy. At its core this is a story about women supporting each other, learning to trust as well as love again, and knowing that family is forever.
All in all this is a 5 star read and I can’t wait to read more from Annette Chaves Macias! Thank you to the author for the eARC I am truly honored to have read such a beautiful book!
If you’re ready to read Big Chicas Don’t Cry, check out my affiliate link here.