Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Narrator Kyla Garcia moves easily between English and Spanish, establishing the cultural confusion of a 17-year-old Mexican-American high school senior. Gabi's diary entries are a lyrical mix of courage and frustration, confusing sex and honest friendship, shame and pride. Garcia's wide range of tones authentically expresses the thoughtful teenager's rapidly shifting feelings, which move from self-deprecation at being overweight to tearfulness as she writes a letter to her meth-addicted father and giddiness when she's asked out on a date. Gabi is eloquent and messy, smart in school but not wise enough to restrain her emotions amid conflict. Garcia's versatility and Quintero's vivid writing unite to show the strength and beauty of a complex young woman. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from September 29, 2014
Quintero’s first novel quickly establishes a strong voice and Mexican-American cultural perspective through the journal of intelligent, self-deprecating, and funny Gabi. The 17-year-old is navigating considerable conflict both at home and in her social life: her father is addicted to meth, while Gabi’s strict mother pressures her to conform to her own views of their heritage and values. Gabi, who seeks comfort through binge eating, wants to grow up on her own terms, and she explores her awakening romantic and sexual feelings by writing poetry. Quintero unsentimentally confronts a gay teenager’s coming out, teen pregnancy, date rape, abortion, addiction, and other topics while sketching the contradictory pressures facing Gabi, who feels caught between two worlds (“Being Mexican-American is tough sometimes. Your allegiance is always questioned”). Gabi’s letters to her father are particularly moving, and her narration is fresh, self-aware, and reflective. The intimate journal structure of the novel is especially revealing as Gabi gains confidence in her own integrity and complexity: “I guess there is more to this fat girl than even this fat girl ever knew.” Ages 14–up.