Sisters, Strangers, and Starting Over

As someone who is in an interracial marriage and of minority culture, I adore reading multicultural books that focus on both of those aspects. I'm not always looking for insight into serious conversations dealing with these subjects, but it's always nice to see them pop up in literature and therefore become exposed to more readers. I had really enjoyed the first book in this series, Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz, because it gave a great representation of an intro to Latin American culture and the importance of what a quinceañera represents to the family. When I heard there would be another book in the Quinceañera Club series, I was excited to return back to the adventures of the close knit family. The book starts off at the anniversary celebration of husband and wife Larry and Beatriz. It is interesting to note that Larry is Irish American while Beatriz's family is from Mexico. The couple celebrate their differences together, with both having made attempts throughout their years of marriage to get accustomed to the others culture. It's quite clear that the two love each other and are willing to do everything to make the other happy. Until Perla shows up. Perla is the daughter of Beatriz's estranged little sister who Beatriz turned away years ago. She's felt horribly guilty about this her entire life and sees this as a chance to redeem herself and acts like her sister is back again. Meanwhile Larry is wary of this girl coming into their lives especially after he has already made plans for a future with Beatriz after their kids have left the house. The two of them spend a lot of time bickering over Perla to the point where their once perfect marriage is now in jeopardy. There were times throughout the story where I would get annoyed at Beatriz for not thinking about Larry's feelings and then I'd read a few more pages and get annoyed at Larry for being stubborn. I really liked how there was a balance with this. This way the reader doesn't side with one character too much and flaws and faults are shown so that the reader can see that both are not entirely right in their decisions. There are two other side stories in addition to the Perla/Beatriz/Larry triangle. One involves Larry's sister, who is emotionally immature and pretty much abandons her kids every day to Larry and Beatriz. It frustrated and disgusted me to see this "mother" treat her children this way and also shows the contrast between her and Beatriz. It's really sad that women who don't deserve children have them when women who would love to be mothers can't. The other story involves a reporter who is trying to find Perla to return a special keepsake from her mother. She feels to blame for Perla's situation due to a story she was working on involving violence on women in the area that they were from. I wish more had been talked about the story she was working on as I think more awareness needs to be brought to light. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a great way to see ho

In San Antonio, fourteen year old Celeste Sanchez arrives at the home of her Aunt Beatriz Sanchez-Milligan as the older woman, her husband Larry and their teen children Carlos and Raul celebrate their silver wedding anniversary. Beatriz is in shock as she tells her Aunt Beatriz that her mom a Mexican labor organizer Perla died. Aunt Beatriz takes her niece into her home though Uncle Larry has doubts as wherever Perla went trouble followed. Beatriz ignores Larry's concerns of a chip off the old block and what that will do to their kids. She wants to adopt her niece and throw Celeste a quinceanera gala. Deep inside her gut, Beatriz feels guilt for failing to stay in touch with her sister and though caring for Perla's daughter is the right thing it does not abate her remorse. When El Paso reporter Josie Mendoza arrives with a final "present" for Celeste from her late mom, he implies to Beatriz her sister was murdered. Twenty-fives years of a strong marriage begins to shatter as Larry wants the teen out with his memory of his sister-in-law tainting his feelings; while Beatriz wants her niece as part of the family partly because of her memory of her sister tainting her feelings.. The second quinceanera coming of age family drama (see Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz) is a terrific tale that centers on the characters; in this case mostly the niece and her aunt serving as a surrogate mom. The three Milligan males and Celeste's uncles (and their families) enhance the poignant passionate plot, but this is the bonding of three females as an aunt and niece grieve their loss yet also cement their love. The ending will leave readers with wet eyes. Harriet Klausner

As an Latino market expert, I always look forward to books from Hispanic authors but am more often than not somewhat disappointed. Belinda Acosta, however, delivers on all fronts. Beyond the engaging plot and entertaining twists and turns, what I LOVE about this book is the LATIN-NESS that is imbued throughout, which is so relfective of my life, the way I talk - mixing languages - the friends I have (including crazy family members and friends) and the life I live as a Hispanic professional in the USA. Like Junot Diaz, Acosta takes the reader deep into the lives of the characters and for those of us who can read spanish and understand the cultural imprint that is such a good part of this book, it's a pure delight to read! It's no wonder that the first book in this Quinceanera series, Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz was a winner of the Mariposa Prize, the award given for Best First Book (English), at this year's 12th Annual International Latino Book Awards on May 25, 2010, at the awards ceremony held during the BookExpo of America convention in New York City. This is a great, fun book to read, I highly recommend it! Chiqui Cartagena

Sisters, Strangers, and Starting is a mother daughter tale. It is about the family we choose and the crossroads we pass. It is all about the joyous relationships we have with sisterhood, motherhood, friendship and family. I found this book to be emotionally profound and I highly recommend this book Bravo Belinda Acosta!

For mothers, daughters and everyone else, this is a wonderful read about the power of love to redeem almost any mistake, no matter how serious or how long ago. It's about resilience and families, about all the hard work it takes to hold relationships together. But mostly it turns out to be story about the huge rewards that come with never giving up on others or on yourself. It's beautifully written and the story just keeps you turning the pages. Applause for Belinda Acosta!!