Like Water

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Savannah Espinoza had grand plans to swim for a college team and leave her small New Mexico town, but after her father is diagnosed with Huntington's Disease her plans grind to a halt. Secretly fearing that she, too, inherited the disease, Savannah (Vanni) spends the summer after her graduation working in her family's restaurant and hooking up with boys. When she meets Leigh Clemente, a white girl from Boston, things begin to change for Vanni. Leigh wants nothing more to leave New Mexico and head back to Boston, and Vanni and Leigh share the feeling of being stuck. An unsteady relationship begins between the two, and Vanni is forced to make a hard choice between staying with her family and pursuing a life of her own.

Podos thoughtfully and authentically explores Vanni's self-discovery and bisexuality. Un-itilaicized Spanish is woven into the dialogue, bringing life to Vanni's interactions with others. An excellent addition to contemporary romance collections, recommended for grades 9 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent