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Becoming Latina in 10 Easy Steps
Okay, so let me get this straight. Now that I’m 27 years old with a high-powered career in Hollywood, and a life that most people would make fools of themselves on a reality TV show to have, now I find out that I’m not who I thought I was – that I’m only half Mexican? My saint of a Mami seriously had an affair with a white guy from her church group, and lied to me my entire life? I know, this shouldn’t freak me out, but I’m already not-Latina-enough in the eyes of my traditional family. To them, I should have been married years ago. And no real Latina has to order take-out they remind me. Now, I have to admit to being a gringa? How will I ever live this down? The answer is clear. I have to prove that I still have roots! And I know just how to do it – I’m kicking off my 10-step plan to become more Latina by . . . Dating only Mexican men. Latinos are hot. Especially the bad boys. To tell the truth, I’m going to enjoy this step. But no one seems right . . . except George Ramirez, one of my coworkers. Unfortunately, George is more Americano than I am. He can’t even speak Spanish. He simply won’t do . . . will he? Learning to cook, home-style. What can be so hard about slapping together a tortilla? I used to make them with clay in pre-school all the time. But, uh, this career girl has set off the smoke alarm a few times in the past. After a few private cooking lessons, I should be able to show my smug sisters that even I can warm a man’s belly with more than a shot of Tequila. Mentoring an at-risk Latina. Catching Lupe tagging my car leaves me with two choices, send her to Juvie or take her under my wing. Even if she doesn’t know it, I’m about to change her life. But between her switchblade and her bad attitude, I’m starting to wonder who’s more at her or me? When I’m finished, I’ll be able to out-Latina my sisters and cousins, no problem. No one is going to accuse me of be half anything ever again. And yet . . . who knew being myself could be so much work?
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2006
6 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 31, 2009
Cute summer pool read.
December 18, 2012
Reviewed by: Sandra L
Review: Marcela just found out she's half white because her mother had an affair with someone else, so now she doesn't know who she is. Then a comment from her family sends her on a mission: to prove that she is as much Latina as any of them. So she begins this 10-step program--really, they're a bunch of cliches for Mexicans (i.e. Spanish cooking, good dancers, etc.) If she was going to add a bunch of stereotypes, she might've also included knowing Spanish and living in a barrio--all totally Mexican, by the way.
I was so envious of Marcela because she had the job I've always wanted--Animator. Lucky dog.
The first thing she does is start dating Mexican men. The typical Mexican would've just crossed the border and would speak no English. Instead, she was stupid enough to date a cholo that nearly raped her on the first "date." I would've taken a wetback over a cholo any day. But then George, a guy that works in the Accounting Dept., captures her eye, even though he was no "Mexican." At first, he was pretty dull, but then he started growing on me as I read on. Girls, you should always go for the nerds. Who knows? They may be hiding a body under all that suit.
It was admirable how Marcela takes in a troubled teen like Lupe and shows her the world of web design. How brave she was to trust her near her computer on the first night. Things get very rough for Marcela when Lupe's bro enters the scene. She gets cuffed and thrown in jail because of him. Honestly, I don't know if Marcela was brave or stupid. Who would put themselves in danger like that? And for what--to prove something to her family?
And George (even though he turned out to be a hunk,) what was up with him? Why are guys such chicks? One romp in the sack and he was ready to move in with Marcela. Whoa, Nelly! Slow down!
Still, I liked how Marcela thought she deserved a nice guy like George, even if he did wanted to marry her from the start. She becomes a real genuine person when she stops and looks around at what life is like on the other side of the tracks (East L.A., Mexico.)
I enjoyed the writer's sense of humor and style. A great book about finding yourself and becoming a better person. Even though the character does evade from the 10 steps (in other words, she doesn't really do them all,) she was a real character with flaws, hopes, and fears. I could definitely relate to her.
Review: Marcela just found out she's half white because her mother had an affair with someone else, so now she doesn't know who she is. Then a comment from her family sends her on a mission: to prove that she is as much Latina as any of them. So she begins this 10-step program--really, they're a bunch of cliches for Mexicans (i.e. Spanish cooking, good dancers, etc.) If she was going to add a bunch of stereotypes, she might've also included knowing Spanish and living in a barrio--all totally Mexican, by the way.
I was so envious of Marcela because she had the job I've always wanted--Animator. Lucky dog.
The first thing she does is start dating Mexican men. The typical Mexican would've just crossed the border and would speak no English. Instead, she was stupid enough to date a cholo that nearly raped her on the first "date." I would've taken a wetback over a cholo any day. But then George, a guy that works in the Accounting Dept., captures her eye, even though he was no "Mexican." At first, he was pretty dull, but then he started growing on me as I read on. Girls, you should always go for the nerds. Who knows? They may be hiding a body under all that suit.
It was admirable how Marcela takes in a troubled teen like Lupe and shows her the world of web design. How brave she was to trust her near her computer on the first night. Things get very rough for Marcela when Lupe's bro enters the scene. She gets cuffed and thrown in jail because of him. Honestly, I don't know if Marcela was brave or stupid. Who would put themselves in danger like that? And for what--to prove something to her family?
And George (even though he turned out to be a hunk,) what was up with him? Why are guys such chicks? One romp in the sack and he was ready to move in with Marcela. Whoa, Nelly! Slow down!
Still, I liked how Marcela thought she deserved a nice guy like George, even if he did wanted to marry her from the start. She becomes a real genuine person when she stops and looks around at what life is like on the other side of the tracks (East L.A., Mexico.)
I enjoyed the writer's sense of humor and style. A great book about finding yourself and becoming a better person. Even though the character does evade from the 10 steps (in other words, she doesn't really do them all,) she was a real character with flaws, hopes, and fears. I could definitely relate to her.
September 13, 2023
Marcela Alvarez is stunned when she finds out that her dad is not her biological father. Her family still treats her like one of their own but there is one small caveat - her sisters figure that the reason Marcela is not as Mexican as the rest of them is because of her white father. Determined to out-Latina the rest of the family makes a list of all the things she feels the perfect Latina would do - among them be more Catholic, cook great Mexican food, visit Mexico, mentor a young Mexican girl and date only Mexican men. Determined to put her plan into motion she goes to work the next day and asks the only other Mexican she knows on a date. But George Ramirez is a nightmare - he's so out of touch with his roots he doesn't even speak Spanish! So why is she falling for him anyone?
This is a really cute, fun story. My only complaint was that Marcela was so self-absorbed. She had a tendency to treat people badly - George (whom she blew hot and cold for), Lupe (who could have used a better mentor) and her biological family. She gets in touch with them just to blow them off? The plot was quirky, there were moments of great humor and Marcela does do some growing up. I just felt she needed to do some more.
This is a really cute, fun story. My only complaint was that Marcela was so self-absorbed. She had a tendency to treat people badly - George (whom she blew hot and cold for), Lupe (who could have used a better mentor) and her biological family. She gets in touch with them just to blow them off? The plot was quirky, there were moments of great humor and Marcela does do some growing up. I just felt she needed to do some more.
January 25, 2009
I had high homes for "Becoming Latina." It was awesome to see a book that was about a Latin girl. She's educated, from a good family, and has a great job. The one thing she can't seem to get together is her love life. She's commitment phobic and afraid of love, which seems like a disconnect given the rest of her situation. Instead she buries herself in her work and family. Her life is turned upside down when she learns of her mother's affair and the possiblity that she might be a product of that event.
Her quest to be more latina leads her into some tricky situations the least of which is love with a man pushing her for her worst nightmare, a relationship.
In the end she comes to grip with who she is and what she really wants out of life.
The book reminds me a bit of Bridget Jones Diary for its crazy scenarios. Some of it is unbelievable and a bit much.
Overall a decent read. Not great, the writing seems a bit juvenile and in places underdeveloped, but for what it is (a fun read), it's on target.
Her quest to be more latina leads her into some tricky situations the least of which is love with a man pushing her for her worst nightmare, a relationship.
In the end she comes to grip with who she is and what she really wants out of life.
The book reminds me a bit of Bridget Jones Diary for its crazy scenarios. Some of it is unbelievable and a bit much.
Overall a decent read. Not great, the writing seems a bit juvenile and in places underdeveloped, but for what it is (a fun read), it's on target.
July 25, 2017
I absolutely love this book! Lara Rios did a wonderful job in creating a very believable character, Marcela, that brings up true issues that sorround Latinas living in the United States. What does it really mean to be Mexicana/Latina? Is there such a thing to be a true Mexicana/Latina? What makes you a Mexicana/Latina? There are many different answers to these questions, but the correct answer is to be yourself. I found this book to be very funny, romantic, and most of all, inspirational. It has encouraged me to be who I really am without worrying to be too Mexican to please my family and not worrying in trying to fit in to American society. Marcela has become my mentor.
November 7, 2008
When Marcela finds out that she may be a product of her mother's ill-fated love affair with a Gringo she decides she must learn how to become more Latina.
With the help of her best friend she comes up with a list of 10 steps she must take in order to accomplish this.
While the book moves along with likable characters there is a strange disconnect in the writing style when the author includes sex scenes. Most of the book is written in a way that would appeal to pre-teens and tweens while the sex scenes are not something you'd want your young daughter reading.
With the help of her best friend she comes up with a list of 10 steps she must take in order to accomplish this.
While the book moves along with likable characters there is a strange disconnect in the writing style when the author includes sex scenes. Most of the book is written in a way that would appeal to pre-teens and tweens while the sex scenes are not something you'd want your young daughter reading.
April 29, 2009
Marcela finds out her father isn't the man who raised her, she is the product of her mother's affair with a white guy. She wants to prove to her family that she is true to her Latin roots. She makes a list of ten things she needs to do to become more Latina.
Funny story with a good message at the end.
Uncorrected gallery proof.
Funny story with a good message at the end.
Uncorrected gallery proof.
July 9, 2012
A great summer read! Interesting enough to give you food for thought, but light enough to enjoy in a day or two. The character is very real, enabling you to identify with her plight and feel sympathetic to her. What would you do if your identify was turned upside down? I don't think anyone every really knows until it happens to them.
October 30, 2016
I thought this book was very interesting and it was something unexpected. I learned about different ways of analyzing and understanding situations. It was a romance book mixed in with a bit of comedy. Overall the book was realistic and tied in to everyday problems which are the books I like to read.
May 11, 2011
Marcela is a single Latina, whose family is pushing her to be "more" Latina and marry a nice Latino boy. Fed up with the pressure, Marcela decides that she will make herself a program-- ten easy steps to follow to become "more" Latina. It is a funny, touching book.
April 8, 2014
This book was about many things: life, future, family, love, and yourself. It was written with emotion and described the emotions. I was purely shocked at how more emotional this was and I think this book made me realize something. I don't know what, but what I do know is that it is helpful.
August 15, 2007
It was pretty funny.
August 2, 2008
This book touched a lot of the issues my chicana friends have about identity and finding that one educated Mexican or American man that will fit in with la familia. Loved it.
April 12, 2009
if you would like to read this bok you can fin it in the public library in 161 and st.nicholas st.
April 30, 2010
loved it :)
December 22, 2010
Cute book, easy read. After having a bombshell dropped on her about her parentage by a vindictive family member, Marcela goes on a quest to prove her Latin-ness to her family and herself.
August 28, 2011
Silly, predictable and a fun read. The gang stuff is way cliché and the sex scenes are like soap operas; it’s an okay book to fall asleep to.
May 10, 2013
Very cute story. I enjoyed this book. A very easy read.
November 11, 2013
Very cute, easy read if you just want to relax and enjoy something funny.
April 16, 2015
Pretty good and funny, though still needs some editing.
July 3, 2015
Kind of trashy--gets graphic with sex. A quick read, the relationship and initial setup for premise not that convincing but how could I resist a heroine who I share a name with?
April 18, 2020
4 & 1/2 Stars!
June 7, 2022
did not expect the spiciness of this book but this was a true love story.
September 12, 2023
Was gonna give it 3 stars but the book ends with the protagonist getting engaged at someone else's wedding, and that's just not cool.
July 29, 2024
Wow this book was bad.
It takes skill to write something with such unrealistic dialogue and repulsive sex scenes that also plays into racist stereotypes. There were so many typos, and at times I was convinced that the author never proof-read some sections. The characters were bland and had minimal development, probably due to the author's terrible writing style.
I'm so happy to be done with this book.
And definitely don't read it if you're considering it. (Though I probably don't even need to tell you that because you probably wouldn't make it through more than 3 chapters.)
It takes skill to write something with such unrealistic dialogue and repulsive sex scenes that also plays into racist stereotypes. There were so many typos, and at times I was convinced that the author never proof-read some sections. The characters were bland and had minimal development, probably due to the author's terrible writing style.
I'm so happy to be done with this book.
And definitely don't read it if you're considering it. (Though I probably don't even need to tell you that because you probably wouldn't make it through more than 3 chapters.)
December 30, 2016
Funny but not much evolution
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews