The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico

by Sarah McCoy

It is 1961 and Puerto Rico is trapped in a tug-of-war between those who want to stay connected to the United States and those who are fighting for independence. For eleven-year-old Verdita Ortiz-Santiago, the struggle for independence is a battle fought much closer to home.

Verdita has always been safe and secure in her sleepy mountain town, far from the excitement of the capital city of San Juan or the glittering shores of the United States, where her older cousin lives. She will be a señorita soon, which, as her mother reminds her, means that she will be expected to cook and clean, go to Mass every day, choose arroz con pollo over hamburguesas, and give up her love for Elvis. And yet, as much as Verdita longs to escape this seemingly inevitable future and become a blond American bombshell, she is still a young girl who is scared by late-night stories of the chupacabra , who wishes her mother would still rub her back and sing her a lullaby, and who is both ashamed and exhilarated by her changing body.

Told in luminous prose spanning two years in Verdita’s life, The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico is much more than a story about getting older. In the tradition of The House on Mango Street and Annie John , it is about the struggle to break free from the people who have raised us, and about the difficulties of leaving behind one's homeland for places unknown. At times joyous and at times heartbreaking, Verdita’s story is of a young girl discovering her power and finding the strength to decide what sort of woman she’ll become.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Latinx, Realistic Fiction, Literary Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2009

About the author

SARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of eight books. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, Lit Hub, Huffington Post, Read It Forward, and other publications. She hosted the NPR WSNC Radio program “Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy” and is the founder of The McCoy Grant. Sarah taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso. She lives with her husband Doc B, dog Gilly, and cat Tutu in North Carolina.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you know that everybody has a story behind their name? I'm not talking about your given name, but your nickname. It's true what they say in this book, in the hispanic culture you are always given a nickname that you're called by. In my house nobody calls me by my given name. Verdita starts her story by sharing the story of her name. Perfect way to unfold the story.

Verdita is an eleven-year-old girl who is growing up in Puerto Rico in the 1960's. The country is starting to see changes, like fast-food joints coming in and incorporating English into the school curriculum. All this American influence does come at a price of course, just like any change does. Though we do see some of the historic references of this time, the plot concentrates on this girl growing to be a young lady.

This book reminded me of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, but a Puerto Rican version I guess. The story was sweet, but Verdita was a big pain to be honest. I shouldn't be so harsh though because realistically it makes sense. She is an only child, her mom gets pregnant all of a sudden, and she's at an awkard stage in growing up. I do get that and I have to admit at eleven I did have a selfish mentality, but she was too bratty for me in the beginning of the book. I must say she does redeem herself nicely towards the end. The author's forte was describing the lifestyle, culture, and environment in Pureto Rico. I really did get a good grasp of what it's like to live there, and the roles of each member of the family is clearly depicted.

I will definitely read anything else this author comes out with.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not normally go for books about adolescent or pre teen characters, but the Puerto Rican setting and promise of the island's history compelled me to read this. I am glad I did. I enjoyed it even tho the main character, Verdita is only eleven and twelve throughout the novel. Verdita is a growing girl residing in the Puerto Rican countryside in 1970s. Thru her eyes, readers get an engrossing look at Puerto Rican/United States relations, cockfighting, family customs, and food. While getting a bit of an education, readers also experience Verdita's growing pains. She is discovering and having mixed emotions about the opposite sex and is curious about what goes on between men and women. She is going thru an I HATE MY MOTHER phase and towards the end of the novel, feels guilt for wishing her mother and her unborn baby brother/sister dead because it looks like that just might happen. Verdita is also feeling shame for her island heritage and brown skin as everywhere she looks billboards are advertising pale faced, blonde women as the idea of beauty. Will Verdita ever be happy with who and what she is?

A plesant, one day read. Bears a similiarity to Esmeralda Santiago's "When I Was Puerto Rican."

[Ashlie aka The Cheerbrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to discover this novel: I received it in a Goodreads giveaway and was eager to read it and discover a new author, Sarah McCoy.

The story was very sweet and the characters definitely had an authenticity and depth to them. With no exposure to either Puerto Rico and its inhabitants I found the novel interesting for the glimpse it gave me into another way of life.

It was an easy read and a quality piece of young adult fiction. The themes were not so childish that I was disinterested, but not so grown-up that the subject material wasn't believable.

I definitely recommend this book to others and look forward to other novels that she will publish.

[Lisy V · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am going to be highly critical, since I am Puerto Rican and found so many things about this book wrong. First of all, I understand what the author was trying to do with her story, I respect that she chose to tell a story where the author may not be familiar with the culture, which should involve lots of research, but, I was extremely disappointed that the author did NOT do a thorough research on language, culture and history.

Technically speaking - I found numerous spelling errors, including the name of a famous pirate she highlights at the beginning of the book. Many Spanish phrases are wrong, and even the language context was wrong when translated in Spanish. I felt it was unnecessary to mention a Spanish word or a word used in Puerto Rico in every other sentence. I understand that Spanish is not the authors’s first language, but that should not have anything to do with the end result if sufficient research is done. There were references about the “chupacabra,” in the 60’s? The chupacabra was not known or recognized until the 90’s! Bad on the authors part! If anything, the chupacabra concept should have probably been substituted by “el Cuco.”

Storyline - A very week plot that led to nowhere, it didn’t have substance. Unfortunately the main character was what seemed to be a selfish spoiled girl with insecurity issues who hated her mother for no apparent reason - although it sounds like a typical rebellious teenager, I couldn’t connect with her, nor did I enjoy her character throughout the book.

Overall I was hoping for a fun entertaining story with Puerto Rico as the historic and cultural background, but to me, it totally failed!

I had read another book by this author (The Baker’s Daughter) and enjoyed it, but on this one I have to say the execution was all wrong, as she did a poor job.

[Sammi Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is told through the eyes of young Verdita who is trying to find herself in Puerto Rico as she is constantly longing for an American experience. It is beyond a quick read (took me three hours) during which I felt like I had immersed myself into Puerto Rican culture. I think it was a great first novel by Sarah McCoy and I recommend it to all- especially those who like to feel a new culture.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the Puerto Rico setting but I felt like the story had no plot and really went nowhere.

[Jessica McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting is an important part of this coming-of-age novel, and McCoy does an amazing job of taking the reader there. We join sweet 11-year-old Verdita Ortiz-Santiago on the island of Puerto Rico, 1961. It's a time when the island is debating whether it should stay connected to the United States or become an independent country, and when Verdita struggles with whether to stay connected with her family and traditions or become an independent young woman. With authentic, stunning detail, McCoy allows us to see the world through Verdita's eyes, and experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, customs and traditions of the island through Verdita's experiences.

[Lady By the Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puerto Rico became alive and full of vivid colors through Sarah McCoy's description of the island. It is an enchanted island full of beauty. One has to go up to the mountains to find it. It is not found in the cities where tourist lay out tanning themselves, but as Sarah so beautifully uncovered, the island's heart beat is found in the people and their daily living in the small towns nestled between mountain ridges. I hope that everyone who desires to go to the island will take time to visit these small towns and explore the streets and take in the beauty of the mountains.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I read this one, I rarely pick up a coming of age novel. The title hooked me though. I lived in Puerto Rico for about a year and I loved revisiting my island in this book. I believe the essence of what PR is and who its people are are capture in this book. A great quick read.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but ultimately I couldn’t finish it. The Spanish in it was too distracting - it was all the classic mistakes Americans make in their first-year Spanish classes. (Eg, in Spanish “you do it like this” is “así,” not “como esto.” And “Yo soy aburrido” is a male saying “I’m boring,” not a girl saying “I’m bored,” which would be “Yo estoy aburrida.”) It’s a shame she didn’t get a native speaker to edit it for grammar first, but on the other hand someone whose Spanish was that off couldn’t have actually spent much time on the island, so I doubt there’s much true island “flavor” to the book anyway.

As for plot or characterization, I can’t say because I didn’t make it far enough to find out.

[Victoria Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed this as much if I wouldn’t have read it while in Puerto Rico, but it was really cute and super fun to read about some of the history of the island. It’s a coming of age, but I felt like it needed a bigger ending or overall plot.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to 3 1/2 stars

I have never read a full length novel written by Sarah McCoy but have enjoyed her short stories in the past. All of the short stories I've read were in her usual genre of Historical Fiction. This book while set a short distance in the past isn't far enough back to call it that (in my humble opinion at least). This was her first full length novel and I could really see a difference in her writing. Her later stuff is much more mature in both subject matter and overall feel. However, this book was fine. It read easily and quickly. I think it left a little to be desired in the character building but really a very strong debut effort. My biggest problem with the book was that after I was finished I didn't have a clear sense of why it was written. It was an ok story. I didn't feel it was especially poignant or thought provoking. Like I said just ok.

[LaBae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visited Puerto Rico and quickly realized that I had never read a book based in PR and/or written by a native. Admittedly, this was not a book I would pick up. But, I feel rather bad if I visit a place having not read any of its literature. So, here we are.

I rather enjoyed this one! The characters were finely sliced and situated just so. A coming of age story with a bit of magic. Was quite satisfying when a place/site mentioned in San Juan conjured my own memories of its beauty. It's very clear that the author adores her home country and she did well portraying its beauty.

Would recommend!

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being of Puerto Rican descent myself, I could not help but connect with The Time it Snowed in Puerto Rico. Taking place during the early 1960's over the course of two years, we see this story through the eyes of eleven-year-old Verdita as she lives on the island.

This is a coming-of-age story for Verdita. Like so many girls her age, she has a strained relationship with her mother and she tends to put her father on somewhat of a pedestal. Wrapped up in the plot is also the issue of whether Puerto Rico will remain a commonwealth or become a State.
Author Sarah McCoy captures the culture nicely, the sights and sounds came to lifee. The characters speak some Spanish words here and there throughout the story. I felt this was enough for native speakers to relate to, yet I don't think it would overwhelm those who don't speak the language.

However, my one qualm with The Time it Snowed in Puerto Rico is that I found myself somewhat bored towards the middle of the book. I lost interest in Verdita's story and the book never really picked up for me again. Upon visiting the author's website I see that her mother is Puerto Rican and that she visited the island throughout her childhood. It shows well in her descriptive writing. I just wish the storyline itself wasn't so slow going. I have to say, this book took me down memory lane a bit and I would try this author again.

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

i read it because puerto rico was in the title and i learned that the author was 1/2 puerto rican, like me, and i wanted hear what she had to say.
i finished it, which is good, but i wouldn't list it as a fav or even something really good. it was just okay.
the book tells the story of a pre-pubescent girl growing up in the jibaro country of puerto rico. this means, she lives on her family's farm in a small mountain town and her family are considered countryfolk. i found her naivete very annoying, but i had to put that aside and remember that everybody didn't grow up knowing everything like i thought i did. i also found that her parents didn't explain certain growing-up things to her annoying, too, but had to put those feeling aside to get through the book.
overall, i love the use of puerto rican terms and reminders of the time i spent on the island and eating the glorious food.
the best thing to come out of reading this is that i'm cooking more puerto rican dishes. thanks sarah!

[Caren ~ the misfit geek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say that there really wasn’t much I liked about this book at all. Young adult, coming of age novels are a favorite genre of mine but I just could not get into this book. I mainly couldn’t stand Verdita. My dislike of her was so profound that by the end of the book there was no reconciling the change in her. It was totally unbelievable to me.

I could not get what the point of the book was. It is written in the first person, from Verdita’s point of view. I understand that she is an 11 year old girl and that, often, 11 year old girls do not make a whole lot of sense. The only things in the book were reactions to random events. There was no cohesiveness in the story.

There was some very lovely descriptive writing in the book that I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the cultural traditions and references that were part of the book. This is what I truly enjoyed about the book. I really wish there had been more references to island culture. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it as a must read.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. It's a coming of age story about a 12 year old girl, Verdita, wanting to immerse herself in American culture during the early 1960's. It does, however, have mild sexual content and adult themes in it which I found a little disturbing especially because the main character is only 12 years old!! I would not recommend it for younger readers.

Overall, it was just an okay book. It was nice getting to read and learn more about Puerto Rican culture though. The author used a variety of Spanish words in writing the novel which I thought was a nice touch. Although, it made me realize that I need to brush up on my Spanish vocabulary!!

[Lil Old Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of the island setting, and I was intrigued by the title. Gotta say, tho, that i found myself quite disappointed. Verdita was just such an unlikable character: bitter, nasty, and mean-spirited, and the worst part is that there was no justification for any of her actions. And for all the promise in the title, there was actually very little Puerto Rican island content. So instead I was stuck reading a book about a sullen mopey pre-teen, with an occasional Spanish word or phrase thrown in. No thank you.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grad school buddy's first book! Just came out today! Can't wait for my copy to arrive.

UPDATE: The language in this novel was lovely, and I enjoyed Verdita's various conflicts: childhood vs. adulthood, Puerto Rican vs. American, tradition vs. innovation, etc. I also think it's really neat how many people on Goodreads picked up this title because "Puerto Rico" was in the title. This just shows how largely absent this perspective has been in American literature.

[Venessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just saw the ad on here and immediately clicked on it. I'm SO excited to get my hands on this book. It isn't very often (okay, rare!) that PR is in a book title let alone set on/about the island.

UPDATE: Finished last night. When I closed the back cover I realized I was smiling. (I wondered how long I was doing that?) I really liked this book, the writing style and characters. Of course the title and setting drew me to this book, but the story itself kept me reading.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Verdita is a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico during the 1960s, a time of great change in the life of the country and in her own life. This is definitely a coming of age story. Verdita confronts growing up and struggling with the things that we all struggled with as young adolescents.

I loved that the story took place in Puerto Rico, a very fascinating place.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was different from what I've been currently reading and I can't recall one based in Puerto Rico so I learned from it, too. It's a wonderful coming of age story. Well written and engaging. I look forward to reading more from Sarah McCoy!

[Tyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick fun read covering two years of life for an 11 year old girl in Puerto Rico in the early 1960s. Nice glimpse into their culture as well.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this more stars because I did enjoy it, but I needed more. This is a fairly short story that seems like an excerpt from a more expansive novel.

For this novel to be set in 1959, I couldn’t exactly tell other than a few mentions of Elvis and JFK. Actually, there were lots of things that could’ve been more prominent in the story, especially as the main character, Verdita — a prepubescent girl, ages and begins to learn about mature topics such as politics, family planning, and romance. I wasn’t sure where any of Verdita’s experiences would lead her and — mini-spoiler — many of them lead nowhere or resulted in no great consequence. Even the most devastating part of the story (in my opinion) was sort of glossed over and resolved quickly.

And the ending... It wasn’t really a cliffhanger, but I didn’t feel like Verdita’s story had concluded. Again, I liked this book, and because I did, I want to know more! It doesn’t look like the author has written a sequel but I sure wish she had.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read about a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico in the early 1960's. The background includes the discussion about whether Puerto Rico should become a state of the United States or independant, something which is still an issue today. However, the majority of the story is about Verdita who is having trouble coming to terms with growing up and the fact that her parents are about to have another child. I have seen others disparage her character, but I think at 11 and 12 your world is very self-centered, and Verdita is no different. And the first glimmering of realization of sexuality in your family and friends is pretty mind-blowing. I have never been to Puerto Rico, although I have some friends who are from there, so I can't speak to the authenticity of the depiction of the place and the people, but having lived in Spain for a few years, it seems at least plausible to me. All in all, I enjoyed the story. 3.5 stars

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah McCoy's coming-of-age novel, *The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico* blends the political tensions of the 1960s Puerto Rican independence movement with the transitions of adolescence. Verdita negotiates puberty and her developing identity. Fearful changes taking place in her body, family, and community, bring about an emerging and mingled desire for both independence and belonging. Verdita struggles to reconcile her pride in her native culture with her desire for all that America represents to her. The conflict between adolescent rejection and her fear of abandonment, shape her struggles to define herself in opposition to her mother within her love for her family. This is a novel of becoming - and accepting - who we are.

[Sandra Mistretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be more about the push for Independence from America, but this was only an underlying whisper in the background of the tale.
The main story is of a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico. Her mothers pregnancy is prevalent and the daughter doesn't want a baby in the family. I found it difficult to relate to Verdita. She seemed whiny and unpleasant.
I did enjoy the description of food, and I noticed that she ate fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods. This was partially due to the culture and environment and also because they didn't have much money.
Verdita dreams of going to America and finally gets to go at the end of the story. I dear that she will be different when she returns, probably not in the best ways.

[Chanele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet coming-of-age tale set on the island of Puerto Rico during unsettled times as the island struggles with its own need for change. The story centers on young Verdita, who is learning so much about life, love, sex, and what it means to become a "senorita," but in a time and place that is more innocent than our modern world. Verdita struggles with her fascination with mainland US and the life that she could have there, which has been glamorized by her relatives living there. At the same time, Verdita is connected to her island and her family. The story was sweet and an easy read, and the author did a good job of mixing in rich Puerto Rican culture and landscape.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verdita is coming-of-age. Her mother is pregnant. She struggles with all the rushing emotions of an 11-year-old girl. Set in Puerto Rico against the backdrop of Puerto Rico seeking statehood, Verdita struggles with her relationship with her parents, with her ideas of religion and right and wrong, with sexual feelings that come along with growing up.

I thought McCoy wrote this book very well, really capturing the mindset of a young girl.

[Dee Martin]

Just so readers know, the legend of the chupacapra seems only to have started in 1995, after release of the movie "Species" (see wikipedia). So it's kind of an anachronism for it to be mentioned in novel set in 1961.

In 2018 film, Fantastic Beasts: the Crimes of Grindelwald (set in 1927), another critter by that name appears, which looks very different than the late 20th century depictions--but then none of the FB's are considered real, right?