Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno - Starting August 17th 2019

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that's what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you're a boy with a boat.

But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about.

As her college decision looms, Rosa collides - literally - with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon?

[Adriana]

Finally reading this again. I plan on reading it in the next two days. It makes me happy to see that there is a Cuban protagonist in YA <3

[Adriana]

Chapters 1 - 15

(view spoiler)[ The spanglish is making my heart happy. I don't know about the viejitos having an instagram but also it's smart for this day and age. I know. I made myself sound old. I find the curse interesting. I don't really get the mom. I want to know why she doesn't stay with her daughter for a long time. I think she's making excuses.

I feel the want to go to Cuba but unlike her I would never unless it was not a communist country anymore. It's so disrespectful so it's interesting to see her point of view so clearly but I also don't get it too.

The quest isn't that interesting to me and neither is the romance. I don't really feel it. I'm more interested in the family dynamics and Rosa's want to go to Cuba. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 16 - 20

(view spoiler)[ I'm getting more into the story. I thought the time with Rosa and Alex in the bakery was sweet. I always love any book that has food in it so the mix of food in this story is making me enjoy it more.

The mom leaving... I get how she can feel that way but grow up. It's been 17 years and your daughter needs you. Ignore the mom or you should have moved your daughter when she was younger to someplace you can handle.

The Mimi tent thing. Maybe she's creating something special? I have no idea what she can be doing. The secret keeping thing is very much a Cuban thing though so it was a nice incorporation into the story. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 21 - 25

(view spoiler)[ I'm enjoying this a lot more now. I think waiting so long to get back into this book took the joy out but it's back in here.

The brujeria - witchy stuff - does she practice santeria? Because that isn't a Cuban thing.

The sailing was perfect. I'm glad the boat didn't crash and the curse wasn't thrown at her if she would have crashed.

The family dinner thing... I could easily imagine that happening. A nice moment. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Done

Enjoyed this a lot. I didn't think it was a perfect read by any means but it was a book I found comfort in. I understood this Cuban family as it shadowed my own in a lot of ways. I don't think I've ever heard of a YA book with a Cuban protagonist but I am determined to find more. The family dynamics and mix of food were my favorite parts. At times I enjoyed the romance and other times I didn't. The same could be said about the plot and family. I was kind of in and out with this story. I kind of wish there was no brujeria, Santeria, but it's not my story. Still a very comforting read that made me happy.

[Jill]

Starting!!