Liza Monroy

I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. It was an entertaining and engaging read, but a very heterosexual take on gay marriage.

Liza doesn't seem to take seriously the consequences of her actions for Emir. Her reasons for keeping her best friend in the country came across as selfish overall, rather than serious concern for his welfare. There is some mention of the situation were he to go back to his home country, but much more focus on how she would be 'losing her best friend'.

To her credit Liza is very honest in describing her bad choices and consequences, but it frustrated me that she didn't seem to learn or reflect on her poor choices further. There also didn't seem to be a complete understanding of just how disastrously it could have turned out. The idea of fines and prison is mentioned, but seems like a very abstract consequence to the author.

It would have been interesting to hear more from Emir's perspective, but obviously it's important to respect his privacy too.… (mais)

I heard about this book from the mother of the author; the mother used to work in the Foreign Service in Mexico City. There's no buildup or climax in the story; just when you think, aha, maybe this is it, despite the drama, the moment comes off as anti-climatic. On the other hand, the author gives us a vivid picture of of Mila's life as an American teen attending an international high school in 1990s Mexico. There are parties, clubbing, substance use and abuse, the clique of wealthy and connected "fresas," and the impact of government corruption on daily life. I can see this adult novel appealing to sophisticated teen readers.… (mais)

Well, one thing's for sure: Liza has lived a very colorful life so far.

Her memoir takes us through her youth (moving around lots) to meeting her best friend in College. Emir is from a country where being gay endangers his life, and his visa is about to expire.
They have been best friends for years, so Liza marries him. The book takes us through ups and downs of marriage, friendship, bureaucracy and lying to friends and family.
Even though it is a platonic relationship, they lead a good marriage.
Finally Emir gets a green card and both move on. Liza with her high school crush (who also needs a green card....what are the odds?).

Without wanting to spoil too much, things work out well in the end, and Liza has many life lessons from her journey.

I liked the book. Liza's life story reads like fiction. It's crazy that all those things actually happened to her. At times there was a bit of repetition, which made the book drag a bit in parts. But that is understandable when you are wrestling with a big decision in your life, you tend to spend a lot of time thinking, dwelling, talking about it.

Overall, this is a very interesting and readable memoir.… (mais)

Well, one thing's for sure: Liza has lived a very colorful life so far.

Her memoir takes us through her youth (moving around lots) to meeting her best friend in College. Emir is from a country where being gay endangers his life, and his visa is about to expire.
They have been best friends for years, so Liza marries him. The book takes us through ups and downs of marriage, friendship, bureaucracy and lying to friends and family.
Even though it is a platonic relationship, they lead a good marriage.
Finally Emir gets a green card and both move on. Liza with her high school crush (who also needs a green card....what are the odds?).

Without wanting to spoil too much, things work out well in the end, and Liza has many life lessons from her journey.

I liked the book. Liza's life story reads like fiction. It's crazy that all those things actually happened to her. At times there was a bit of repetition, which made the book drag a bit in parts. But that is understandable when you are wrestling with a big decision in your life, you tend to spend a lot of time thinking, dwelling, talking about it.

Overall, this is a very interesting and readable memoir.… (mais)