4.5 really really enjoyed! It has so much an emotion, does such a great job of communicating the main characters perspective and motivations, and in many ways is so relatable. Just aggregate read that I would still categorize as light although there are some intense moments. And I would call it barely a mystery. It really is more a coming of age story in my mind. It does a great job of centering the thoughts and values of a teen, and lets her be where she is right now in her understanding of self/family/life.

Overall, I think it does a good job of addressing teenage mental illness. However, at times I think it used dramatic/violent scenes to move the plot along in a way that almost felt gimmicky. Specifically in ref to the Mexico violence, border crossing story, and the callback at the end of the book to scene where her father finds her in her room. So me these moments didn’t feel totally necessary and were almost trauma porny. But otherwise, a great book that reflects on growing up. Good read for YA and for my older self who can relate.