A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow is a heartwarming #ownvoices Contemporary YA Romance that follows Cuban-American teen Lila Reyes as she struggles to overcome the grief of recent tragedies and the upheaval of her perfectly planned life in Miami.
I’m not going to lie, I was initially drawn to this book by the gorgeous cover art. Thankfully, the story is as precious as the cover. Lila is a firecracker of a character whose light has been dimmed by three sudden and unexpected losses: the break-up of her long time boyfriend, the abandonment of her best friend, and the passing of her beloved abuela. Like an artist adding color to a black and white picture, Author Laura Taylor Namey adeptly guides readers through the stark reality of bereavement and the slow and arduous process of finding a way past it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that was reading this novel. The clash of cultures provides equal parts tension and humor. Though some of the misunderstandings seemed absurdly exaggerated, I respect that our main character is coming from a completely different background, one where I would likely flounder as she did abroad. Lila’s transformation from her initial culture shock to adapting an infusion of the English lifestyle and her own Cuban-American roots was gradual and believable. The growth of her ability to embrace change imbues every facet of this story, resulting in a conclusion both satisfying and inspiring.
Of course, Lila is not the sole character of this book. She is supported by an engaging and unique cast of characters that captured my heart and kept me reading. I loved the genuine and thoughtful development of the relationship between Lila and Orion. Though they are each dealing with loss in their own way, their shared grief allows them to provide the other with solace not found elsewhere. It is a beautiful approach to building a YA relationship that far exceeds the typical methods of the genre. Most of all, I am grateful that this story did not spiral back to Lila needing her former best friend or getting back together with her ex.
The “recipes” sprinkled throughout are a clever touch.
Overall, this book is a brilliant addition to YA fiction. While uplifting and light-hearted, Namey manages to tackle several heavier themes like overcoming grief, accepting change, and being open to new ideas while honoring traditions. This is sure to be a fast favorite for fans of YA Contemporary seeking unique perspectives and #ownvoices narratives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow is expected to release November 10, 2020.