What Can(t) Wait by Ashley Hope Perez - ADVISABLE

Perez, Ashley Hope.  What Can(t) Wait 232 pgs. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011.

Language: R (87 swears 8 "F") Sexual Content: R; Violence: PG-13

Marisa is seventeen years old and lives in Houston, Texas. She was raised always hearing of how her familia came from Mexico and that they had to work hard and that they still do. She is expected to get a job so that she can help pay for family expenses and then eventually marry a boy from the neighborhood, have children and have her daughters do the same. The only problem is, Marisa sees that there is more to her potential than that; she doesn't have to marry a man who will abuse her and treat her like chattel. Her calculus teacher opens her eyes to the possibility that the life her parents expect her to live isn't her only option. Marisa could get into a college for engineering and hopefully start a career. But all the pressure from work, studying, and trying to make a better life for her niece is overwhelming. Not Marisa's best friend or even her boyfriend Alan can reach her. Marisa starts thinking that there will be no way to get out, especially with a father who vehemently opposes the idea of her leaving. Can Marisa handle all of the pressure? Will anybody be able to get through to her?

I enjoyed this book, granted there was a lot of swearing and sexual content, but there was a spark in the story that made me just want to keep on reading. I think that the author did a very good job on this book and had pinpoint accuracy on the struggles she faced being so realistic.

HS - ADVISABLE

Student Reviewer: EM