What a fabulous story about a young lady with serious goals! The main character, Camila, struggled against the prescribed roles for women in Argentina in her quest to be a successful soccer player and I was rooting for her every step of the way. Despite all of the challenges from her family and society, she maintained a steady focus on what she wanted for herself. Yamile Saied Mendez did an excellent job of transporting us to Rosario, Argentina and giving us a glimpse at daily life there. The resolution of the conflict between Camila's parents seemed a bit rushed at the end, but their relationship was an important part of the story. The romance between Camila and Diego was well-developed and the ending was perfect. This book reminded me of a favorite movie - "Bend it Like Beckham." Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

Rep: Latinx, Asian rep, LGBTQIA+, feminist

TW: domestic abuse, kidnapping and murder

I have literally nothing negative to say about this book. At all. It worked for me on every level and I’m still in shock by how good of a read this was! I’m not a fan of any sports but this story won my heart and I’m now a lifelong fan of La Furia!

Camila’s character was perfection. Her passion and dedication were commendable, and it was impossible not to root for her. She was so complex and I could easily connect with her, as she struggled to balance the different versions of herself.

The story has such a fast pace and yet, it did not diminish the important themes that lay at the heart of this story. I could not stop reading this book because there was always something happening!

There are such strong feminist themes in this novel and it worked so well. We see women struggle in domestic situations, we see them struggle for equality and recognition in sports, we see them demand justice for the heinous crimes committed against them. The author touches on every subject but gives each one the gravitas it deserves. And the various women in this novel are all flawed! I loved that they were unique and nuanced; the author had taken the time to develop them properly.

The romance in this novel was done well, too. It was believable and depicted that struggle of maintaining one’s own identity within the context of a relationship. I loved Camila and Diego together and I think the author handled their issues very well.

All in all, this was just a fantastic read. It was engaging, powerful, and won my heart over. I’m so glad Reese Witherspoon has noticed this book and I cannot endorse this more! IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT, GO AND READ IT! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: A distinctly feminist novel that entertains, enlightens, and makes you want to be in the stands as the character pursues her dreams.

From the very first chapter, I knew I would love FURIA. The unique voice of Camila, the culture of Argentina infused into the narrative, and the young romance developing all made this a must-read for me. Yamile Saied Méndez exemplifies what an #ownvoices book should be.

I will let you all in on a secret. I read just about anything. I have been reading diverse voices for decades. It doesn’t matter who writes the book or what the author’s background is. I only want it to engage me and keep me interested. I have to connect with the characters or the story being told on some level. This book did just that.

In my humble opinion, Méndez delivered an A+ novel. She managed to have the perfect balance of social issues, cultural references, and enjoyment. I absolutely loved how women’s rights and a distinctly feminist lead character carried this story. Camila is a powerhouse, even if she is just figuring it out as she makes her way throughout these pages. In addition, I have to mention how beautifully the abductions of young girls within this area of Argentina is highlighted. The author shed a light on something many may not know much about and did so in a way to make the reader feel deeply for all those involved.

All in all, this is a great book. It has love, loss, and self-discovery. FURIA is a perfect read for young girls and adults alike. You will not want to miss this one.

Things I am: a librarian who works with a predominantly Latin@ community, who has an ok knowledge of the politics and current events of Latin America.
Things I'm not: particularly good at Spanish (which meant I sat Googling words and phrases at various intervals); futbol mad (I do like it though).

Furia was a fantastic novel of women's independence, familial struggles, and doing what you love. I've seen some criticism of it because Camilia and some of her friends are pro-choice and missing and murdered women and girls come up, but this isn't really explored. They don't need to be, this book isn't about that, but they are important for setting the scene in Argentina (these are both real, major issues that divide people and families) and inform Camila's character.
I love That in Furia Camila gets to live her dream, mentors another girl with a different kind of promise, and learns that indeed you can't always have it all (as her mother told her, but in a different context).

Furia is a beautiful book featuring women empowerment and highlighting many problems that women in Argentina are facing, including teen pregnancies, domestic violence, rape and even murder.
Despite all of the obstacles that Camila is facing in her life the strives to become a professional soccer player. She has the talent, now she just needs to convince her parents to let her. I loved Camila "Furia" s character, she is smart, strong willed, and knows what she wants in life, but sadly some of the character development fell flat for me. Towards the end the story seemed rushed, as if the author ran out of ink and wanted to still bring us conclusión. I would've given her another 50 or so pages to give more depth to the family issues and the tournament itself. Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.

“La redonda, the ball, obeyed me. She followed me because I treated her well. I cherished her. I treasured her, and most importantly, I let her sing her own song.”

aahhh I’ve truly come across a gem of a book with Furia! I want more!! What a captivating story 🍂

I really loved this book!! I highly admired Camila’s resilience and tenacity, not only in spirit but in action. Her ambition was inspiring and represented the lengths she went through to achieve her goals. It was in the fights she fought and pain she bore.

Méndez’s writing is almost hauntingly beautiful and every scene just unfurled to life before me. The adrenaline rush was so well translated during the game scenes and really made me wish there were more of them in the book.

And I loved some or the other aspects of the Camila’s relationships. Whether it was with her mom, brother, best friend or childhood love, they were written with a complexity that made me unsure and compelled all at once.

I think Camila and Diego’s relationship is a big testament to that feeling. This book was way more romance-heavy than I expected, and while it did grow on me, I wish it hadn’t taken the center-stage so many times.

“One day, when a girl was born in Rosario, the earth would shake with anticipation for her future and not dread.”

And the feminist undertone is EVERYTHING. Mendez tells the hardships of poorer Argentinian women like it is, pulling at your heartstrings while making you angry at the injustice. It represented the eternal struggle of fighting and breaking misogynistic barriers. But it also spoke of the hope of succeeding and Camila was such a strong and fierce, yet feeling and compassionate model for the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this #OwnVoices Latinx YA contemporary. A LOT. I was so invested till the end!

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-copy and having me on the book tour.

You can find my post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFILEXNg35A/?igshid=9rw8ai45k1h3

Camila Hassan is such a strong and interesting character. I loved her strength as an athlete and the many facets to her. Argentina was brought to life with Mendez with writing. This is an important coming to age tale about resilience and what it means to be a young woman.

*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Wow, this book blew me away. I loved how Méndez wove together Camila's fight to follow her dreams with the feminist movement that was happening when the story took place. I feel like this is a great recommendation for many different types of readers.

While I loved the main character, the setting, and the story of a futboleria I did feel that the writing style was a bit choppy. I had a hard time following transitions.

I read this one for #latinxheritagemonth and I loved reading about the culture of the author’s native Argentina. I especially loved the way that the author blends Spanish into the dialogue, along with descriptions of the local food, and how she touches on social and political issues. Camila is a character that I think a lot of young girls will love, and it was so great to see her passion and ambition for football placed front and centre in this narrative. The only thing I didn’t love was the romance. I just didn’t really feel all that invested in the relationship between Camila and Diego, and I wanted more of the scenes with Camila and her football team. It just didn’t feel necessary that Camila even needed a love interest, though I did like how that particular narrative thread played out. The writing was also a little choppy to me, though I do feel like this would translate really well onto the screen (a la Bend it Like Beckham).

All in all, an enjoyable YA read which I think younger girls (particularly those interested in sports) will love.

Thank you to @netgalley and @alonquinyr for the free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own

Camila navigates her own way to adulthood under expectations of Argentinian society and her family. This YA read has layers to the characters and the setting.
Thanks to Netgalley and Algonquin for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Soccer/fútbol fans will definitely enjoy this book but so will teens looking for a book with a strong female role model who they can look up to and relate to. Furia is a strong, courageous and determined young woman who goes after her dream and doesn’t let anyone get in her way.
Furia is also a very intelligent and generous person, who teens can look up to as she works with young children as they learn English just like she did.

Mendez writes so beautifully including Argentinian words throughout and describing the sights, sounds and smells of the town of Rosario, you actually feel like you are there or at least you want to be there drinking some mate and talking with your friends. The relationships between the friends and family in this story are also so vividly described that you can relate to at least one character.

I have several favorite quotes from this book, but when Furia got angry at something her father said, Mendez did such a great job describing that feeling, “my tongue knotted, and the air in my lungs turned into steam. I took in the words in silence, but later, I’d purge them from my body”. I could sense the anger and fury building up and Furia getting ready to blow.

While I am continuing to post my regular content, the BLM movement is still going on. Please keep referring to my story and linktree to find ways to help out.✊🏻‼️

THIS REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MY INSTAGRAM ON 10/21/2020

。
Hiii!! Welcome back to another Netgalley review! Super proud of myself for finishing another ARC, and I’m so excited
to review it for all of you.😁
。
Furia is a YA novel centering on seventeen year old Camila living in Argentina who has two separate lives. In one life she is the perfect daughter who abides by her parent’s every wish. In the other, she is a killer soccer player, putting her older brother, Pablo to shame. Faced with issues of her family thinking that she can’t do what she loves because she’s ‘a girl,’ while also battling a crush on one of Pablo’s teammates, Diego. Trying to find her footing in life, Camilla pushes through every obstacle she possibly can so that she can achieve her dream of playing in the World Cup in America.⚽️
。
This was a delightful read, but 100% not an easy one. It battled with extremely topics like abusive parents, as well as personal battles of sexism, even bigger issues as the terrible crimes happening in Argentina. Camilla was such a fun narrator to spend time with, and she had such a strong personality which I fell in love with from the start. The romance was a little iffy, and I thought that part of the book could’ve been done just a tad bit better, but I think this is a perfect book that came out at the perfect time. I cannot wait until other teenagers read it and become empowered by Yamile Saied Méndez’s gorgeous prose.🥰
。
What’s the last book you read that really inspired you? Let me know!💋
。
Dm me to talk about all things book or writing related! I’ll be looking forward to it! —Em😌

#bookstagram #books #book #bookworm #booklover #reading #bookish #bibliophile #instabook #booknerd #bookaddict #bookish #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #read #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #instabooks #booklove #igreads #reader #bookbloggerspost

This book is about a girl who lives in a society where its unusual for girls or even women to make their own decisions. So when Camila decides she wants to play soccer. Its hard trying to keep it secret from your family. As this novel progresses Camila has a lot of challenges in front of her. She has a lot of decisions to make in her life and decide who she wants in it and who she doesn't.

In a world where girls and women are discounted, abused, murdered, and disappeared, Camila Hassan fights for her right to exist and succeed. Although she is a gifted soccer player, better than either her father or her brother, she must keep her talents a secret from her disapproving family. Will she count on others to rescue her? Or will she own her fierceness and power on the soccer field as La Furia? An uplifting and powerful story of young womanhood and family and romance against the odds.

i was so excited to read furia because it was set in argentina, i lived in buenos aires for three years as a child and it is always thrilling to see a different perspective of a place i somwhat know. what is real and what is just memory isn't teased out with fiction exactly, but still it's lovely to see familiar landmarks in a new light.
camila is a wonderfully compelling heroine. her fight and struggles to reach her dreams are a true joy to read. we need more of this kind of #latinx representation in literature. not just about the diaspora, but also about the ones who stayed.

**furia will publish on september 15, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/algonquin young readers in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a late review because I’ve been so busy but this book was everything I wanted. It’s everything I love in YA books. The sweet first love, which was so perfect I almost cried because it sucks it’s not real life. Camila is a perfect example of what every girl should strive to be like. It’s perfect for young girls who read this book so they see that sometimes people won’t approve or support your decisions but if it brings you joy, do everything you can to follow your dreams. Camila really went through hell. I felt so bad for her at some points. But she’s such a strong young woman that I just knew she’d find a way. She’s a very complex character that pushes boundaries, stands up for herself and others, and questions everything. It was so beautiful watching her grow and her relationship not only with Diego (which was so sweet my teeth hurt) but with soccer. She was so passionate I loved it. I loved every single thing about this book and if you’re looking to get out of a slump... READ THIS!!!

Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez is realistic fiction, set in Argentina. I feel that Americans tend to believe the United States centers the world--everything revolves around us and we have little cares for others. Often people only travel in the United States and might not even absorb the different cultures here much less cultures from a foreign land. Take a trip to life in Argentina and see what you can learn.

In this novel Camila Hassan descends from several different cultures. She lives in Argentina where futbol (soccer) rules. Her brother plays for a national team and their father feels that he will save the whole family. He fails to realize that Camila has more talent.

Camila lives two lives. At home, she creates the image of an obedient daughter. She may not always come home on time, but she isn't like other girls, getting pregnant and becoming a wife, expecting a man to provide while she raises kids and takes care of a house with hardly any money. Her family believes that she will become a doctor and expect her to study. She does study and do well in school. She's worked very hard to speak English fluently and be able to teach English. Camila is close to her brother even though his destiny is supposedly to become a famous futbol star. Camila's mother gave up on happiness years ago. She loves her kids, but life hasn't treated her well. Her husband, Camila's father, lacks the ability to love. The world revolves about him and what he wants. He feels life has treated him badly and his family is partly to blame, so his son will save them all. Camila fears her father to an extent, keeping her from telling him--even her mother--about her real life and her real dreams.

Camila plays futbol with girls and they are really good. Camila hopes to get seen and become a player in the United States. She secretly competes, but the news does pick up on her furious playing and uses her new nickname: Furia. Camila has to hide her uniform, lie about where she is, and practice in secret in order to attempt to achieve her dreams. Her best friend is a great help because her family comes to all of the games and helps.

One day her brother's friend, Diego, returns home. He plays for a team in Italy and makes the town proud, for he is an amazing player. He has always had a soft spot for Camila. Now she has a third secret to keep: Diego. The media follows him everywhere, so people assume Camila is just one of his women. The thing is, Diego isn't a bad guy like everyone wants to say that he is. He cares for his hometown and he truly cares for Camila. The question is--do you follow your heart or do you follow your dreams? Camila wants out; the way out is to play futbol and she loves it--she's better than her brother; she wants away from her selfish father and the narrow expectations of her mother; she wants to be seen by American teams; and, she wants Diego. How? She's poor and lives in a town in Argentina. Can she do it?

I really liked this novel a lot. I like that Camila stays focused on her dreams. She makes a plan. She practices. She studies. She doesn't expect fate to take care of her. The plot isn't about luck; it's about skill. I also like Diego. His personality is opposite of how Camila's brother describes him, which shows jealousy. Diego actually cares for people and doesn't let fame alter who he is. I like that he learns to believe in Camila instead of force her into a stereotype. Girls--read this to read about making good choices and how actions can lead you to the future you want. You may even have a different opinion about people from other countries and how life is more dangerous and difficult than you thought. The United States can be a sanctuary for people and they will strive to contribute to this country. Diego and Camila have a chance. Their tenacity, skill, courage, and leadership skills lead them to their futures.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the eARC. 4.5, rounding up here. There is SO much to love here in this fully realized, well written, feminist #ownvoices novel about an Argentinian teen who dreams of becoming a professional fútbol player. Camilia, known as Furia on the field for her gifted and aggressive style of play, is hiding her participation on the team from her family, even though her own brother is a respected player moving up in the ranks. The reasons for her keeping this secret are nuanced, and Saied Méndez really excels at depicting Camila's complicated family life and Argentinian gender struggles as a whole, with a window (for me) into the Green Handkerchief movement. Beyond money and gendered familial/societal expectations and opportunities, a further complication on Camila's pathway to her dream is her burgeoning relationship with a childhood friend who is now famous and playing for Juventus F.C. Every choice Camila makes here feels authentic and earned, and the afterward that flashes into the future feels empowering. A truly impressive debut novel, I can't wait to recommend this book and I know that we'll all be looking out for more by Saied Méndez.

Camila is a girl with dreams. She’s living in Argentina in a community where violence and injustice against women is the norm, even in her own home.

Despite all the challenges she faces, Camila is a powerhouse on the soccer field and is constantly chasing a life as a pro.

This YA novel follows Camila (or Furia as she’s known on the field) through her love story with a childhood crush Diego (I also fell in love with him oops) and discovering more and more of her power as a woman.

I loved the way that Camila stayed true to herself and what she actually wanted for her life. Even during her relationship ups and downs, she never wavers on what she wants, never gives up on her dreams and goals. (Content warning: domestic violence)

Thank you so much algonquinyr and yamilesmendez for this ARC - I truly enjoyed this bright, inspirational story and can’t wait to share it with others.