3 stars.

Comparing this book to BOOKSMART is super accurate in the sense that Viva Lola Espinoza is all about realizing that life is more than studying and working hard. That it is also about having fun, finding yourself, and letting go even for just a little bit.

As someone who is familiar with the identity issues addressed in the book, I could relate to how Lola felt in Mexico and also at home. While it doesn't feel like it, there is no wrong or right way to be Mexican-American or Latine. It looks different for each of us. Speaking Spanish isn't the sole definition of Latine-ity, but too often things like that FEEL like they are what defines Latine-ity.

And while there was a lot I appreciated and enjoyed about this book, I wanted more out of it. I wished for more scenes with Lola letting go and having fun. More scenes with boys. More scenes of just random teenage adventures. I also wanted to see less focus on the curse. For whatever reason, that aspect of the novel was harder for me to connect with.

Besides those issues, the only other issue I had with Viva Lola Espinoza was the switching back and forth between given names and, like, nicknames. Mami is also Letty. Buela is also Rosa. Maybe it's just me but it seemed odd and I personally didn't care for that style.

All in all, Viva Lola Espinoza was a good book that made me feel seen. And I think a lot of readers will feel the same way. I simply wished there was a bit more of Lola's journey of self-discovery and perhaps less focus on the curse.