Individually, these are excellent essays. The imagery and specificity are strong and she does a good job conveying her point of view at different ages. I really liked the cuentos and how she addresses the question of truth. It had some weaknesses as a whole -- how the parts fit together. As often happens, the pieces where she is older are not as strong. I want to read more of her. ( )

some of this works, some doesn't. A couple of chapters are surprisingly honest while others seem to cover up. I wonder if Cofer was writing with her mother over her shoulder?