CAMILA NÚÑEZ'S YEAR OF DISASTERS

Camila Núñez, a Cuban American teen from North Carolina, faces what might be her worst year ever.

An ominous tarot card reading, her parents’ crumbling marriage, and a recent heartbreak might all be too much for Camila. Her annual summer in Miami was meant to consist of family time with her abuelos and self-care using tools suggested by her therapist. While playing third wheel to her prima Mirta and Mirta’s latest boyfriend, Juanito, Camila develops an unexpected friendship that turns into a secret summer romance with Sonia, Juanito’s sister. But Sonia breaks her heart just before Camila turns 16. Camila writes an optimistic letter to her future self, but the results of best friend Cindy’s birthday tarot reading lead to a surge in Camila’s anxiety, and she is left wondering when the misfortunes she believes were predicted by the Hanged Man, the Three of Swords, the Seven of Cups, and the Justice card will manifest. Between the pain of breaking up, her parents’ trial separation, and her anxiety flaring into anger, Camila, who has a caring heart, empathy, and tendency to worry about others, lashes out at people close to her. In their debut novel, Pérez delves into anxiety, body shaming, familial dynamics around queerness, and teenage relationships. The thoughtful exploration of mental health, self-preservation, and developing interpersonal skills shows Camila’s anxiety while making clear her inner resilience. The intertwining of English and Spanish will feel familiar to many readers.

Compelling, relatable, and skillfully crafted.