Reviews for The Queen of Water
* A poignant coming-of-age novel. -- School Library Journal, STARRED
*A singular, authentic voice." -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED
* "A moving, lyrical novel that will particularly resonate with teens caught between cultures." -- Booklist, STARRED
* "[A] riveting tale... by turns heartbreaking, infuriating, and ultimately inspiring. " -- Kirkus, STARRED
"A richly described coming-of-age story... by turns shocking and funny." -- VOYA
Links to Full Reviews
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Did she ever try to find "Antonio"?
ReplyDeleteDid she ever try to find "antonio"?
ReplyDeleteAntonio tracked her down at the hotel. It was really emotional for them both, but by that time she'd already created a life for herself at the colegio, and in her work at the hotel. If I remember correctly, I think she told him she liked her new life, and although she had sweet memories of him, she wasn't interested in going back with him. It was very sad for her, but she felt she had to do it.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading your book and was completely taken in! Our family has a special connection to Ecuador, as our son is Ecuadorian and we chose to live there for some time to better understand and experience his culture. We aren't sure whether he is mestizos or indigenous but love him all the same. We've spent time in all the places mentioned very recently. Virginia learned to be proud of her person, to never be ashamed, recognizing we are all on a journey and it can be very good! We pray our son grows to understand who he is, where he comes from, taking pride in his person as well. Thanks for the engaging novel. Perhaps we'll look up Virginia next time we're in Otavalo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your beautiful comments, de Groot family! I'm so glad you connected with the book. It's really special for me to get feedback from readers like you. Warm greetings to your son! (Did you know my son is from Guatemala?)
ReplyDeleteJust finished Queen of Water. What a great insprational novel! So many parallels to my own life growing up in some ways. I am a high school teacher in a very diverse school and find that there are racial boundaries within races, even though they are the same race. This I will never understand. This book is on the Florida Teens Read List, so as a reading teacher I try to find time to read them all. This one truly touched my heart. I was hoping for a reunion with Antonio, but I see that they did meet up again later. I guess I was hoping they would stay together in some way. I'm sure Virginia ended up with a great guy, and wouldn't settle for anything less than the best companion in the world. Thank you for this great story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comments, Anonymous! Interesting to hear how you related to the book. Yes, I know what you mean about the complexities of race/ethnicity, class, etc. in our society, too. As we were writing her story, Maria Virginia and I talked a lot about the distinction between relatively wealthy and impoverished indigenous families, so that I could really understand all the ins and outs. Not a simple thing to grasp, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteYes, although it's sad she had to part ways with Antonio, I can assure you that her husband, Tino, is pretty awesome-- a great husband, father, musician-- and most importantly, supportive of Maria Virginia's dreams.
My school, Unionville High School, grades 9-12th grade are all reading this book for summer reading. Out of all the summer readng books ive ever read, and now thinking about it ALL the books ive ever read this is one of my favorite books! It's a sad story but has sweet moments im not wuote done yet i'm on chapter 21 but so far it's the best thing ive ever read!
ReplyDeleteMy school, Unionville High School, grades 9-12th grade are all reading this book for summer reading. Out of all the summer readng books ive ever read, and now thinking about it ALL the books ive ever read this is one of my favorite books! It's a sad story but has sweet moments im not wuote done yet i'm on chapter 21 but so far it's the best thing ive ever read!
ReplyDeleteWow, Stefanie! I am really honored that you like Queen so much! I can't wait to visit Unionville this fall! I hope to see you there-- please be sure to introduce yourself in person! :-)
ReplyDeleteI really loved this book! I just got it from the library and finished as soon as I could. Are you still in contact with Virginia? Thanks for writing such an amazing book.
ReplyDeleteFrom Tirzy
Thanks so much, Tirzy! I'm thrilled that you liked the book! Yes, Maria Virginia and I are close friends, and keep in regular touch by email and phone. I'm planning on going to Ecuador to celebrate her graduation next year. She'll be getting her degree in clinical psychology. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi this is stefanie from earlier in the comments. I just saw your message now after reading an article my high school posted so I didn't get to say hello :( but I was in the fourth or 3rd row from the front she you visited unionville! It was amazing hearing about your writing box and seeing pictures of Virginia's life and your trips!
ReplyDeleteHi again, Stefanie!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my Unionville visit! Too bad we didn't get a chance to chat there, but I'm glad you were sitting close to the front. :-) And I'm glad you liked the presentation!
Just finished reading this masterpiece and no shade of regrets! It was mixed emotion, a roller coaster indeed. Well, it's nice I've got a chance to discover the book from our school library, now, I am more determined to sneak even more as there are surely lots of mysteries waiting to be unearthed. Querer es poder.
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