BOOK REVIEW: How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz

A fun little story about what happens when your job counselor becomes your therapist.

What an absolutely unique little book this was. It was a quick and easy read, but it definitely packed a punch. I honestly had no idea what to expect or even what I was walking into with this one. It is part of my 12 books recommended by 12 friends in 12 months challenge, and once again I was exposed to a story and author that I may not have otherwise picked up.

The audio of this one was fantastic! The story follows Cara Ramirez who after decades working in the factory now finds herself seeking employment. The structure is divided into the 12 sessions that Cara meets with a job counselor, during which time she just shares her life story - her immigration from the Dominican Republic, her struggles with her estranged son, her family and neighbors and love affairs. The inflections and sarcasm that the narrator uses to portray  Cara’s personality is done to perfection.

I really enjoy books that add unique structural elements. Throughout the book, there are applications and questionnaires that Cara must complete as part of her Job counseling. Some of her answers are just hilarious. However, there were many moments mixed in with the humor that pulled your heartstrings.

I love how Cara is portrayed. She is a 50+ year old woman set in her ways and struggles to understand why some of her relationships are in the condition they are in. As the story progresses and Cara verbally recounts her life, there are moments where she begins to reflect on certain behaviors and these job sessions almost become cathartic, life counseling sessions. While her character doesn’t dramatically change, she does begin to make some small changes and has extremely good intentions to be better. I adored this lady! You can try to dislike her, but it’s impossible!

My name is Cara Romero, and I came to this country because my husband wanted to kill me. Don’t look so shocked. You’re the one who asked me to say something about myself.

What a great first line! It encapsulates the entire tone of the book!

The setting of Washington Heights, New York is perfect for creating the proximity of the characters and the moments that Cara reflects on. Her life hasn’t been easy, but she doesn’t sugar coat any of it or her life in New York in the income-subsidized apartment building. Her neighbor, Lulu has to be my absolute favorite side character. Together, they are a riot.

There are plenty of moments when you want to shake Cara and say “what are you doing!!” But there are also those opportunities to ponder the cultural implications and reasons for beliefs and actions. I really loved learning about her and how she perceived actions that others thought atrocious, but there were lots of moments where you just felt for her. You reflect on her life and experiences and expectations.

She said, Don’t worry about me. I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do. Cara, we must not wait to live the life we want. Find a way to be present with the people you love.

There are life’s ups and downs and you experience it with her as she tries to move forward, while also being stuck in her ways and the past. The moments with her sister and her son create the peak of the emotional highs while her approach to the interviews and applications is the peak of the humor. It is definitely a well-rounded book that was different from anything that I have really read.

While there is still plenty of family drama, Cara's perception and thus delivery is what makes this unique. The pacing is easy and quick and each chapter reflects one of the twelve sessions with the job counselor which allowed for easy transitions. But, while this may be a short, quick read, it makes you wonder just how common Cara’s experience is for other women.

Where does this land on my bookshelf?

I would let it slide onto the top shelf. It’s not my favorite read of the year, but it is thought- provoking, laugh-out-loud funny, sad, ridiculous and just fun. I was hooked from the very beginning and was happy to have listened to the audio at a time where I had a lot of time to listen. There are so many amazing quotes from the book, too!  Cara is just one of those characters who is loved by, just about, everyone. SO, honestly, what is there not to love about this book! I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed, but I will say that the audio is top notch!!!

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