Author Erika Sánchez highlights bilingualism and cultural identity at library event
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On Oct. 10, North Central Washington Libraries hosted a virtual conversation with bestselling author Erika L. Sánchez, author of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.”
Sánchez was born and raised in Cicero, Illinois, and both of her parents are immigrants from Mexico. In addition to being a novelist, she is also a poet and essayist. She says she draws inspiration from her own experiences and upbringing to illustrate the world around her as a Mexican American.
In her novel, she uses both English and Spanish to tell the story of Julia Reyes. Olga, Julia’s older sister, dies in a car accident, leaving Julia to take on her sister’s role in the family. In the book, Julia struggles to find her place in the world and understand her sister’s role both inside and outside of their family.
“I wanted to capture the bigness of being bilingual. When you have access to different worlds like that, there are so many ways to express yourself. I think some of the best art is made from that,” Sánchez said.
During the virtual conversation, she shared that she was not allowed to speak Spanish at school, and there was judgment and shame associated with it. As she grows older, she realized how amazing it is to use both languages in her life and work. She noted that some words can’t be translated without losing their meaning and affection. As a Mexican American, she wants to honor how she and her family speak.
“‘Mijia’ it’s not like hun and sweetie. You’re calling someone your child. ‘Pesada,’ it is funny to call someone a heavy spirit. ‘Malcriada’ is a smart-ass girl, which I have been my entire life. When do they read something like that? When I was growing up, I didn’t have anything like this,” Sánchez said.
Sánchez says she and Julia share the same spirit. They both have a desire for learning and creativity, which Sánchez is passionate about. Growing up, she didn’t have access to many books or other resources, but teachers lent her books and encouraged her to write.
Sánchez lives in Chicago, and her family is from Los Ojos, Mexico. The book takes place in both locations. Although she has never lived in Mexico, she feels at home when she visits. She includes Los Ojos in her book to capture the feeling of returning to her homeland.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” has been challenged and banned in many school districts across the country.
“I never in my life imagined that I would have to defend my book in this way. It is so bizarre to me that people are so disturbed by a book about a young Mexican girl. It seems that people don’t read the book but are upset by the concept — that we exist and are on the cover of a book,” Sánchez said.
In the virtual conversation, Sánchez encourages people to reconnect with their creativity and pursue art and writing in their everyday lives.
“Prioritize the thing that makes you feel alive. You know whatever that is, it will make you feel good about yourself,” Sánchez said. “It’s brave to say no and make time somewhere … anything that makes you connected to who you are.”
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” is currently being adapted into a film directed by America Ferrera. The novel has also been adapted into a play at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, the Seattle Rep and Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles.
The full NCW virtual conversation is available on YouTube.
Copies of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” are available for checkout at NCW Libraries.
Reneé Diaz may be contacted at renee.diaz@wenatcheeworld.com. Collaborative reporting by The Wenatchee World, NWPB and WSU’s Murrow College of Communication Newsroom Fellowship.
