Book Review: “Don’t Date Rosa Santos” by Nina Moreno

“Don’t Date Rosa Santos” by Nina Moreno (2019)

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Length: 336 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that’s what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you’re a boy with a boat.

But Rosa feels more caught than cursed. Caught between cultures and choices. Between her abuela, a beloved healer and pillar of their community, and her mother, an artist who crashes in and out of her life like a hurricane. Between Port Coral, the quirky South Florida town they call home, and Cuba, the island her abuela refuses to talk about.

As her college decision looms, Rosa collides – literally – with Alex Aquino, the mysterious boy with tattoos of the ocean whose family owns the marina. With her heart, her family, and her future on the line, can Rosa break a curse and find her place beyond the horizon? (description from Goodreads)

Review:

This novel follows the story of teenager, Rosa Santos, who is “cursed” by the sea and on the cusp of heading off to college. She wants to go to her homeland, Cuba, and learn about her culture despite her family’s wishes.

She comes from a small coastal town where the community is a tight knit and everyone looks out for one another. When the town, Port Coral, is in danger they decide to put together a fundraiser where everyone pitches in. Rosa ends up partnering with the tattooed, mysterious, and very cute Alex. They bond over their hopes, dreams, and fears and they find a connection that runs deep.

Rose is a high-spirited and passionate dreamer that wants an adventure outside of the life she has always known. Her grandmother raised her while her mom has been in and out of her life. Her relationship with her mom is somewhat strained due to always leaving Rosa behind and always running away from responsibilities. They still share a bond but it’s definitely unique. Her grandmother, Mimi, is a feisty but caring maternal figure. Though they constantly clash they still love each other.

Rose is “cursed” by the sea and during the book she struggles with the fear it puts in her but all the same time she wants to push the limits and not be trapped by it (pushing boundaries). This novel also focuses on the theme of culture and identity. Rosa feels disconnected from her Cuban culture because she’s never been to the homeland but eventually realizes that’s it’s something that runs deep within.

Port Coral sounds like coziest marina town to visit. It’s small, quaint, friendly, and full of vivid scenery. The writing pulls readers into the town’s setting and the cover art reflect is too. Such a summery novel!

All in all this is a magical and beautifully written story about a multi-generational family, the diaspora, love, and identity. It’s a strong contemporary debut and a story that will stick with readers long after reading it.

*Trigger Warning: Death

Final Verdict: