How Not To Drown In A Glass Of Water Book Review?

2025-11-12 06:40:46 275

5 Answers

Jasmine
Jasmine
2025-11-14 14:57:19
Crisp, raw, and achingly human—Angie Cruz's 'How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water' grabbed me by the collar and didn’t let go. The novel follows Cara Romero, a middle-aged Dominican woman navigating unemployment and gentrification in new york, through a series of darkly humorous monologues. What struck me was how Cruz balances despair with resilience; Cara’s voice is so vivid, you’d swear she’s sitting across from you at a diner, chain-smoking and dropping wisdom between sips of coffee. The structure—written as job counseling session transcripts—feels fresh, though some might crave more plot momentum. But honestly? The character work is the star. Cara’s flaws, her pride, her love for her estranged son—it all rings painfully true. If you’ve ever felt life’s waves crashing over you while everyone else calls it a 'puddle,' this book gets it.

I’d recommend this to fans of Elizabeth Acevedo or sandra cisneros—it’s got that same lyrical, cultural heartbeat. Minor gripes? The supporting cast could’ve used more shading, and the ending leans abrupt. Still, weeks later, I catch myself hearing Cara’s voice in my head, especially when I’m making tough decisions. That’s the mark of something special.
Sawyer
Sawyer
2025-11-15 00:11:45
Devoured this in one rainy afternoon. 'How Not to Drown' isn’t a plot-heavy ride; it’s a character study of a woman who’s both unapologetic and deeply vulnerable. Cara’s voice—defiant, funny, bruised—carries the whole thing. Loved how Cruz uses mundane details (like Cara’s obsession with a discount sofa) to reveal larger struggles. Not for those craving action, but if you savor rich dialogue and cultural nuance, it’s a gem.
Yolanda
Yolanda
2025-11-16 02:16:32
Picked up 'How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water' after spotting its vibrant cover (yes, I judge books that way). Angie Cruz’s novel surprised me—it’s structured as bureaucratic paperwork yet throbs with life. Cara’s story unfolds through job retraining transcripts, a clever device that mirrors how society reduces personal tragedies to paperwork. Her sharp humor ('Even my tears got evicted') contrasts beautifully with the sadness underneath. The book’s strength is its authenticity; Cara’s mistakes aren’t romanticized, nor is her resilience. It’s messy, like life. If I had to critique, I’d say the middle sags slightly, but the final chapters pack a quiet punch. Made me want to call my mom and argue with her, just to hear her voice.
Sophia
Sophia
2025-11-16 07:12:51
A friend tossed 'How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water' at me saying, 'You need this.' She was right. Angie Cruz crafts a protagonist so real, Cara Romero feels like your tía who overshares at family parties—equal parts frustrating and endearing. The book’s format (therapy-meets-bureaucracy monologues) initially threw me, but by the third 'session,' I was hooked. Cruz nails the immigrant experience’s duality: the grit to survive versus the systems designed to wear you down. Highlights? Cara’s rants about her nosy neighbor had me wheezing, and her quiet grief over lost dreams wrecked me. The prose isn’t flowery—it’s direct, like a fist to the sternum. Perfect for readers who want character-driven stories with political teeth.
Samuel
Samuel
2025-11-16 22:42:59
Cruz’s novel feels like eavesdropping on someone’s most private confessions. Cara Romero is a masterpiece of contradictions—proud but insecure, tough but tender. The transcript format initially seemed gimmicky, but it quickly becomes immersive. Standout moments include Cara’s rants about her son’s girlfriend and her wistful memories of Santo Domingo. Not a light read, but one that lingers. Perfect for book clubs—so much to unpack about class, aging, and what 'home' really means.
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