Adiós to My Old Life

It was a real treat to read Adiós to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer this weekend. I had really been looking forward to it. I was quickly hooked on Alegría (Ali) Montero's adventures on a Latin equivalent of American Idol, Oye Mi Canto. With her prized possession, a Bernabé guitar that her dad gave her in lieu of a quinceanera, at her side she is ready to take on the challenges of the show.

There is so much to love about Ali's character. One of the first scenes that I liked was when she was auditioning for the show and they asked her if she was more comfortable speaking in English or Spanish and she referred either. I know, such a small thing, but I value bilingualism so much and am fostering a love of language and a sense of importance of being bilingual and biliterate in my own girls. It is always nice to see positive representations of this! Then Ali demonstrates time and again that she is very strong, much stronger than she probably realized at the onset of the book.

Since Ali is just 17 instead of living in the huge house with all the other contestants she goes home each night and her dad's best friend escorts her while at the show. Being able to go home ends up being a blessing to escape some of the reality show drama - although she can't quite get away from it all.

The ending was not at all what I expected, but it was a perfect ending and very satisfying. I was left wanting more, and would love to see Ferrer write another book about Ali that picks up right where Adiós to My Old Life leaves off.