Furia has been hiding a secret from her parents. Her parents expect her to go to medical school, but what she really wants is to play futbol in the States. Problem is that girls don't play futbol in her neighborhood. Girls are expected to become wives and take care of their family. Throw in some other major obstacles, like an old flame that has returned, and missing neighborhood girls and you have a powerful story, This is a story about a strong women, with a strong sense of self, that will let nothing get in the way of her dreams. I couldn't put it down.

Good book with a lot thoughtprovoking and gripping details. The main character is easy to follow and her actions take you from one adventure to another. I wished the book was a little longer so I could get to know the main character a little more. It was really fun to read a sports book with a girl as the main character, and Ioved how the topics were discussed and how it is possible for a girl to enjoy football.

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of the first books I requested from Netgalley, originally because I was looking for books I thought my students would be really interested in reading. Now that I’ve finished it, I can think of several student I have that I think would really enjoy this book. I felt like it was well-balanced; there was a good mixture of soccer, Camila and Diego’s relationship, Camila’s family and friends, etc. The writing was clear and descriptive and the pacing of the plot was perfect.

I love love loved this! It reminded me of so many books but was still entirely unique. There are so many layers to this, and I really appreciated how Argentina itself seemed like a character. Great read.

Do perfect books exist? If they do, FURIA just got added to list. Camila is a teenager living in Argentina. She faces the burden of oppressive standards of a patriarchy within and beyond her family, and, because of the pressures put on her to full a certain societal and familial role, she hides from her family the fact that she’s a superstar soccer player.

Mendez does an absolutely incredible job of letting us into Camila’s world, but she also brilliantly situates the book within the Ni Una Menos movement, which started in Argentina. We see a girl finding her own way, trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations while also knowing full well what she wants out of her life. There’s a little romance, which honestly I love because I think we’re getting to a beautifully nuanced portrayal of powerful, independent women that still allows for the human capacity for love and companionship.

This was a book I could. not. put. down. I’m so glad Camila’s story is getting told, but also that so many of the girls who inspired the Ni Una Menos movement live on because of FURIA. I hope you’ll pick this one up as soon as your library or local indie has it available!

I love that this is a book written by a Latinx author, set in Argentina, about a young girl who is ambitious to become a professional footballer player. It’s so different to anything I’ve read before. However.. this book didn’t feel so much like a young feminist book like I thought it would but more of a romance story between the protagonist, Camila, and a football player. It felt like 70% of the novel was about their budding romance and the remaining 30% was about other factors that I feel deserved a lot more focus. ⠀
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Despite this, I loved some of the issues addressed in this novel. Camila’s controlling father and her family not wanting her to play football gave this book so much emotion and depth. Camila’s aspiration to be a professional footballer was a beautiful read, although I’m not a big football fan, I never felt myself getting bored at the chapters with football in then because they were always focused on Camila wanting to do well and be successful. ⠀
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Overall I really did enjoy this novel, it was more romance centred than I thought it would be but that’s not a criticism and is probably more likely to make someone pick this one up! So if you fancy a YA novel that contains family issues but is filled love, hope and dreams, then I certainly recommend this!!

Trigger warnings: domestic violence, depictions and discussions of violence against women, implications of predatory behavior

Things I loved
Camila. I loved how aware she was of the world around her, so she knew when it was not safe to stand up, but she also found small ways to fight injustice and sexism. It is clear Camila is not interested in following anyone, and ready to be the protagonist of her own life.

The setting. Rosario is not the kind of city you’d see in movies or TV, but it felt so realistic to my own experience and I loved how the author created an atmosphere that was still picturesque and romantic.

The feminist commentary. It is hard to read and particularly disturbing at times, as you watch the way these women have been failed by society and by the other people in their lives. I also loved how the female relationships – especially the ones between Camila and her best friends, Roxanna, and her mom – were so fleshed out and powerful for the story.

There’s a lot of football. I am a Brazilian girl of simple needs – I see football, I love it. We see a lot of how the sport has impacted their lives as a family and as a community, and at the same time, how much football connects and also breaks them apart at times.

Things I didn't love
I’d say the only thing that bothered me about this book was the pacing. This is definitely *not* a plot-driven novel, and most of it is very character-focused, which doesn’t bother me, but I can definitely see how it would bother others. I found that the last 30% was kinda rushed, especially in comparison to the rest of the book.

Furia is definitely one I’d recommend. I think it’s rare for us to see books like this, that have such poignant discussions for a certain demographic, and that are being shared for all people.

I felt the same way when I read Where We Go From Here, which is set in Brazil. It made me want to share with the world and point out, like: “THIS is what living here actually looks like” and Furia made me feel the same way. It’s still universally relatable, but it means even more for other Latinx girls, who’ll be able to see themselves in Camila’s story.

Furia is a wonderful debut book about an aspiring fútbol player from Argentina, dreaming to make a name for herself. Camilia, our main character, loves the game and wants to play professionally however, in her hometown a girl’s place is in the kitchen and standing in the shadows of a man. Camilia doesn’t want that life she would rather be in the spotlight than in the shadows. I really liked this book and think the message is really powerful. You will immediately take to Camilia because her story has been seen in many different cultures. She unapologetically pushed back on the norms expected of a “good girl” and did not allow any male “save her”. She was determined to save herself and choose her own path. Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and Netgalley for sending my an ARC of this amazing book.

This was a lovely contemporary with phenomenal writing, pacing, and themes. I found this to be powerful and impactful, and I highly recommend!

The protagonist, Camila, absolutely MADE this book. Her will and determination had me eager to see her succeed, and Mendez did an incredible job writing this character. This book read in an unapologetically feminist way with its protagonist and her fire and consistent prizing of herself and considering her value outside of patriarchal constraints, and I loved every bit of it. The unpacking of misogyny in the world, but more specifically in the ways it fits into Argentinian culture, was fascinating, and the way the women in this novel were portrayed - as strong, tenacious individuals who are also flawed and perhaps have internalized the patriarchal system. The romance was also well-done and realistic, which is something I always appreciate, and it wasn't the entire focus of the story despite being central to the plot. Overall, highly recommend reading this book; I look forward to reading more from this author!

A multi-faceted novel featuring the life of Camila in a male dominated world. Camila, know as La Furia, has ambitions that she has to hide and are not accepted by those around her, As a female player in a football team she has to hide her activities from her parents, brother and Diego

Camila’s strength of character is inspirational.. Yamile Saied Mendez does not conform to the patriarchal narratives rather, she paints a picture of reality that doesn’t glamorise the violence that women and young girls experience.

I would definitely recommend this book to all pupils I at secondary level.

Furia is a powerful Ownvoices novel representing a strong female protagonist empowered by her passion for the sport of ‘futbol’ . Despite the concerns of parental expectations, societal trends or the return of a childhood crush all seeking to dim the light on her newfound freedom, Camila ‘La Furia ‘ Hassan remains even more determined.

Very empowering story! Love that this book brings to light a setting not often represented in YA as well as a culture and sport. Motivates me to want to learn more about the representation of women in soccer worldwide.

So. This book. DAMN. Camila is a strong character, in every sense of the word. She resilient, confident, relentless in her pursuit of her dreams. She makes sacrifices, so many sacrifices to see her dreams come true. I loved that while Diego is a sweet and passionate romance interest, Camila doesn't stray from her dreams. Yes, it hurt to read as she denied herself a future with him, but there was hope for them at the end! And besides this book isn't about the guy saving the girl. THE GIRL SAVES HERSELF DESPITE THE CIRCUMSTANCES. And yes, Camila's dad mad me so angry! How dare he hit her?? How dare he make the women in his family feel less?? As a latina, mexicana, Hispana, whatever you want to call me, I know that our culture is full of machismo but my own father would never do that to me. On fact, he's the one who taught me to play baseball! He let me change the car's oil and we would build model cars together all the time when I was little. He once even told me I could play for the Texas Rangers one day. Not once did he tell me to focus on softball instead because that was the girls sport. And even now that I'm older, and while he doesn't understand my new dreams , he still encourages me to keep going, keep reaching for the sky and never look back but to never forget where I came from. My mother is the same way, she has raised a Warrior and she has always pushed me to be my best to seize the opportunities presented to me and to make my own opportunities when I can't find any. Nebr once did either of my parents tell me to leave my dreams behind and bow my head to a man, ever. Camila fights for her freedom from society's stigma and it's chains and she SUCCEEDS DAMN IT. SHE MAKES IT. through tears, hell, broken promises, adrenaline highs, stolen romantic moments, thrills of the unknown and so much sweat and blood, but damn the girl makes it. And for that I'm proud. For that I'm irrevocably in love with this book.

I loved what I was able to read of this book and I keep thinking about it. I was unable to finish it because of issues due to eye surgery causing incompatibility with my ereader app. I did purchase print copies for my library.

This book has so many unique elements. It’s set in Argentina and it does such a good job of showing the reality of living there. The worries about jobs and the dollar price, the delicious food, the beutiful role that soccer plays in the communities, the way the patriarchy is so rooted in the culture and the many types of violence that women face, the wave of feminicides and the emergence of the #NiUnaMenos movement in Argentina. All of it makes this book feel like something you haven’t read before. I appreciate the way the characters, especially Camila and Diego, love their city even with the things that are not so pretty.

The inclusion of Women’s Soccer was such a cool and unique element as well, I love that we get to see the passion, determination and joy of women playing a sport they love, as well as the many obstacles that they have to face because of the patriarchy and the idea that it’s a men’s sport, and because of lack of funding and support.

I really like the main character, Camila. I love her passion for soccer and I love the fact that she knows what she wants and she goes for it. I think one of the most valuable aspects of this story is the development of Camila’s mom, I love that she found the streght to stand up for herself and for her kids and I appreciated the way her relationship with Camila evolved throughout the book. The romance is cute and a bigger part of the book that I thought it was going to be, and I like the way it wraps up, I think it’s hopeful but also realistic.

I am sad to say this book just wasn't my cup of tea. Furia follows teenage Camila who struggles to balance her two worlds. Half of the time she is a careful daughter overshadowed by her brother but the other half, she is a star on the fútbol (soccer) field. Trying to keep her secret is increasingly getting harder and more pressure is added when the boy she used to be in love with comes back to town.

I don't really have too much against this book other than the fact that I could not really connect to Camila and the passion she and many others in the novel had for fútbol. The writing in this novel was easy to read and I did enjoy the style. The plot itself was also really good. I loved seeing some of the important topics discussed in the novel. Yamile Saied Mendez does a great job at examining how it is to be a female sports star in a society that still believes women should not be. Mendez also highlights some of the dangers and abuse women are facing everyday.

The romance in the book was not my favourite. I do understand why it was included as it helped add some conflict, however it was just a little lacking for me.

<i>"Scoring a goal is almost like kissing. The more you do it, the more you want. I wanted to keep scoring unit it hurt."</i>

<b>A soccer story that will fill your heart with joy!</b>

Camila Beatriz Hassan, or Furia as her teammates call her, is one of those rare YA protagonists who feel real. <i>Fruia</i> reads like a memoir. All the details about living in an Argentinian barrio, the current political and social debates that infiltrate the family conversations at home, the connection between a city and its football team, all were layered in a way that made this story compelling.

My only complaint is I wanted more soccer games. I wanted more action scenes with Furia dominating the field! The love story could have been smaller, but how it was resolved made me happy. Furia got her happy ever after, it's just not what you're expecting from a romance story, which is perfect.

Thank you Netgalley for my gifted ebook and audiobook copies of this book. I absolutely loved this story.

This book is about a girl named Camilla who has dreams of becoming a famous soccer player one day. The only problem is that her parents don't really agree that girls can play soccer. She ends up joining a team anyways and hiding it from her parents. Without her parents consent she can only get so far. She needs their permission to be able to travel for games etc.

This is a beautiful story about a girl who fights for her dreams despite what everyone else thinks and what life throws her way. Her long distance boyfriend also plays soccer and wants her to put her dreams on hold to be able to follow him wherever he goes. Camilla has her own dreams though and doesn't want to put hers on hold for someone else.

Things I Like About This Book:
• Camila, the protagonist. This is one of the most believable teenage girls I've ever read, and I really like her. She's fiery and passionate and never loses sight of her goals.
• The depiction of women. Throughout Furia, Yamile describes all kinds of women—young women, pregnant women, abused women, strong women, broken women, smart women, brave women. Every depiction is compassionate and loving and full of hope.
• Calling out false and dangerous ideas. No, it's never okay to claim that it's a woman's own fault that a man mistreats her. No, it's not okay for someone to give up all their own hopes and dreams for the one they love. No, a women is not a doll, nor is she an object.
• A book that takes place mostly outside of America and includes Spanish. I wish there were more of these. I loved being immersed in Rosario, Argentina.
* That ending. So good. Yes, a woman can have both her career aspirations and a partner who will support her in them.

Things I Don't Like:
* Not enough fleshing out of the side characters. I never felt like I really understood Camila's family dynamics, nor her friendship with Ro, nor her English teaching job, nor her past friendship with Diego. There was just so much going on that the only person I came away really knowing was Camila. I especially wished there were more character development for Camila's mother.
• How did Diego happen (?). Although Camila is surrounded by machismo ideas by her father, her brother, her mother, her "uncles," and her neighbors, somehow Diego (who is almost a part of the family) has escaped it. How? I'm not incredulous, but I do wish there were a backstory to explain this. Plus, I don't feel like I ever really knew Diego. Yes, he was friends with Pablo and Camila growing up, and yes, his mom abandoned him when he was young, but that's really all I know about him. Where's the baggage?

Things I Found Confusing:
• Camila's relationship with sex/pregnancy. There's compassion for pregnant women like Marisa or Camila's mother, but Camila seems determined not to end up like Pablo's girlfriend or the pregnant girl on the bus. She reveals that she's a virgin and she doesn't seem to intend to change that and risk putting her dreams at stake. That is, until she's on her last date with Diego. Then, all of that seems to be suddenly forgotten when she decides she "could've done it right there in the back seat of his car," but is conveniently prevented from doing so by a text from Pablo. I admire Camila's determination to reach her dreams throughout the book, so that section seemed untrue to Camila.

All in all though, a solid YA debut. I'm excited to read more from Yamile.