Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours, Page Street YA, and NetGalley for access to this e-ARC. I ended up reading the physical copy given to me for an honest review.
I thought this was a very good queer BIPOC story and was interested from start to finish. I could relate a lot to what Camila went through with her anxiety and self-image issues, as someone who's experienced both since childhood. It was amazing seeing her progress throughout the book, and I genuinely like how the author ended it. I learned a lot about Cuban culture, and want to start doing my own research now about as many different cultures I can, and try to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community in each culture. It was helpful that the author explained a lot of different aspects of Cuban culture throughout the novel. Overall, I do genuinely recommend this cute but tenderhearted and sometimes tearful YA QTBIPOC romance.

✨ “A sweet sixteen just isn’t in the tarot cards” ✨

Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters by Miriam Zoila Pérez was such a compelling coming of age read! Tackling the overwhelming feelings of growing up, navigating relationships, friendships & family struggles while also working on finding yourself and planning your future. Effortlessly portraying anxiety, this story is messy, heartfelt, intimate and hopeful. I really enjoyed Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters & hope to pick up more of Miriam Zoila Pérez in the future!

Thank you so much CPBT & PageStreetYa for sending a copy my way!

I enjoyed this book. I found the anxiety rep so authentic and realistic .I also loved reading about Camila’s Cuban family. This was a lovely slice of life novel that tackled common “disasters” teenagers face as they’re growing up.

A rather cute story overall but there were some instances where the pacing felt off or the main character was a bit too rash. I think finding the balance when it comes to YA reads certainly has its challenges, and while endearing there were moments I couldn't help but turn the page a bit quicker for.

“My mind raced as I tried to decide what to do next.”


Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters is a pure YA novel –really meant for its audience. Even though I’m neither Cuban or American, I wish I had such books as a teen, as I would have felt seen on several levels. This story isn’t a romance, but more like a woman fiction, in which we see the MC grow and learn.
I particularly liked the queer and the anxiety representation. I also loved that she is comfortable with her culture, as it’s often not the case in YA novels, and that her challenges are quite different. Camila’s intrusive thoughts that wake her up are so reliable, as is her constant questioning of what she does, says, or the intentions of the people she interacts with… and all the problems it leads to. The end was perfect in this regard, and a great balance for a teenager IMO. It show how much she grew between her 16th and 17th birthday, but also the whole remaining path that opens before her.
In one world, I truly believe that this story can be a great companion for teens facing similar challenges.

Thank you to the author, PageStreet Publishing and ColoredPages PR for the eARC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Thank you, Page Street publishing and Colored Pages Book Tours, for the gifted copy.

This novel is an awesome look at life as a teenager, coming of age in the midst of angst, young love, toxic relationships, identity exploration, uncertainty about the future, and anxiety. We meet Camilla, as she interacts with her family and their rich Cuban heritage, al the while feeling bogged down by her overactive mind. She has a lot of anxiety and insecurities about herself, and the experience of dating as a teenager does not make it easier. Coupled with a sometimes messy friendship and an uncertainty about her extended family accepting her sexuality, Camilla is spiraling.

I truly enjoyed this story and the various representations that were given voice. One of my favorite aspects was the therapy sessions that Camilla engaged to address her feelings and learning to manage her anxiety. I love that this book wasn't a fairytale, but rather, it addressed a lot of realistic situations/ issues and gave healthy responses. I loved that Camilla was able to learn and grow from her experiences, and everything was not magically fixed by the end of the novel. The characters felt like real people, and I think this is a book that teens can enjoy while seeing themselves and learning a thing or two.

Thank you so much to Colored Pages Book Tours, the author, and the publisher for having me on this tour and for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

This was such a beautiful narrative about a queer teenager and her sexuality, identity, and heritage as a Cuban American. I went into this book thinking it would be a romance, and while there is romance, it’s definitely not the focus.

Camila was so relatable. Her anxiety, tendency to assume the worst about every situation, and inability to believe the good things in her life are real… all hit hard for me, personally. I used to be exactly like that in high school, and though I’ve somewhat learned to change, I’m still kinda like that, too.

This book is about Camila’s growth. All her relationships see changes as Camila herself changes. Her own views and insecurities about her body and image see changes. She explores her sexuality and romantic relationships. She has ups and downs with her friends and family. I loved seeing how Camila’s mindset and confidence changed throughout the story.

I enjoyed the integration of Camila’s culture throughout this book. The Spanish dialogue was sometimes a bit confusing, but nothing a bit translating couldn’t fix 😁. As someone who took Spanish in high school, I felt so proud every time I understood something on my own.

My favorite character was Camila’s abuelita. She was always so loving and caring towards Camila, and I especially loved their moments toward the end of the book.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved all the ups and downs and how the story concluded.

4.5 ⭐️

🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Intrigue: 8
Narrative: 9
Build-up: 8
Originality: 8
Wow Factor: 9

Camila Núñez is just trying to make it through her sixteenth year, but when a tarot reading predicts disaster, she starts seeing doom everywhere she turns. Between first love, messy friendships, family drama, and her own anxieties, Camila has A LOT on her plate. But maybe, just maybe, she can learn how to embrace the unknown instead of fearing it.

From the very first page, I felt this book in my soul. As a former queer anxious girl (okay, still anxious, just older), I saw so much of myself in Camila—her overactive mind, her deep care for others, and the way she carried burdens that weren’t hers to hold. I truly could relate to the chaos of it all, and let me tell you, I have had that exact conversation with a counselor about taking on everyone else’s troubles.

Camila’s journey through first love, family tensions, and the all-consuming worry about what comes next felt so real and so deeply personal. The tarot card reading that sends her spiraling? Yeah, I’d have believed it too. But what makes this story shine isn’t just the anxiety—it’s the tenderness woven through it. The way Camila learns to navigate fear, friendships, and the messy uncertainty of growing up. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s room for joy, love, and learning to let go.

This book made me feel seen in a way I wasn’t expecting, and I absolutely recommend it—especially to the queer, anxious kids who need a little reassurance that they’re not alone. 💛

I’m still on a high from Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters by Miriam Zoila Pérez. Is it the big role that tarot cards play in Camila’s year? Maybe it is because I’m equally awkward around crushes? Reading a queer YA book with a Latine family? Yeah, that’s it. Plus roller skating! Camila’s year has it all - falling in love, realizing you are the shitty friend and making amends, trying to live your best life despite being a member of a traditional family, and of course the woes of being in high school.

Thank you Netgalley and page street ya for the free arc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. This is my first by the author and loved it.

I was expecting a YA romance but what I got was so much more.

There was much more about Family relationships, friendships and how they change. The author did such a good job you feel for all the young folk and the various challenges they faced you end up rooting for all of them.

Can't wait to read more from the author.

Suggest giving it a try if you enjoy queer YA books

4.5/5

Thank you to Page Street YA and Colored Pages Book Tours for providing me with a physical ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked Camila as a character and appreciated the way anxiety was portrayed—it felt incredibly authentic. The incorporation of Cuban heritage throughout the book was a standout element and added depth to the story. The way fatphobia was addressed, particularly in how it was passed down generationally from Camila’s grandmother to her mother and then onto her, felt painfully realistic and had me deep in my feelings.

While I enjoyed the book, the plot itself felt a little thin. Even though the pacing was fine, the story had a meandering quality that made the journey to the conclusion feel a bit unfocused. The LGBTQIA+ representation was fantastic, and I especially appreciated the discussions around polyamory.

One aspect that didn’t quite live up to my expectations was the role of tarot cards. The cover and blurb really hyped them up as a major part of the story, but while they were a source of Camila’s anxiety, they didn’t seem as integral to the plot as I had anticipated.

Overall, I think this is a solid YA literary fiction with romance elements. It tackles themes of identity, family expectations, mental health, and relationships in a meaningful way, and I’m glad I had the chance to read it.

I would definitely recommend this read. I appreciated all the different minority representations from LGBTQIA+ rep, Latinx rep, and someone with an anxiety disorder. I think the author did a great job as well portraying toxic/abusive relationships in your teens including gaslighting, which I feel is, unfortunately, a big issue. I think this is a great read for both teenagers, young adults, and adults. It didn’t feel too young where I felt out of touch reading it as an adult and I know the different aspects of this book would be helpful for a teen to read.
**Rounded up from 3.5

I enjoyed this book a lot because the main character is not always doing the right thing. She suffers from anxiety a lot and that ruins part of her relationships but the stress comes from the many changes in her life from social anxiety, racism, bullying, lack of confidence, body shape, parents' relationship instable, coming out to family, superstitions. My fav character is her abuela, and I liked that the end is realistic and not all wins.

In Camila Nunez's Year of Disasters, Miriam Zoila Perez crafts an insightful narrative that explores the intricate web of anxiety, identity, and cultural heritage through the eyes of Cuban-American teen Camila Núñez. From the outset, Camila’s struggle with panic attacks and her deep-seated fears—largely influenced by her overprotective mami—set the tone for a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the uncertainties of the future.
The novel begins at Camila's sixteenth birthday, where her best friend, Cindy, gifts her a tarot deck, launching a spine-tingling journey into what she believes might be her fate. The cards foretell ominous events, and as the year unfolds, the accuracy of their predictions both terrifies and enchants Camila. The intersection of magical realism and real-life challenges makes for a poignant exploration of how our fears can shape our realities.
What stands out most is Perez's ability to capture the essence of anxiety in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Camila’s experiences—ranging from her first heartbreak with a girl named Sonia to the complexities of her relationships with friends and family—are depicted with a depth that many readers will find familiar. Selecting the character’s moments of introspection and vulnerability, the author invites readers to share in Camila’s growth as she confronts the source of her fears.
The pacing of Year of Disasters is commendable; Perez balances moments of reflection with engaging plot developments, ensuring that readers are never left waiting too long for the next revelation. While the tarot cards play a significant role in Camila’s journey, the narrative wisely avoids becoming over-reliant on them as the crux of the plot, allowing for a deeper exploration of personal themes such as body image, resilience, and self-acceptance.
Additionally, the vivid portrayal of Cuban culture enriches the story and provides an engaging backdrop. Through descriptions of food, holiday traditions, and familial bonds, Perez offers a glimpse into Camila's rich heritage, enhancing the emotional stakes of her journey. This cultural depth not only adds authenticity but also serves to educate readers unfamiliar with these traditions.
The multifaceted representation in the book is also a highlight. With themes surrounding anxiety, plus-size representation, a nonbinary love interest, and positive depictions of therapy, Perez crafts a narrative that champions diversity and inclusivity. This holistic portrayal encourages readers to embrace their identities while navigating the complexities of adolescence.
Though the book tackles heavy themes, including fatphobia, dysmorphia, and homophobia, it does so with a sense of hope and optimism. Camila's journey is not just about facing the fears that threaten to overwhelm her, but also about recognizing the strength within herself to shape a narrative that defies the doom foretold by the cards.
Overall, Year of Disasters is a sweet, engaging read that delivers profound insights about mental health and self-acceptance while immersing readers in a culturally rich experience. Miriam Zoila Perez has penned a story that encourages reflection on the growing pains of youth, making it a fitting recommendation for anyone seeking an enjoyable yet meaningful literary journey.
Releasing on March 25, this book promises to be an enlightening experience for readers, especially those looking to connect with a narrative that mirrors their own struggles and aspirations.

CAMILA NUÑEZ'S YEAR OF DISASTERS follows camila who has always struggled with anxiety, and a tarot reading warning of upcoming disasters doesn’t help. as family drama, friendship issues, and a new crush stir up her fears, camila must confront how her anxiety is holding her back, and what it will take to move forward.

it's called her year of disasters and, honestly, our girl goes through it. camila, a queer cuban teenager, is navigating anxiety (sometimes to the point of not being able to get out of bed), toxic relationships, body image issues, family struggles, and all the messiness that comes with being a teenager trying to figure themselves out.

first off, the anxiety representation? spot on. there were moments when i had to pause because i’ve had those exact same thoughts. it felt raw and real in a way that i think will resonate with a lot of readers.

this book also doesn’t shy away from showing toxic relationships and gaslighting in a way that’s age-appropriate but still hits hard. relationships are not always fun, and it's so important for teens to see these dynamics handled realistically. plus, it highlights body image struggles that so many teens (and adults tbh) deal with, and it does so with a lot of care.

one of my favorite parts was seeing camila and her best friend so deeply connected to their local queer community. it was seriously heartwarming and added a layer of hope and support that balanced out some of the heavier moments.

by the way, there was so much delicious cuban food described in this book! i need a plate of pastelitos asap!

now, while I’m rating this book highly, i wouldn’t say it’s for everyone. this is definitely for teens or readers who enjoy a true YA coming-of-age story. camila and her friends are young teens who act like young teens. so if that’s not your vibe, fair warning. but if you’re looking for something that feels real, messy, and hopeful (with queer rep and cuban culture!), this one’s worth picking up.

While I went into this book thinking it was a YA romance, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it follows a teen navigating toxic relationships and dating in high school, with a focus on her life, not her romances.

Firstly, I really enjoyed following the life of the main character Camila. I thought she was very enjoyable to read about, and being in her mind felt like a perfect encapsulation of what it's like to be a teen with crushes. I also loved her best friend Cindy, and I thought she was an amazing supporting character.

However, I felt that considering the length of the book, it doesn't follow that many major plot points, and I would have loved to see a bit more intrigue regarding that. The ending also fell a bit flat for me, and felt a bit underwhelming. Thankfully though, the enjoyable characters did make up for the somewhat lack of major plot.

While this book was enjoyable, I wouldn't say I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone, just because I personally found it a little bit boring. Although, if you're specifically looking for a YA contemporary that focuses on the mundanity on teenage life, then I would recommend this more.

A huge thank you to Page Street Publishing and Miriam Zoila Perez for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book has so much to offer.
Gaslighting - done so well, shifting the focus and accountability. Expert level.
Recovering from an unhealthy relationship - being transparent in the hope of recovery but also raising awareness of unacceptable behavior, support structure, etc.
Dating as a queer teen - who can you be honest with, how will your family react, educating your family of queer everything. Lack of visibility, queer people to talk safety and healthy relationships. Focusing on mainstream traditions and information - rather than queer, reality and safety.
Therapy - yes, all of the therapy.

After her first queer summer fling gone wrong, Camila Nuñez is ready to turn 16 and have a better year. But on her birthday, her best friend Cindy gives her a tarot reading, and predicts a horrible year to come.

Camila is anxious about the future, another new relationship, her parent’s marriage, and her best friend’s new relationship. Navigating her 16th year might just be the toughest test yet.

————

This was a perfect YA story. The anxiety rep, specifically with Camila and her relationships with others, was spot on. I felt like I was reading about my own teenage feelings, and I just know if I had read this as a teen I would have felt so seen.

The characters and the storyline had depth, and the queer rep was fantastic. Even though the book is spread out through an entire year, the pacing of the plot was expertly done and I cannot believe this is a debut book. 100/10 I love this book so much.

Thank you so much to Page Street YA for the eARC AND the physical ARC!

What I Liked: This book opens by introducing you to Camila as she is spending her summer out in Miami with her mom's side of the family. During this time, she meets Sonia, her cousin's boyfriend's sibling, and gets into a tumultuous relationship with her. Because Camila isn't out to any of her extended family, she has to keep this relationship under wraps and can't go to any of them for assistance in navigating this. This one relationship and the way it all unravels frames the rest of the story and how Camila navigates future relationships.

It was important that this book open with Camila's experience with Sonia as that highlights the impact that one negative relationship can have on someone. As you continue reading, this book feels as if you are gaining access to someone's diary as a lot of the thoughts you read are Camila's innermost private thoughts. The nature of the writing makes you feel like Camila is a friend that you are rooting for the enter duration of the book.

For Camila's birthday, Cindy, her best friend, gives her a tarot deck and they pull out tarot cards for the year. The tarot cards don't have a good future predicted for Camila and she instantly starts worrying about what these cards have in store. As you continue reading the anxiety keeps building up in you and you start wondering how these tarot cards are going to play out in Camila's life. The author does an amazing job of transferring the feelings that Camila has regarding the anticipation of the tarot card results into the reader as you share some of Camila's anxiety.

The anxiety representation throughout this book is accurate and relatable. As someone who has suffered with general anxiety the majority of my whole life, I was able to see my experiences reflected in Camila's journey. The negative consequences that Camila's anxiety has on her relationships are accurate portrayals of how anxiety can overtake someone's life.

There is a really strong and powerful moment with Camila and her grandma in which she expresses to her about how you should find something that gives you hope and not makes you fearful. It is in this conversation that Camila also comes out to her grandma and expresses her concern about her reaction because of her religion. Camila's grandma shares that God would want her to love all his creatures and she will love and support Camila as long as she is happy. Both of these conversations reinforce the relationship that I believe one should have with religion, it is not something to fear but something that you lean on for hope.

Final Verdict: Camila Nunez's Year of Disasters provides a great representation of the way anxiety can rule a person's life and the importance of letting others help you navigate life with anxiety. This book is great for young adults who are trying to figure life out or who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, self-esteem, and more.

We already know that humans aren't perfect, much less teenagers. And this novel is a perfect example of that. Our girl Camila here, is a beautiful 16 year old who's not perfect. And the best thing about this book is that she accepts that at the end and vows to work on herself.

If your focus is to read a queer ya romance, then this one's not for you. The book relies heavily on living with anxiety, self-doubt, body issues, and accepting different forms of relationships. While i appreciated these discussions, at times I forgot that we have teenagers as the main character of the novel, because I saw so little of their school experience. Not to mention, it felt a little rushed at the end.

What I loved the most about this book is how wholesome Camila's maternal family is! Truly loved to see her relationship with her Abuela. All in all, I think the story could've been smoothened a bit to encompass the timeline.

If you're looking for a diverse read, then this is definitely your pick since it covers so many different aspects of life, it's truly refreshing!