“There are wounds of the spirit impossible to heal alone. Yvonne Castañeda is a healer healing others by sharing her own story. This book resonated deeply with me, as it will with many who are lost when their DNA contradicts the image of the ideal.”—Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street

“An astonishing memoir, overflowing with compassion, honesty and hope. Castañeda fearlessly captures how immigration can eat the body and the lifelong healing that such injuries require. One of the bravest debuts I’ve read in years.” —Junot Diaz, Pulitzer prize-winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

"With deprecating humor and razor-sharp honesty, the clinical psychotherapist recounts her life—from birth to age 45—with the nostalgic feel of an older sister sharing advice. . . . the figures portrayed, like the authors’ parents and brother, are fully realized and are depicted with warmth. Through her reconnection with her Catholic faith, Castañeda reaches her breakthrough, eventually doing social work in the Latinx community. VERDICT More like Victor Martinez’s Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida than Isabel Quintero’s Gabi, a Girl in Pieces . . . this exploration of mental health from the Latinx perspective fills a much-needed gap.” —Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

“Castañeda has written a book for anyone who seeks to understand mental health from within. Her down-to-earth approach and wit made me laugh while at the same time she masterfully guided me through the complexity of eating disorders. A must read!” —Rocío Calvo, PhD, Founding-Director Latinx Leadership Initiative, Boston College

“The autobiography covers important topics such as Hispanic culture in the diminishing importance of mental health, identity conflicts and Latino expectations that lead to health challenges.” —El Planeta