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Book Review: How Not To Drown In a Glass Of Water By Angie Cruz



For our book club meeting for the month of October, we dove into How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz, and what a fantastic choice it was! This novel offers a refreshingly original structure and a protagonist with a voice that resonates. I listened to it as an audiobook, which I’d highly recommend—the narration brought Cara Romero’s story to life in a way that added warmth and depth to an already engaging read.

Cara, the novel’s protagonist, is a woman in her mid-50s navigating a life turned upside down. After losing her long-term job at a factory during the Recession, she’s pushed back into the job market and begins a series of job counselling sessions. But rather than talking careers, Cara reveals her life story across twelve vivid sessions, recounting memories of love, friendship, family, and survival.

Cruz does an incredible job with character development, particularly with Cara, who is as morally complex as she is relatable. She’s been through turbulent relationships, gentrification, financial hardship, and struggles as an immigrant, yet she remains witty, opinionated, and full of fire. Her journey explores themes of motherhood, being an immigrant, navigating cultural displacement, and the enduring value and struggles of community.

One aspect I found particularly impactful was the way Cruz addresses gentrification and loss, reflecting the challenges many communities face today. Cara’s story shows how one person’s life intersects with broader social issues, making it both intensely personal and widely relevant.

If you're looking for a read that’s easy to get into but packs a punch, I highly recommend How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water. It’s an insightful, touching, and often funny story that doesn’t shy away from exploring heavier themes. In our book club discussion, this book brought out a range of perspectives, and I could see it being a rewarding read for anyone interested in contemporary issues, immigrant narratives, or simply a well-told story with a memorable, flawed, yet lovable heroine. Five stars from me!

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