Hello Lovelies and Happy Friday! I hope you’re all doing well, staying home and being safe. This past few months has been really scary and stressful and never knowing what tomorrow will be like is putting us on edge. I just wish this would be over soon, but in the meantime, let’s do our part in helping everyone stay safe. Also, don’t forget to hug your loved ones as long as you can. I’m definitely spending my time at home (after my work hours) to be with my family and fur babies. And, once in a while, escape and travel through books and today, I have a moving and wonderful story to share with you.
Welcome to by Blog Tour Review for Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry. Thank you to the author and publisher, Algonquin Young Readers for my Free ARC copy and Hardcover copy.
In a stunning follow-up to her National Book Award–longlisted novel All the Wind in the World, Samantha Mabry weaves an aching, magical novel that is one part family drama, one part ghost story, and one part love story.
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Published: March 24, 2020
Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Magical Realism
ISBN: 9781616208967
Format: Hardcover, 288 pages
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The Torres sisters dream of escape. Escape from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood, full of old San Antonio families and all the traditions and expectations that go along with them. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. A year later, her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, are still consumed by grief and haunted by their sister’s memory. Their dream of leaving Southtown now seems out of reach. But then strange things start happening around the house: mysterious laughter, mysterious shadows, mysterious writing on the walls. The sisters begin to wonder if Ana really is haunting them, trying to send them a message—and what exactly she’s trying to say.
Haunting, Beautifully Written, and Deeply Moving
Haunting and beautifully written, Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry is a raw, empowering, and deeply moving story about grief, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. It’s a tragic, painful, and dark story, but it’s also wonderfully healing, hopeful and filled with so much love.
The Torres sisters are dealing with their own battles and grief over losing their eldest sister, Ana. Rafe, their father, has demons of his own and isn’t the easiest person to live with. They’re all struggling and hurting in their own ways and when Ana’s ghost starts to haunt them, the sisters come together and find the strength they need to overcome their fears and finally move forward.
I took a while to get through this book not because it wasn’t amazing cause it’s definitely that in so many ways. I just felt like I had to get to know the Torres sisters really well, be with them, and experience whatever they feel. Their pain was so palpable and watching the sisters deal with their grief made my heart ache. They’re flawed and not always easy to relate with, but there’s something so magnetic, genuine, and real about them. I definitely have a soft spot for Rosa, but all the sisters affected me. Jessica frustrated me cause of her relationship with her boyfriend, but I also felt her anger and anguish the most. Iridian’s insecurities made me hurt and I just wanted to protect her. And even though the sisters are in their own little world searching for something to ease their pain of losing Ana, I loved that they’re always there to protect each other no matter what happens.
This story is breathtakingly mesmeric, unique, and touching. Samantha Mabry’s writing is gorgeous, riveting and had me enthralled until the end. The plot is filled with aches and pain, but also joy and hope. I enjoyed the magical realism, the few lighthearted moments, the thrills, and the surprises that had me turning the pages. I loved the Torres sisters and the side characters are quite interesting too. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more from Mabry. Tigers, Not Daughters is truly a beautiful and engrossing story and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, in exchange for a fair and honest review and for participating in the Book Tour. All thoughts are my own.
Samantha Mabry credits her tendency toward magical thinking to her Grandmother Garcia, who would wash money in the kitchen sink to rinse off any bad spirits. She teaches writing and Latino literature at a community college in Dallas, where she lives with her husband, a historian, and a cat named Mouse. She is the author of A Fierce and Subtle Poison and All the Wind in the World. Visit her online at samanthamabry.com or on Twitter: @samanthamabry.
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Thanks for stopping by sweeties. I hope you enjoyed reading this review and add this beautiful book on your TBR. Until next time, take care, stay home, read some books, and most importantly stay safe.
Sincerely Karen Jo 