Author: Xochitl Gonzalez
Completed: mid-August 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis: Olga, a wedding planner with big dreams, struggles to find purpose
Story Summary: Olga and her brother Pedro are living the American Dream. Raised in New York, with strong ties to their Puerto Rican culture, they navigate life successfully. At least, that is how things appear at first glance, but they are both grappling with shared familial struggles and personal strife. Once more comes to light, can Olga and Pedro eschew their differences and overcome together?
My feelings about the book: This book had a rich and layered examination of the issues that are weighing on modern women, particularly when they have the added consciousness earned through intersectionality. The author weaves the identities of all the characters throughout the book in a magnificent way, from the impacts of parental abandonment, romantic entanglements, and issues of self-worth, along with the cultural and political implications impacting communities not valued by capitalism and the dominant culture. At times, the guiding hand can feel a little overbearing, but that doesn’t diminish the relevance and beauty of this work. I learned about many communities throughout the chapters and enjoyed experiencing them come to life through the vibrant descriptions.
Favorite Moments:
- The inclusion of layered identities, truly showing the multi-faceted nature of the diaspora
- Weaving tales and community throughout. It made me long for a closer-knit family
- The richness of detail within the community
Least Favorite Moments:
- The mother. The self-righteous indignation was exhausting
- *SPOILER* Pedro gaining clarity after contracting HIV. His story didn’t need that
- *SPOILER* that it turned out her new man was actually wealthy and a “good” landlord
Credit to TikTok user @bishopmortimer for the book report & scrapbook idea
Dimples on the Edge 
Leave a comment