Book Review of "The Quince Project by Jessica Parra

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I would give this book more than five stars if I could. In the bustling streets of Los Angeles, where palm trees sway to the rhythm of dreams, Jessica Parra weaves a delightful tale in her novel, "The Quince Project." With a sprinkle of magic, a dash of romance, and a generous serving of quinceañera planning, this book invites readers into a world where dreams collide with reality. It’s a whimsical journey of loss, love, and fairytale moments.

Meet Castillo Torres. She is the Student Body Association, event chair, and a serial planner. Her life revolves around colour-coded schedules, sticky notes, and meticulous organization. But when her sister's quinceañera turns into a chaotic fiasco, Cas' perfectly laid plans crumble like a delicate pastry. She needs a fairy godmother, or at least an internship that will teach her the secrets to flawless event execution.

Enter the local lifestyle-guru-slash-party-planner, who opens up applications for an internship that promises to be the stuff of dreams. Cas sees this as her golden ticket because it’s a chance to learn every trick in the book and ensure that nothing ever goes awry again. There's just one tiny caveat: she needs more party planning experience before she can apply. Thus begins her quest to transform from a planner to a true participant in her own life.

The heart of the story lies in Cas' journey as she books a quinceañera for a teen Disneyland vlogger. At first, it seems like her plan is taking off but, as Cas discovers, reality is more complicated than a fairy tale. The quinceañera turns out to be a mere publicity stunt, and her feelings for the charming chambelán add an unexpected twist. Suddenly, her agenda veers off-script, and she's caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

Parra's writing dances between whimsy and authenticity. She captures the essence of quinceañeras from the vibrant dresses, to the jubilant music, and the sweet scent of tradition. As readers, we're transported to glittering ballrooms where tiaras gleam and hearts flutter. Beneath the tulle and confetti lies a deeper exploration of identity, family, and the magic that exists beyond the fairy tale endings.

The character development is a highlight. Her growth isn't linear; it's messy, like spilled glitter on a dance floor. She grapples with imperfections, learns to embrace spontaneity, and discovers that Happily Ever Afters aren't confined to Disney movies. The chambelán, with his enigmatic smile and hidden layers, adds just the right amount of intrigue.

The pacing is as lively as a salsa beat, propelling us through quinceañera preparations, unexpected revelations, and midnight confessions. Parra's prose is bursting with surprises, each sentence revealing a candy-coated truth. Los Angeles becomes a character itself, with the taco trucks, star-studded sidewalks, and sunsets that melt like sherbet.

A delightful whirlwind, "The Quince Project" is a love letter to Latinx culture, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that sometimes, the best parties happen when you venture off-script.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Genre: Teens & YA

Published: 28 May 2024