Dreaming In Spanish: An Unexpected Love Story in Puerto Vallarta

by Sara Alvarado

At age twenty-four, Sara Alvarado bought a one-way ticket from the midwest to Mexico determined to heal from years of hard partying and sexual trauma. In this raw and inspiring memoir, Sara takes readers on a journey as she struggles with being newly sober, unexpectedly in love - and then suddenly, terrifyingly pregnant. Guided from afar by her wise and loving mother and her emerging spiritual connection, Sara confidently (yet full of self-doubt) faces the complexity of a multicultural marriage and motherhood in a foreign country. In vivid, storytelling prose, Sara shares the messy dance between cultures, classes, languages, traditions, white privilege, and a desire to belong. This epic love story confronts tough topics and uncertainty in an honest voice that is refreshing and witty.

Genres: Memoir

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2023

About the author

SARA ALVARADO is a white woman married to a native Mexican man with two multicultural, bilingual children. She is a writer, speaker, and fierce advocate for racial equity in real estate. Sara published her first book, Dreaming In Spanish in 2023, the Racial Justice Toolkit for Real Estate Professionals, a Guide for Change Agents, and numerous articles and essays. Sara and her husband, Carlos, own Alvarado Real Estate Group and feel most at home in Madison, Wisconsin, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful telling of a life well examined. Vivid descriptions and very honest accounts of the layers of complexity of the relationships with friends, families, true loves and most of all,with oneself.

I loved the way she wove light hearted moments of laughter with all of the heart and introspection needed to learn how to trust your self, your God and your worthiness.

You can feel the warmth literally, with the detailed descriptions of Mexico, and figuratively with the love discovered over and over again from both family and the communities she builds everywhere she goes.

❤️

[Mona Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir about trauma, addiction, and the journey to healing. The author has a lot of insight, and she is candid about the decisions she makes as well as her self examination. Sometimes there are slow parts but that happens in memoir. Overall, I'd recommend the book.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Haley’ here so I’m a bit biased but the book is you, Sara! Beautiful— confident, extroverted, honest, forthright, seeking, fearless, positive, very supported and you are supportive of others as well… Fun to reminisce about some of the circumstances I know well, that you’ve recalled and written so clearly and confidently— and learn things I didn’t know or realize… you’ve always worked and played hard, found the blessings, stayed afloat and never gave up! Love our memories and friendship… huge blessings in my life… love and admire your way Sara Lilac Wunnicke Morgan Alvarado! Love and hugs to Deborah too ✌🏽🥰

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would become one of my favorite memoirs before even getting halfway through the book. Sara, this is so beautifully written. I stumbled upon your book when I was at a bookstore in La Marina. I had already bought 5 other books before I saw yours, and I wasn’t planning on spending more but something told me I should definitely buy this book. And I’m so glad I did. I can personally relate to so many things you’ve written about, being a 24-year-old American living in Mexico for a year and a half now. I’ve navigated country, relationships, and culture all in my second language with both discouraging and rewarding moments. So I loved to find a book talking about the struggle and beauty of this. But my favorite part was reading about your mom and the beauty of connection to the body, soul, and universe that she shared with you. I myself was led to the book Conversations with God shortly after arriving in Mexico and it has been one of my favorite books because of the huge perspective shift it caused in the way I see the world and the universe. You were able to put into words so exquisitely ideas that I have yet been able to put words to. I absolutely loved reading this book. It led me to both inspiration and introspection. Thank you for sharing your story <3

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don‘t think this book was for me so take this review with a grain of salt.

1. this woman experienced so many things a lot of them quite dramatic (Check trigger warnings) which makes her story very emotional and touching.
2. I am sure that there is a lot to learn from her actions and it did make me feel better about still figuring life out.
3. god was almost always present and that was just really not for me and made me appreciate the book less. At times it felt like advertisement for the church. But to be fair the author does talk about her connection to god and how it is not bound to a religion or institution and even acknowledges the bad things the church represents.

If I could I would give it 3,5 stars. It’s a solid book but it didn’t make me want to read more.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with open and gritty truth and many wise reminders

Many themes come up in this book, all of which teach wonderful life lessons- some are harder than others to swallow. Perhaps my favorite was the wisdom from Sara’s mother. I truly wish I could have been introduced to her mother so I could learn from her. It seems as though she had an spiritual and insightful answer for all situations. But not everything taught in the book was rosy and idyllic, it also showed me how naive I am. Just like Sara, I had thought all a couple needs is love and you can live happily ever after. But that’s not true, perhaps even more so in a multi-cultural marriage, you also need grace, humility , and the ability to self-reflect. It’s a beautiful read and I’m glad it hooked me in.

[Catherine Worthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the honesty of the author! Her mothers love and their relationship was so inspiring, I keep asking myself how my kids can look to me and rely on my as Sara did with her mother, while also being fiercely independent. Brave story to share, sweetest love story in the most realistic way. No one rode off into the sunset, they faced life head on as they fell in love and took care of each other. ❤️

[Carol]

I really enjoyed Sara Alvarado's book, especially since I have known her personally for years. It takes great courage to share your life story with others, and Sara is equally honest about the joyous and the messy bits. She brought up issues that I'd never thought about, such as the fact that having a multicultural marriage is about more than a difference in language and traditions. Her love for her family and for her husband Carlos, and her spiritual and moral integrity, shine brightly throughout this well-written memoir.

Please note that I don't use the star rating system, so this review should not be viewed as a zero.

[Cori VandeKieft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgoodness! This book! It is definitely one of my rop 3 this year. I could not put it down. The author is from Madison which made it fun to read when I knew places she mentioned. Her story is one that I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for her, getting tear-eyed then cheering for her! I first heard about this book when she was on the news. I am so glad that I instantly ordered it! Add this book to your reading list!!

[Jtlerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 2 nights staying up late and 2 glorious beach side reading sessions, and I’m #DreaminginSpanish

Well not really, but I am done with the book!

Sara Alvarado’s raw, humorous, and beautifully written story has me curious about where I can deepen my own intentionality and intuition.

Whether you relate to the specifics in this story or not, it teaches us how to deviate from “the plan” with trust, grace, and a whole lot of fun along the way. Laugh and cry as you learn!

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and boldly honest memoir. The author's journey is a love story in many ways -- learning to love herself, an homage to her mother's wisdom and loving guidance, and -- of course -- the love story with her husband. You'll laugh and you'll cry -- often in the same chapter. A wonderful read that is a tribute to resilience, persistence, and learning to trust ourselves.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreaming in Spanish is a memoir of a woman's early twenties as she tries to get a new start in Mexico. We are similar in age, so this book resonated with me as I understood her experiences as a peer. As this memoir was published twenty years after the time period, the author has had time to reflect and analyze her experiences. I appreciate that Sara was willing to be honest about who she was in her twenties, even though some of her choices as a young adult make her cringe now. I think everyone has things that they would do differently now and the book is made stronger by her not revising history. In general, this book is well-written. Occasionally, it veers a little too much into self-help making-more-meaning-than-may-actually-exist territory, but those moments are few. I would recommend this book.

[Ryan Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

What struck me the most about 'Dreaming In Spanish' is the author's intense, sometimes even devastating, vulnerability! This must have been excruciating—and cathartic—to reveal to the world; but these are the people to admire: the one's who dare to share their voices with the world.

Sara writes in a very conversational, easy-going, authentic tone. And this makes for a smooth and easy reading experience. She seems like someone you want to get to know, as does Carlos. I was also fascinated by the level of growth shown throughout Sara's healing journey. We are all on our own healing journeys, and although they may look differently on the outside, the inner transformation looks quite similar across different countries, cultures, and languages—as the author so aptly portrays.

My favorite line in the entire book: "A lifetime of socioeconomic privilege comes with a lack of understanding of poverty, the distress it causes, and the impact of that experience."

We should all consider reading this unflinchingly honest memoir just to get to that salient line above!

Thank you, Sara, for sharing your story! And to Carlos for being your North Star to guide you home!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical about the premise of this book based only on the title – does this woman think her story is newsworthy for marrying a man from another country? Doesn’t that happen all the time? And here comes that age old lesson of ‘never judge a book by cover’. Sara admits that she “shares the unshareable” and through her intimate writing style I found I could actually feel her feelings. She describes her wild life in her 20s – doing things I WOULD NEVER DO - and through her memoir there were times when I wish that I had. Sara sought adventure. Sara sought her spiritual self – not preaching a Christian or Jewish faith, but finding her spirit and strength within. Her mother plays prominently in her story and we get to experience a beautiful connection between a mother and her young adult daughter. I highly recommend this memoir. Somehow Sara not only shared her wild ride into adulthood, but she taught me more about myself.

[Amber Swenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for an inspirational read about a multicultural love story (and more) pick up this book! 
Disclaimer: I know Sara IRL, which made this all the more fun for me to read! This story is written in a way that feels true to who I know Sara to be as a person: authentic, real, light-hearted, spiritually connected, not afraid to confront difficult topics to help herself and her community become better.

Dreaming in Spanish is Sara’s story of hurt, healing, spirituality and a multicultural love story. The story helped stretch me to consider more ways that systems of privilege can show up in my relationships and in society. What I most appreciated is how Dreaming in Spanish is an invitation to more lightness and love, and certainly to more dancing.

[Carolina Tenorio-Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, compelling memoir. I was hooked from the first chapter! It's filled with difficult topics and emotions that need to be spoken about. Sara takes us on her journey to Mexico, to find herself and find inner peace. She goes into detail on her sobriety journey, her journey to healing traumas, and her journey to being a wife and a mother. I went into reading the book not really knowing what to expect but I loved it. Her writing style is engaging and she has a wonderful way of really reaching and connecting with you and taking you on this journey with her.
Some difficult topics are touched, so reach with discretion.

[G.P. Gottlieb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Alvarado tells the story of growing up in Madison, studying Spanish, and escaping alcoholism, substance abuse, men, and sexual assault by moving to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. She’s honest about her struggle to overcome her weaknesses, her relationships, and her addictions at the age of twenty-four. In 1999, she commits to six months of celibacy and vows to avoid her previously reckless, party lifestyle in favor of reading, meditating, and getting healthy. Beautiful memoir-and I had the honor of interviewing Sara for the New Books Network: https://newbooksnetwork.com/dreaming-...

[Gregg Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a beautiful story. Sara Alvarado is vulnerable and creates so much trust with the reader because she doesn't hold details back. Everything is raw and because she writes so transparent, I am able to reflect on my own life and development. I really hope this story gets turned into a movie..... so I can still say the book was better.

Thank you so much for writing this story Sara!

[Barbara Boustead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!! "Dreaming in Spanish" is an incredible read, a soul-stirring memoir and love story told with incredible authenticity and wisdom. Sara is truly a gifted writer. There will be many who will resonate with this story and after reading this will know they are not alone!

Sara, you are courageous, compassionate, and loving... and a fierce advocate for social justice and equity for all!

~ Barbara Boustead, author of From 50 to Fabulous: Pivoting to a Life of Joy and Purpose

[Tiffani Roltgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a vulnerable, honest, and inspiring reflection on life, love, motherhood, dreams, and spirituality! I appreciated the local Madison connections and the author’s willingness to acknowledge her privilege and learn and grow from it. The chapters on the reality of an unsatiated and sleep-averse infant brought me right back to those early, long days…wanting a break more than anything in the world yet having a hard time stepping away.

[Darcy Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read. Watching Sara’s knowledge and belief in herself grow from page to page is beautiful. So much wisdom is shared in this journey. Being on my own journey with learning and loving myself, this book was full of lessons that help me to grow. I learned a lot from it and recommend it to everyone.

[David Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got half way through the book found it very difficult to finish. I lost my empathy for a daughter that resented her parents because they spoiled.
And by living in a one bedroom apartment, over looking Puerto Vallarta’s Pacific ocean, on the $5,000 from an aunt, that she had some how come to understand white privilege.

[Cindy Joers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dreaming in Spanish" is a one of those stories that draws you in from word one and holds you until the very end ... so much so that I would love a sequel!! Such raw, sometimes harsh, honesty laced with love and triumph! Read the book in 2 days!

[Claudia Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. The ending felt a little bit rushed and disconnected for me, which left me a little disappointed after being so drawn in by the early writing of the book, but overall a beautiful, vulnerable tale of self discovery and love.

[Anna Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book and would highly recommend!!!

[Casey Erin Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreaming in Spanish by Sara Alvarado is a raw and insightful memoir that takes readers on a profound healing journey. Alvarado bravely explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances. This captivating memoir is a must-read for anyone on a healing journey—hard-won wisdom, humour and heart FOR DAYS!

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this while healing in Puerto Vallarta, so it felt fitting.