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360 Degrees of Valentina
She asked for a promotion. She got a performance review.
Valentina Navarro is 29, single, and the first in her family to land a corporate leadership role in the U.S. She’s finally managing her own team at Orion Grocer—and four months in, her numbers are up, and leadership is pleased. There's just one her team hates her.
Haunted by guilt after pushing out a long-tenured employee, Valentina pours her shame into a self-drawn graphic novel alter La Machetera, a machete-wielding villain forged by corporate dysfunction. But when the drawing lands in HR’s inbox, she’s forced into a brutal 360-degree performance review that threatens to unravel everything she's worked for.
Navigating office politics, old wounds, and an unexpected reunion with her ex, Valentina struggles to reconcile the pressure to lead with authenticity against a backdrop of layoffs laden with toxic positivity, double standards, and “feedback culture.” As her team turns from resistance to trust, she must decide what kind of leader—and woman—she wants to be.
A sharp, darkly funny, and emotionally resonant debut, 360 Degrees of Valentina is a coming-of-leadership story for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in a world that wasn’t built for them.
Valentina Navarro is 29, single, and the first in her family to land a corporate leadership role in the U.S. She’s finally managing her own team at Orion Grocer—and four months in, her numbers are up, and leadership is pleased. There's just one her team hates her.
Haunted by guilt after pushing out a long-tenured employee, Valentina pours her shame into a self-drawn graphic novel alter La Machetera, a machete-wielding villain forged by corporate dysfunction. But when the drawing lands in HR’s inbox, she’s forced into a brutal 360-degree performance review that threatens to unravel everything she's worked for.
Navigating office politics, old wounds, and an unexpected reunion with her ex, Valentina struggles to reconcile the pressure to lead with authenticity against a backdrop of layoffs laden with toxic positivity, double standards, and “feedback culture.” As her team turns from resistance to trust, she must decide what kind of leader—and woman—she wants to be.
A sharp, darkly funny, and emotionally resonant debut, 360 Degrees of Valentina is a coming-of-leadership story for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in a world that wasn’t built for them.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2025
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 14, 2025
360 Degrees of Valentina is a smart, darkly funny, and emotionally impactful novel that blends traditional storytelling with a hidden graphic novel element — a creative twist that makes the book stand out.
I truly enjoyed this read. Ana Ayestas does a fantastic job capturing the experiences of first-generation Americans, especially women trying to find their footing in the professional world. The story felt real and raw in all the right ways — both eye-opening and deeply relatable.
The blend of humor, vulnerability, and cultural insight makes Valentina’s journey compelling from start to finish. The author balances heavier themes with sharp writing and a strong storyline that keeps you engaged. It’s a refreshing take on coming-of-age fiction, and the graphic novel aspect adds a meaningful visual layer to Valentina’s inner world.
This is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt caught between identities or struggled to find their place — whether in their culture, career, or personal life.
I truly enjoyed this read. Ana Ayestas does a fantastic job capturing the experiences of first-generation Americans, especially women trying to find their footing in the professional world. The story felt real and raw in all the right ways — both eye-opening and deeply relatable.
The blend of humor, vulnerability, and cultural insight makes Valentina’s journey compelling from start to finish. The author balances heavier themes with sharp writing and a strong storyline that keeps you engaged. It’s a refreshing take on coming-of-age fiction, and the graphic novel aspect adds a meaningful visual layer to Valentina’s inner world.
This is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt caught between identities or struggled to find their place — whether in their culture, career, or personal life.
July 6, 2025
This how to manual disguised as a novel with a hidden graphic novel was interesting. Latina corporate life was not a genre I thought I would be interested in but this book does a great job of being relatable (I promise I’m not a machete villain). Oh and the second chance romance with two cabezudos made me lose sleep.
April 3, 2025
As I read this novel, I couldn’t help but relive my own years working in a large corporation. Ana V. Ayestas has a brilliant knack for humor, cleverly poking fun at the absurdities of corporate hierarchy. At the same time, she sheds light on the real challenges of navigating a male-dominated workplace—especially since her main character is a Hispanic woman. In an effort to cope, Machetera becomes Valentina’s alter ego.
I found myself laughing out loud while cheering Valentina on every step of the way. It’s a timely and empowering story—one of heroism, passion, and the universal desire to succeed.
I highly recommend 360 Degrees of Valentina. You won’t be able to put it down.
I found myself laughing out loud while cheering Valentina on every step of the way. It’s a timely and empowering story—one of heroism, passion, and the universal desire to succeed.
I highly recommend 360 Degrees of Valentina. You won’t be able to put it down.
July 9, 2025
360 Degrees of Valentina is a really great coming of age read!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the author did a great job with the story that is relatable to not only 1st generational Americans but women in the workplace. The FMC faces pressure, workplace drama, and so much more. If you enjoy books that are eye opening, but still has a storyline that held my attention then I would recommend adding this book to your TBR.
What to expect: Workplace drama, 1st generational American expectations/pressures, 2nd chance romance, and women in leadership...
I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the author did a great job with the story that is relatable to not only 1st generational Americans but women in the workplace. The FMC faces pressure, workplace drama, and so much more. If you enjoy books that are eye opening, but still has a storyline that held my attention then I would recommend adding this book to your TBR.
What to expect: Workplace drama, 1st generational American expectations/pressures, 2nd chance romance, and women in leadership...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews