Threads of Her Braid

by Tanya Zuñiga

Spanning three generations of women across Mexico and the U.S., Threads of Her Braid is a lyrical and deeply feminist debut about identity, inheritance, and the quiet, fierce love passed from mother to daughter. Perfect for fans of intergenerational fiction, Latinx stories, and queer narratives, this novel is a powerful addition to book club conversations about memory, resilience, and what it means to break cycles... and choose yourself.

Aurora, now in her seventies and facing a devastating diagnosis, is finally ready to confront the ghosts of her past... a story shaped by tragedy, tradition, and a series of impossible choices that changed everything.

In 1960's Mexico City, fourteen-year-old Pilar faces personal upheaval as she copes with her mother's abandonment, her father's unraveling, and the challenges of coming of age; all amidst a whirlwind of political unrest.

Meanwhile, in modern-day California, Fer is balancing academic struggles that come with being a first generation Mexican-American college student, while simultaneously being torn between cultural expectations and her desire for self-discovery and belonging.

226 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2025

About the author

Tanya Zuñiga is a first-gen Mexican-American writer, born and raised in San Diego, where she still lives with her high school sweetheart (now husband), their daughter, and their pug. She double-majored in Psychology and Spanish, earned her Master's in Education, and now teaches Spanish at her former high school—where every day is equal parts chaos, caffeine, and inspiration.
Tanya writes for and about women and underrepresented communities with honesty, empathy, and mucho amor. Her goal? To make literature accessible... like home, but with plot twists.

Reviews

[Olga Ziminska · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an immigrant, this story was so moving. I found myself highlighting so many lines that just made me feel so seen. My heart ached for each woman, but also swelled and soared for them too. There is beauty in not only our successes but also our struggles, in the way that they shape and mold us.

Tanya does a phenomenal job presenting what it means to be an immigrant, and a child of immigrants, in today’s world.

I’d like to leave with a quote that has been stuck in my head all week.

“But sometimes it’s like I’m carrying their dreams too, you know? Like, I can’t mess this up because I’m not just doing it for me.” 😩😭

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved how relatable and real it felt. I enjoyed all of the characters and how unique each of them are. The slow-burn romance was one of my favorite things, subtle but bittersweet. It was written beautifully, and the writing flowed effortlessly. Also, the addition of the historical events added such depth to the story and had me reading up on Mexican history.
It was emotional, relatable, cultural, gut-wrenching, and just amazing all around. I cannot recommend this book enough! F-ing read it already! :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Treads of Her Braid" has become a top recommendation for all my fellow book lovers, especially within my Latinx community. The story follows three strong, resilient Mexican women—Aurora, Pilar, and Fer—each from a different generation, each facing unique struggles life has thrown their way. Despite their differences, they all share a powerful determination to overcome their hardships and carve out a meaningful legacy for themselves and their families.

The way Tayna Zúñiga weaves their stories had me annotating almost every page. I found myself deeply relating to each of their journeys in one way or another. Her words stirred something in me, bringing reflection on my own past and my relationship with my grandmother, while also inspiring thoughts about the future—and the legacy I hope to leave for my daughters and future grandchildren.

I could talk about this book for hours. In fact, I’ve already bullied my sister and a few friends into buddy-reading it with me once it's officially released!

[Mia Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a bittersweet read! Writing three points of view with their own arcs is quite a challenge, but the author weaved the stories as tightly and as expertly as the most trained of braiders! This is an authentic portrayal of latinas everywhere that it felt like I was sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table listening to my mother and her reveal a bit of their tightly concealed lore. Highly recommend especially for those who might feel a little homesick.

[Kenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threads of Her Braid had me in absolute shambles - in the best way possible. I’m not someone who cries easily, but there were moments in this book that had my tears flowing freely and unapologetically. There’s truly nothing like a story that makes you feel everything.
The way Tanya Zuñiga carefully wove each thread of these stories together - tangling and untangling every detail until it all came full circle - is nothing short of brilliant. She captures so beautifully the things immigrant families often hide out of fear, shame, or judgment; the heavy weight of carrying everyone else’s dreams while trying to chase your own; the unconditional love of biological family contrasted with the deep, unshakable bonds of found family.
This story also highlights how pain and grief can become bearable when we’re surrounded by genuine friendship and support. There’s so much more I want to say to do this book justice, but I’m honestly struggling to find the words. It’s been both healing and inspiring for me on a personal level.
If you’re looking for a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, pick this book up. Absolutely incredible.

[Aracely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if the author did it on purpose, writing this story from the three perspectives of these women and weaving them together like a braid, as the title suggests, but I would venture to say that she did, and in that case, it was a great success.
As a debut novel, it has nothing to envy other best-selling stories. The author portrays traditions and patriarchal lives so deeply rooted that it is difficult not to identify with them even today, and she also brings back very personal memories. Three women from different generations show us how strong and resilient they are. They remind me of my grandmother, who was not only the pillar of her family but also the one who supported economically. Men could say they were in control, but not in my grandmother's case, and I want to believe that I have followed that example, at least in part.
So I can't pass up the opportunity to recommend this story, in which you are sure to find something that resonates with you or inspires you, not to mention that you would be supporting new talent.

[Angelica Tovar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! The voices of each narrator are raw and honest. It was hard to pick which voice I liked the most because I found pieces of me in every one. The characters are so well fleshed out that it feels like you could reach out and touch them. When I finished the book, I wanted to call Pilar because I felt like I knew her. And her story just touched me the most.

The way that the author talks about the harshness of being a woman in a patriarchal society is gut wrenching. Her story also shows me how much softness and love can exist even for women living amongst violence and oppression. The ending still leaves me reeling. I loved this book so much and the characters will live with me for a long time afterwards.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel ALL the feels! The characters are beautifully written, and their stories vividly capture what it means to be a strong woman across different generations. I connected with them so deeply that I hated for the story to end. The characters felt as real and relatable as my own family. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a moving and unforgettable story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and enjoyed reading this book so much. It was fun, romantic and self empowering. Me being a first generation Mexican American woman, it took me back to the places and even flavors of my youth, and it allowed me to understand previous generations of women that came before me. I cried and I laughed. I would 100% recommend this and read it again.

[Stephanie Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so well thought out and the three generations were woven together beautifully. I loved how the story showed the culture and assimilation to the United States and growing pains within a family through that process.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I could hardly put it down.
The three very interesting stories are so well written that I was moved to tears. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired by strong female rolemodels.

[Liesl Mestre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in and held there. Such smart writing. I grew up in San Diego. While I have no Hispanic heritage myself, my city is richly strengthened by its Spanish heritage and its location as a border town with Mexico. This author crafted a story allowing me to better vision the evolution of my big little town, from the Mexican side. The characters felt real. The short chapters helped since I struggle to find long stretches of time for reading, but they also left me wanting to know more about the characters’ lives. I was sad when it ended. I especially enjoyed the proverbs in English and Spanish beginning each chapter. I speak just enough Spanish to know they don’t all translate word for word. It was fun to look up words I didn’t recognize and reflect on the various ways to impart similar wisdom across languages. Will there be a sequel?

[Dulce Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

A beautiful tale of 3 strong Mexican women. Going thru life each with their own individual struggles. Each story so raw and beautiful I was left with tears and warmth in my heart

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book. I was drawn in and just absolutely loved it !