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Single Chicas
Single Chicas is a collection of stories about modern Latinas being in, out, and around the zany hurdles of relationships. One woman receives strange calls from a lonely soul, another seeks advice on how to love herself, and another wakes up in a parallel universe to a man she's never met. These chicas will make painstaking effort to survive the complexities with humor and grace. Once again, Lopez dazzles audiences with her brilliantly candid craft. Smart, witty, and funny, these stories will explore the true endurance of singlehood.
181 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2016
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176 people want to read
About the author
Sandra C. Lopez
3 books345 followersSandra C. López is an author, blogger, and graphic designer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 28, 2018
Single Chicas by Sandra C. Lopez is a fabulous anthology full of heart warming, heart breaking and funny stories about latina women!
This is one of those gems you don't find too often - a series of stories that you can relate to, even if it's not about you. The collection ranges from stories about a brother getting married and changing, to a woman trying to figure out why she wasn't "perfect" enough since her boyfriend dumped her, to a studious girl nicknamed "Virgin Mary" as a joke. The stories tell many different views of a woman's life, and it was just so fantastic! Even when I couldn't relate fully to one of the story's, it felt like it matched many of my friends.
I highly recommend this collection! The stories are short yet sweet, and can easily be binged or taken one piece at a time. It's a feel good series of stories that make will make you proud to be a woman (or know strong women)!
My favourite was definitely the first story, where the sister is wondering why Benny (her brother, Benito) is marrying a girl he barely knows. It feels like the relationship could be not only siblings, but when you question a close friend's choicest since you know them so well.
All of the stories ranged from a 3 star to a 5 star rating (the ones I related to obviously being higher) but they all were fabulously written and a delight to read. I was never bored and never wanted to put the book down! There were definitely some Latina/Latino themes within this book, and I think they were addressed well! I don't fit into that community, but reading the stories gave me a real insight into some of the traditions (and sometimes issues) that come from their lives. Seeing the rebellion and the changes in the women was relatable even if you aren't in that community. I think it approaches the themes in a mature fashion, and it's easy to read, relate to and understand.
You'll want to pick up this series if you like - comedy, a splash of romance, drama, women's fiction, or general fiction. The stories are rather sweet and thoughtful, and won't bring your day down at all. I highly recommend it, and it is a definite must read in my mind!
Five out of five stars! I will definitely be on the lookout for more books and pieces of work by Sandra C. Lopez in the future!
I received a free copy of this book from the author Sandra C. Lopez in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those gems you don't find too often - a series of stories that you can relate to, even if it's not about you. The collection ranges from stories about a brother getting married and changing, to a woman trying to figure out why she wasn't "perfect" enough since her boyfriend dumped her, to a studious girl nicknamed "Virgin Mary" as a joke. The stories tell many different views of a woman's life, and it was just so fantastic! Even when I couldn't relate fully to one of the story's, it felt like it matched many of my friends.
I highly recommend this collection! The stories are short yet sweet, and can easily be binged or taken one piece at a time. It's a feel good series of stories that make will make you proud to be a woman (or know strong women)!
My favourite was definitely the first story, where the sister is wondering why Benny (her brother, Benito) is marrying a girl he barely knows. It feels like the relationship could be not only siblings, but when you question a close friend's choicest since you know them so well.
All of the stories ranged from a 3 star to a 5 star rating (the ones I related to obviously being higher) but they all were fabulously written and a delight to read. I was never bored and never wanted to put the book down! There were definitely some Latina/Latino themes within this book, and I think they were addressed well! I don't fit into that community, but reading the stories gave me a real insight into some of the traditions (and sometimes issues) that come from their lives. Seeing the rebellion and the changes in the women was relatable even if you aren't in that community. I think it approaches the themes in a mature fashion, and it's easy to read, relate to and understand.
You'll want to pick up this series if you like - comedy, a splash of romance, drama, women's fiction, or general fiction. The stories are rather sweet and thoughtful, and won't bring your day down at all. I highly recommend it, and it is a definite must read in my mind!
Five out of five stars! I will definitely be on the lookout for more books and pieces of work by Sandra C. Lopez in the future!
I received a free copy of this book from the author Sandra C. Lopez in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
The great thing about short stories is that they are short. So in our busy world, with our frenzied schedules, we can pick up a book like this between appointments, shopping, meals, whatever, catch a story or two, come back when time permits to read another.
Having said that, I will admit that I read this wonderful collection almost straight through. I found the writing so engaging, the characters so colorful, the stories such a good time, I couldn't put this short collection down.
You'll smile. You'll laugh. You'll cry. Author Sandra Lopez has the recipe for slices of life with lots of spice. These stories will rock tu mundo!
Having said that, I will admit that I read this wonderful collection almost straight through. I found the writing so engaging, the characters so colorful, the stories such a good time, I couldn't put this short collection down.
You'll smile. You'll laugh. You'll cry. Author Sandra Lopez has the recipe for slices of life with lots of spice. These stories will rock tu mundo!
January 28, 2020
‘I’ll never forget the day my brother gave me a stroke,’ begins the first sentence of the first story in Single Chicas, My Brother’s Funeral – a story in which ‘leopard-print dresses’ huddle at the door while ‘screaming kids’ run rampant through the parking lot.
You can tell Sandra C. Lopez’s Single Chicas is not your average chick-lit collection by its slightly dark cover, despite the pink lettering and script font. And perhaps most subtly - but most tellingly - by the way the silhouettes on the front (which are a common trope on chick-lit covers) are not implausibly thin and perky, teetering around on dangerously high heels, swinging shopping bags, but are instead wearing sensible footwear and jumping for joy.
Short story collections with a fairly generic titles often contain stories that are only very loosely connected. All manner of different themes and topics which just happen to feature single women – not exactly the world’s most specific or unique identity category. Lopez’s collection, however, contains stories which are unmistakably about being single, being female, and being Latina – or more often, all three.
The collection’s titular story, Single Chicas, refers to a website of the same name, run by three single chicas, Chrissy, Simone and Georgia, who help a girl when a boy literally breaks her heart.
Short story collections focusing on female characters I have read in the past often tend to view their singleness as some sort of unfortunate, even desperate condition. At best, being single might be a considered a temporary state of freedom. But in Single Chicas, the women Lopez evokes have varied reasons for being – and often, wanting to remain – single. And they try various strategies to stay this way, in the face of various boyfriends, stalkers (for example, in Night Caller), and relatives eager to see a big wedding and grandbabies.
Marriage, indeed, any relationship, to the ‘single chica’ in Lopez’s book, is a trap, a prison, something to evade. I can recall few, if any, examples of happy relationships in this book – but lots of women who were better off alone. In Virgin Mary, Mary’s cousin contrasts her life- living with her mother and working in a dead-end job, and stuck ‘caring for two kids I got from two different guys.’ Mary, on the other hand, she realises, is ‘happy enjoying her life… running with the bulls, swimming in the Caribbean, and climbing the Eiffel Tower.’ In most cases, however, the idea that relationships aren’t all they’re cracked up to be is not a realisation Lopez’s characters come to in the stories presented, but a belief they already hold – and struggle to live in accordance with in the face of familial and social pressures.
Single Chicas is not a ‘politically correct’ book. Its characters discuss how much guys ‘suck’, and some pretend to be attracted to women in order to avoid men hitting on them in The Lesbian Theory. ‘Oh geez, what color are your panties, dude? Were you even a dude to begin with?’ asks one character in Always a Price. ‘Are a pair of boobs really worth all that trouble?’ speculates another in The Distraction. In My Big Fat Fake Marriage, the protagonist laments ‘Apparently, being born a Mexican female meant that I was supposed to be traded for sheep by the time I turned fifteen.’ Or consider, One Fine Day, which speaks of ‘old farts that were too blind or senile to drive.’
The stories don’t all end neatly, or turn out how you might expect, but all are well-written and contain realistic dialogue.
Single Chicas is certainly, as the title suggests, very much about the experiences of Latina women, and a certain level of comfort with Spanish is expected throughout. While mention of the Greek name Gianni is provided with the gloss ‘(pronounced like “Johnny”)’ most of the codeswitches to Spanish are left untranslated. For the most part, however, the meaning can be gleaned from context, and for American readers, where Spanish competency is higher than in my own home country (where Greek might be better known!) this may be less of an issue.
Perhaps my favourite of the collection was Old Maid, a clever story about both the card game and a literal old maid – but one who is surprisingly brash and badass. I won’t give away any spoilers, but her attitude probably best summarises the view of marriage, children, and general domesticity that runs through most of the stories in the collection. She is a warning to all of the young women in the book about what they might be getting into: ‘I was young, I had no skills, no education. I didn’t know how to do anything. Then, of course, the bastard gets me pregnant, and I ended up giving birth to the two spawns of hell. They came from the devil after all.’
As someone who is happily married, Single Chicas could have been an awkward fit for me as a reader. However, I am also a strong advocate of people writing their own scripts in life, not simply following what society tells them they ‘should’ be doing. And ultimately, I think that’s what Single Chicas is about. Although some characters are sexist, writing off the male population wholesale on the basis that ‘one rotten fruit spoils the bunch’, for the most part, it appears to be the socially dictated package of marriage-babies-housework-total-loss-of-independence that seems to be at fault.
While men are hardly ever portrayed in a sympathetic light, in many respects, Single Chicas is a much-needed correction to a genre of women’s literature that treats singledom as primarily an opportunity to dress up (in order to appeal to and date men), and views it as a temporary, frequently unfortunate state, rather than a deliberate choice or something that can actually be positive. There are no women crying over a bucket of icecream or tottering around in highheels in night clubs here.
While the blub refers to the stories as exploring ‘the true endurance of singlehood’ after reading the book, I don’t think it is referring to being single as something one must endure, like a burden. Rather, it seems that it is referring to the lasting quality of singlehood, and the way in which the characters in Single Chicas often, like an endurance runner, must keep their mind on their own goals in order not to be waylaid.
You can tell Sandra C. Lopez’s Single Chicas is not your average chick-lit collection by its slightly dark cover, despite the pink lettering and script font. And perhaps most subtly - but most tellingly - by the way the silhouettes on the front (which are a common trope on chick-lit covers) are not implausibly thin and perky, teetering around on dangerously high heels, swinging shopping bags, but are instead wearing sensible footwear and jumping for joy.
Short story collections with a fairly generic titles often contain stories that are only very loosely connected. All manner of different themes and topics which just happen to feature single women – not exactly the world’s most specific or unique identity category. Lopez’s collection, however, contains stories which are unmistakably about being single, being female, and being Latina – or more often, all three.
The collection’s titular story, Single Chicas, refers to a website of the same name, run by three single chicas, Chrissy, Simone and Georgia, who help a girl when a boy literally breaks her heart.
Short story collections focusing on female characters I have read in the past often tend to view their singleness as some sort of unfortunate, even desperate condition. At best, being single might be a considered a temporary state of freedom. But in Single Chicas, the women Lopez evokes have varied reasons for being – and often, wanting to remain – single. And they try various strategies to stay this way, in the face of various boyfriends, stalkers (for example, in Night Caller), and relatives eager to see a big wedding and grandbabies.
Marriage, indeed, any relationship, to the ‘single chica’ in Lopez’s book, is a trap, a prison, something to evade. I can recall few, if any, examples of happy relationships in this book – but lots of women who were better off alone. In Virgin Mary, Mary’s cousin contrasts her life- living with her mother and working in a dead-end job, and stuck ‘caring for two kids I got from two different guys.’ Mary, on the other hand, she realises, is ‘happy enjoying her life… running with the bulls, swimming in the Caribbean, and climbing the Eiffel Tower.’ In most cases, however, the idea that relationships aren’t all they’re cracked up to be is not a realisation Lopez’s characters come to in the stories presented, but a belief they already hold – and struggle to live in accordance with in the face of familial and social pressures.
Single Chicas is not a ‘politically correct’ book. Its characters discuss how much guys ‘suck’, and some pretend to be attracted to women in order to avoid men hitting on them in The Lesbian Theory. ‘Oh geez, what color are your panties, dude? Were you even a dude to begin with?’ asks one character in Always a Price. ‘Are a pair of boobs really worth all that trouble?’ speculates another in The Distraction. In My Big Fat Fake Marriage, the protagonist laments ‘Apparently, being born a Mexican female meant that I was supposed to be traded for sheep by the time I turned fifteen.’ Or consider, One Fine Day, which speaks of ‘old farts that were too blind or senile to drive.’
The stories don’t all end neatly, or turn out how you might expect, but all are well-written and contain realistic dialogue.
Single Chicas is certainly, as the title suggests, very much about the experiences of Latina women, and a certain level of comfort with Spanish is expected throughout. While mention of the Greek name Gianni is provided with the gloss ‘(pronounced like “Johnny”)’ most of the codeswitches to Spanish are left untranslated. For the most part, however, the meaning can be gleaned from context, and for American readers, where Spanish competency is higher than in my own home country (where Greek might be better known!) this may be less of an issue.
Perhaps my favourite of the collection was Old Maid, a clever story about both the card game and a literal old maid – but one who is surprisingly brash and badass. I won’t give away any spoilers, but her attitude probably best summarises the view of marriage, children, and general domesticity that runs through most of the stories in the collection. She is a warning to all of the young women in the book about what they might be getting into: ‘I was young, I had no skills, no education. I didn’t know how to do anything. Then, of course, the bastard gets me pregnant, and I ended up giving birth to the two spawns of hell. They came from the devil after all.’
As someone who is happily married, Single Chicas could have been an awkward fit for me as a reader. However, I am also a strong advocate of people writing their own scripts in life, not simply following what society tells them they ‘should’ be doing. And ultimately, I think that’s what Single Chicas is about. Although some characters are sexist, writing off the male population wholesale on the basis that ‘one rotten fruit spoils the bunch’, for the most part, it appears to be the socially dictated package of marriage-babies-housework-total-loss-of-independence that seems to be at fault.
While men are hardly ever portrayed in a sympathetic light, in many respects, Single Chicas is a much-needed correction to a genre of women’s literature that treats singledom as primarily an opportunity to dress up (in order to appeal to and date men), and views it as a temporary, frequently unfortunate state, rather than a deliberate choice or something that can actually be positive. There are no women crying over a bucket of icecream or tottering around in highheels in night clubs here.
While the blub refers to the stories as exploring ‘the true endurance of singlehood’ after reading the book, I don’t think it is referring to being single as something one must endure, like a burden. Rather, it seems that it is referring to the lasting quality of singlehood, and the way in which the characters in Single Chicas often, like an endurance runner, must keep their mind on their own goals in order not to be waylaid.
September 21, 2017
This collection of short stories about single chicas is a series of lessons about why a young woman should lead her own life, and not become what her family or the men in her life want. Although somewhat uneven, the best stories are those such as "The Lesbian Theory," "My Big Fat Wedding," and "Night Caller" which take common themes and give them a new and surprising twist. The humor, directness, and insights make this an interesting contribution by a talented writer.
March 8, 2020
This is a well-written, provocative book of short stories, which all highlight single women. The author provides many different viewpoints and the stories suggest that the women are whole and fulfilled on their own. Loved it and highly recommend.
September 27, 2016
Well-written collection of slice-of-life stories about women either searching for or rejecting love. The characters are often snarky, impatient, and some are even a little mean. Mostly, though, they’re recognizable: these are the people you meet every day in school, at work, at the store, on the street, or even in your own home.
The stories are linked together by several themes. One is culture. As the title implies, the women who populate these tales are Latina women living in the U.S. This comes through strongly with descriptions of generational conflict: younger chicas rebelling against their mothers’ and grandmothers’ expectations that they will marry young and have children. The narrator of “My Big Fat Fake Marriage” goes to extreme lengths to avoid this very fate, pretending to have a fake boyfriend to appease her family, then going so far as to fake a marriage and later divorce, before finally escaping by physically moving to another country.
This type of rebellion, and rejection of even the possibility of love, motivates a number of the young women in these pages. Many of them prefer being single. Marriage is perceived as evil, or a dead-end, cutting women off from opportunities to pursue their education, careers, and dreams. This sentiment runs deep, threading through conversations between an older woman and her younger counterpart (“Old Maid”), or in the machinations of an older sister trying to dissuade her brother from walking down the aisle (“My Brother’s Funeral”). There are examples of marriages dissolving, either mentioned in passing as part of a character's backstory, or told from the standpoint of a bystander who gets reluctantly drawn into the drama (“The Marriage Assistant”).
Regret is another recurring theme. We see it clearly in “Virgin Mary,” a story about two cousins growing up together. One is part of the popular crowd (the narrator), sneering and pitying the other, who is an introverted loner. Gradually, they reverse roles, with the loner working hard and succeeding in life, while the narrator ends up bitter and envious, a single mom in a dead-end job, struggling to make ends meet.
My two favorite stories offer a fresh, optimistic outlook. “The Ball Drop” puts a clever spin on the idea of an arranged match. “The Distraction” presents a chance encounter in which a woman might actually have the opportunity to educate a clueless man about what women really want.
The best part? I hear there’s a Single Chicas 2 in the works!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The stories are linked together by several themes. One is culture. As the title implies, the women who populate these tales are Latina women living in the U.S. This comes through strongly with descriptions of generational conflict: younger chicas rebelling against their mothers’ and grandmothers’ expectations that they will marry young and have children. The narrator of “My Big Fat Fake Marriage” goes to extreme lengths to avoid this very fate, pretending to have a fake boyfriend to appease her family, then going so far as to fake a marriage and later divorce, before finally escaping by physically moving to another country.
This type of rebellion, and rejection of even the possibility of love, motivates a number of the young women in these pages. Many of them prefer being single. Marriage is perceived as evil, or a dead-end, cutting women off from opportunities to pursue their education, careers, and dreams. This sentiment runs deep, threading through conversations between an older woman and her younger counterpart (“Old Maid”), or in the machinations of an older sister trying to dissuade her brother from walking down the aisle (“My Brother’s Funeral”). There are examples of marriages dissolving, either mentioned in passing as part of a character's backstory, or told from the standpoint of a bystander who gets reluctantly drawn into the drama (“The Marriage Assistant”).
Regret is another recurring theme. We see it clearly in “Virgin Mary,” a story about two cousins growing up together. One is part of the popular crowd (the narrator), sneering and pitying the other, who is an introverted loner. Gradually, they reverse roles, with the loner working hard and succeeding in life, while the narrator ends up bitter and envious, a single mom in a dead-end job, struggling to make ends meet.
My two favorite stories offer a fresh, optimistic outlook. “The Ball Drop” puts a clever spin on the idea of an arranged match. “The Distraction” presents a chance encounter in which a woman might actually have the opportunity to educate a clueless man about what women really want.
The best part? I hear there’s a Single Chicas 2 in the works!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2020
Single Chicas are short stories of young women who love their independence and avoid the brawl in a relationship as they think that two can be suffocating. I enjoyed a handful of them. The writing is rich and engaging. The stories are entertaining and give a peek into the Hispanic culture. Comes Highly Recommended!
September 29, 2016
There’s a brand new voice in Women’s Fiction and her name is Sandra Lopez. Single Chicas brings a new perspective to the trials and tribulations of being a single woman. A Hispanic group of women dealing with everything from being hit on by men in the grocery store to a crank caller to learning to love oneself to trying to please your family. These six short stories will make you laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement and so much more.
Sandra Lopez knows what she writes and it adds truth to the characters in these stories. She sprinkles humor throughout while bringing up serious topics like love, friendship, stalkers, self-esteem and what it means to straddle two cultures. I laughed at loud at the story when a chica attempts to diffuse an unwanted suitor trying to pick her up at the grocery store by pretending to be a lesbian, only to have it back-fire on her in a big way.
Both single and married women will enjoy these stories. As a married woman, I remembered fondly going through similar experiences as a single woman. Not to sound like a cliché but I could totally see this Hispanic Sex and the City group of women becoming a hit for television. A must read!
Favorite Quote:
“Guys really suck. I mean, are they stupid? Do they realize how much they suck?” – The Lesbian Theory
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress....
Sandra Lopez knows what she writes and it adds truth to the characters in these stories. She sprinkles humor throughout while bringing up serious topics like love, friendship, stalkers, self-esteem and what it means to straddle two cultures. I laughed at loud at the story when a chica attempts to diffuse an unwanted suitor trying to pick her up at the grocery store by pretending to be a lesbian, only to have it back-fire on her in a big way.
Both single and married women will enjoy these stories. As a married woman, I remembered fondly going through similar experiences as a single woman. Not to sound like a cliché but I could totally see this Hispanic Sex and the City group of women becoming a hit for television. A must read!
Favorite Quote:
“Guys really suck. I mean, are they stupid? Do they realize how much they suck?” – The Lesbian Theory
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress....
September 14, 2016
* I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review *
It's very difficult for me to rate this book as I haven't read a collection of short stories before. Some were great (5 star) and others were okay (3 stars) so I decided to go with an average of 4 stars
Once again Sandra Lopez has given added a dry sense of humor to her stories, which I really like. It's not in your face, rather subtle but still enough to pull giggles out of me. What I enjoyed about this book was being exposed to a different culture and this is captured in every story and just like in Beyond the Gardens, I can see differences to my own culture, but it is still relatable which made me feel...connected. This may seem weird, but it's nice to know that even beyond borders, different countries, languages and races, family bonds and friendships are still fundamentally the same. My favorite story was my "My big fat fake marriage" because that is exactly like my family. I mean EXACTLY :)
As these are short stories, there were some hiccups. I felt some ended a bit abruptly. Like just as I beginning to enjoy the characters or getting to know them, the story ended and there were a few I felt could have been longer or have more detail (like the "Marriage assistant").
But overall, I enjoyed it. It's quick, easy, light reading
It's very difficult for me to rate this book as I haven't read a collection of short stories before. Some were great (5 star) and others were okay (3 stars) so I decided to go with an average of 4 stars
Once again Sandra Lopez has given added a dry sense of humor to her stories, which I really like. It's not in your face, rather subtle but still enough to pull giggles out of me. What I enjoyed about this book was being exposed to a different culture and this is captured in every story and just like in Beyond the Gardens, I can see differences to my own culture, but it is still relatable which made me feel...connected. This may seem weird, but it's nice to know that even beyond borders, different countries, languages and races, family bonds and friendships are still fundamentally the same. My favorite story was my "My big fat fake marriage" because that is exactly like my family. I mean EXACTLY :)
As these are short stories, there were some hiccups. I felt some ended a bit abruptly. Like just as I beginning to enjoy the characters or getting to know them, the story ended and there were a few I felt could have been longer or have more detail (like the "Marriage assistant").
But overall, I enjoyed it. It's quick, easy, light reading
October 1, 2016
SINGLE CHICAS by Sandra Lopez is an interesting and inspiring collection of stories about modern Latinas and relationships. Now I personally am not a Latina, but I still found the book to be an interesting and inspiring read. Some are more realistic and some are totally outlandish, yet still very entertaining. For instance one woman wakes up in a parallel universe! I mean talk about science fiction! I loved how there were so many different genres within this one book. I think the parallel Universe one was my favorite, but that has more to do with the science fiction nature of the story then the characters themselves.
I was sent this book for free for only my honest and unbiased review. I welcome both positive and negative feedback.
I was sent this book for free for only my honest and unbiased review. I welcome both positive and negative feedback.
September 27, 2016
Sandra Lopez delivers clever and witty tales that totally capture today's single ladies livin' la vida loca!
May 18, 2020
This book is a collection of interesting, intriguing, humorous, and engaging short stories!
This book focuses on relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-realization, and learning to stand up for yourself as a proud, single Latina woman regardless of what your culture and family expect of you.
This book is filled with enticing, crafty, witty, passionate, playful passages and of course overflowing with whimsical, sarcastic tidbits that will have you laughing out loud!
As a single, Latina woman I was so excited to read this book and revel in a sisterhood of strong, fierce, sassy Mexican American women dealing with dating, relationships, and family expectations in today’s modern world.
I enjoyed reading this book as it is comprised of thirteen short stories which remind me of one of those “Chicken Soup for the Souls,” kind of books.
I liked that this book could easily be read with the option of reading a few stories and then coming back and picking up right where you left off at any time as each story is unique and does not overlap.
However, I really enjoyed reading this book as it was a fun, quick, easy read that I finished in just one sitting!!
There were many stories that had me laughing out loud!!
My favorite stories in this book were, “The Lesbian Theory,” “My Big Fat Fake Marriage,” and “The Ball Drop.”
My least favorite stories in this book were, “My Brother’s Funeral,” and “The Night Caller.”
I felt the story, “One Fine Day,” was quite intriguing, but ended so awkwardly and with no real conclusion. This could have been a favorite if there had been a stronger, fulfilling ending.
I liked the Spanish slang lines thrown into the stories. It gave the book more authenticity without being overly confusing to readers who don’t speak Spanish.
I also enjoyed all the modern pop culture references and the funny Neve Campbell Scream scene in the “Night Caller,” story.
Two of my favorite quotes in book are:
From “The Distraction,” Story:
“Lately it just seems that men are primping a lot more than women. Smooth skin, gelled hair, plucked eyebrows. Were they waxing their bikini areas too?” (Lopez 164). – LOL!!!
From the “Virgin Mary,” Story:
“As far back as I can remember, cousins of all shapes and sizes littered the neighborhood. We would often gather on the street, running free and wild, screaming and laughing ‘til the days end.” (Lopez 134). – This is the Latina culture that I know – hundreds of cousins always around and running amok.
This book is easy to connect and relate to! There’s sure to be at least one story that any reader – Latina or not – can personally relate to!
I liked the overall message of this book and the empowering of women references.
My only dig is that I felt many of these stories lacked the Hispanic heritage references that were promised in the blurb. I expected stories about how single Latina women deal with the Hispanic culture and their family’s expectations. I just felt that there seemed to be some strong heritage details missing from the hurdles and struggles of relationships that Latina women face. I’m hoping some of these details show up in book two!
This book is Book One in the Single Chicas Book Series. It can be read as a standalone.
All in all, there were just a few hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it! I think all chick lit, short stories, and romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book focuses on relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-realization, and learning to stand up for yourself as a proud, single Latina woman regardless of what your culture and family expect of you.
This book is filled with enticing, crafty, witty, passionate, playful passages and of course overflowing with whimsical, sarcastic tidbits that will have you laughing out loud!
As a single, Latina woman I was so excited to read this book and revel in a sisterhood of strong, fierce, sassy Mexican American women dealing with dating, relationships, and family expectations in today’s modern world.
I enjoyed reading this book as it is comprised of thirteen short stories which remind me of one of those “Chicken Soup for the Souls,” kind of books.
I liked that this book could easily be read with the option of reading a few stories and then coming back and picking up right where you left off at any time as each story is unique and does not overlap.
However, I really enjoyed reading this book as it was a fun, quick, easy read that I finished in just one sitting!!
There were many stories that had me laughing out loud!!
My favorite stories in this book were, “The Lesbian Theory,” “My Big Fat Fake Marriage,” and “The Ball Drop.”
My least favorite stories in this book were, “My Brother’s Funeral,” and “The Night Caller.”
I felt the story, “One Fine Day,” was quite intriguing, but ended so awkwardly and with no real conclusion. This could have been a favorite if there had been a stronger, fulfilling ending.
I liked the Spanish slang lines thrown into the stories. It gave the book more authenticity without being overly confusing to readers who don’t speak Spanish.
I also enjoyed all the modern pop culture references and the funny Neve Campbell Scream scene in the “Night Caller,” story.
Two of my favorite quotes in book are:
From “The Distraction,” Story:
“Lately it just seems that men are primping a lot more than women. Smooth skin, gelled hair, plucked eyebrows. Were they waxing their bikini areas too?” (Lopez 164). – LOL!!!
From the “Virgin Mary,” Story:
“As far back as I can remember, cousins of all shapes and sizes littered the neighborhood. We would often gather on the street, running free and wild, screaming and laughing ‘til the days end.” (Lopez 134). – This is the Latina culture that I know – hundreds of cousins always around and running amok.
This book is easy to connect and relate to! There’s sure to be at least one story that any reader – Latina or not – can personally relate to!
I liked the overall message of this book and the empowering of women references.
My only dig is that I felt many of these stories lacked the Hispanic heritage references that were promised in the blurb. I expected stories about how single Latina women deal with the Hispanic culture and their family’s expectations. I just felt that there seemed to be some strong heritage details missing from the hurdles and struggles of relationships that Latina women face. I’m hoping some of these details show up in book two!
This book is Book One in the Single Chicas Book Series. It can be read as a standalone.
All in all, there were just a few hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it! I think all chick lit, short stories, and romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
February 23, 2020
Life is strange and when you are trying to figure out relationships. it gets worse. The author gives readers a collection of stories that take them into life, love and relationships in a different way. The stories are written with enough humor to make you smile, but also with the irony of life that readers will find intriguing.
December 15, 2020
Short stories that you can relate to. Easy flow in each one as they are well written and the characters are fantastic. Each story gives you the inside drawing you in as if you are the person in the story. This is one for the to be reads this year!
May 18, 2020
This was an interesting and quick read. There were several vignettes in the lives of different single women. Some showed kindness, others a dislike for marriage, and others the fun side of being single. The stories were not related to each other in any way. I did enjoy this collection of stories.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 22, 2017
Funny, witty collection of short reads with a romance and single ladies ‘be proud’ vibe running throughout. Read in one sitting but would be good for the lunchtime read. A well rounded read that manages to hold your attention and make you laugh throughout.
MY BROTHER’S FUNERAL
When your brother is making a massive mistake in your eyes but you are powerless to stop it happening. This girl can’t let go of always looking out for him but at some point she’s going to have to let him go out into the world on his own or she might lose him for good.
HE LOVES ME (AND?)
Having a boyfriend who calls you to say he misses you hours after you left to go home from spending a week at his would grate on anyone’s nerves. You can see why this girl would be getting testy. It’s all in the title really. Why are you with him? Well he loves me. And?
THE LESBIAN THEORY
When you have a guy that just won’t get the message that you are not interested you may need to pull out some new tricks to get away. Seems this latest one back fires with a whole other set of problems.
NIGHT CALLER
Someone calling in the middle of night saying ‘love me’ is not a great way to meet someone. Especially when you don’t know them. First starts like a little bit of a stalker but get him to talk and things might change.
SINGLE CHICAS
Three girls heading up a website where people send in their problems for a bit of advise. Love the email chats and responses, funny and helpful vibe with these. Sometimes you just need to find out why something happened to be able to move on from it.
MY BIG FAT FAKE MARRIAGE
The pressure on some people to get married by their family can be great but none more so than here. One little white lie to get them off her back soon turns into an avalanche of problems rolling down the hill. Seems like another one might be needed to stop it.
ALWAYS A PRICE
Nothing is ever really free in life. Something our girl finds out the hard way when trying to get her flat tire fixed.
THE MARRIAGE ASSISTANT
Being stuck in the middle of a married couple whose family works together wouldn’t be somewhere I’d like to be. Especially when the dirty laundry starts to get aired.
OLD MAID
Everyone needs a little bit of company every now and then. When you feel alone after losing those you care for it might just take a little while to warm up to someone new. Cards anyone? Seems a game may be a way to break the ice and get some advice from someone older and wiser.
THE BALL DROP
Getting smacked on the head while out taking photos is not a good thing. But coming round feeling like you have stepped into twilight zone is worse. Waking up to find someone calling you honey and insisting they’re your boyfriend when you have no recollection of them would be enough to put anyone into a spin. The bump may have made her forget but perhaps it was meant to be to finally see what, or rather who, was in front of her all along. Doesn’t hurt that he’s sweet, caring and a bit of a looker.
VIRGIN MARY
With her head in a book instead of the clouds she was dubbed by her cousins the Virgin Mary with them thinking that she didn’t know anything about having fun. But it seems that the life she has had has more to it than meets the eye and might soon get others to question what things might have been different if they’d taken a different path too.
THE DISTRACTION
All she wants to do is read her book in peace while on a flight home but a certain distraction keeps her mind wondering. Well if a Stefan Salvatore look-a-like rocked on up to me wanting to talk I think I’d get a bit distracted too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
MY BROTHER’S FUNERAL
When your brother is making a massive mistake in your eyes but you are powerless to stop it happening. This girl can’t let go of always looking out for him but at some point she’s going to have to let him go out into the world on his own or she might lose him for good.
HE LOVES ME (AND?)
Having a boyfriend who calls you to say he misses you hours after you left to go home from spending a week at his would grate on anyone’s nerves. You can see why this girl would be getting testy. It’s all in the title really. Why are you with him? Well he loves me. And?
THE LESBIAN THEORY
When you have a guy that just won’t get the message that you are not interested you may need to pull out some new tricks to get away. Seems this latest one back fires with a whole other set of problems.
NIGHT CALLER
Someone calling in the middle of night saying ‘love me’ is not a great way to meet someone. Especially when you don’t know them. First starts like a little bit of a stalker but get him to talk and things might change.
SINGLE CHICAS
Three girls heading up a website where people send in their problems for a bit of advise. Love the email chats and responses, funny and helpful vibe with these. Sometimes you just need to find out why something happened to be able to move on from it.
MY BIG FAT FAKE MARRIAGE
The pressure on some people to get married by their family can be great but none more so than here. One little white lie to get them off her back soon turns into an avalanche of problems rolling down the hill. Seems like another one might be needed to stop it.
ALWAYS A PRICE
Nothing is ever really free in life. Something our girl finds out the hard way when trying to get her flat tire fixed.
THE MARRIAGE ASSISTANT
Being stuck in the middle of a married couple whose family works together wouldn’t be somewhere I’d like to be. Especially when the dirty laundry starts to get aired.
OLD MAID
Everyone needs a little bit of company every now and then. When you feel alone after losing those you care for it might just take a little while to warm up to someone new. Cards anyone? Seems a game may be a way to break the ice and get some advice from someone older and wiser.
THE BALL DROP
Getting smacked on the head while out taking photos is not a good thing. But coming round feeling like you have stepped into twilight zone is worse. Waking up to find someone calling you honey and insisting they’re your boyfriend when you have no recollection of them would be enough to put anyone into a spin. The bump may have made her forget but perhaps it was meant to be to finally see what, or rather who, was in front of her all along. Doesn’t hurt that he’s sweet, caring and a bit of a looker.
VIRGIN MARY
With her head in a book instead of the clouds she was dubbed by her cousins the Virgin Mary with them thinking that she didn’t know anything about having fun. But it seems that the life she has had has more to it than meets the eye and might soon get others to question what things might have been different if they’d taken a different path too.
THE DISTRACTION
All she wants to do is read her book in peace while on a flight home but a certain distraction keeps her mind wondering. Well if a Stefan Salvatore look-a-like rocked on up to me wanting to talk I think I’d get a bit distracted too.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
April 18, 2020
Slices of life with an amusing edge
Single Chicas is a great collection of short stories, with most narrators experiencing a different but very relatable dilemma. Most stories contain a female lead with a sharp wit able to bring out the humour of the situation whilst still being able to tell a wide range of stories with varying emotional outcomes for the featured characters.
The collection is well balanced, with a consistent tone, and a good use of themes most women, single or otherwise, can easily relate to. Although my personal favourites two had a closure for the main character in one, and a slightly unsettled feeling, for reasons I won't spoil, in the other, there is enough variety in this collection to keep people entertained.
Single Chicas is a great collection of short stories, with most narrators experiencing a different but very relatable dilemma. Most stories contain a female lead with a sharp wit able to bring out the humour of the situation whilst still being able to tell a wide range of stories with varying emotional outcomes for the featured characters.
The collection is well balanced, with a consistent tone, and a good use of themes most women, single or otherwise, can easily relate to. Although my personal favourites two had a closure for the main character in one, and a slightly unsettled feeling, for reasons I won't spoil, in the other, there is enough variety in this collection to keep people entertained.
November 15, 2016
“Sandra López’s collection of stories in Single Chicas is humorous, poignant chick lit with a side of puro chisme. There's some heartbreak, cultura and romance in there, too, and a lot of insight on relationships and the “single-life.” López has made sure there's a little something for every chica to relate to—including this chica who couldn’t stop laughing or reading the next page.”—Sarah Rafael García, author of Las Niñas & Founder of LibroMobile
"Smash your rose tinted shades! Sandra Lopez tells it like she sees it in Single Chicas, applying her sardonic wit to Latinas relishing a deluxe assortment of romantic situations. Sharp and funny, you’ll find weddings, stalkers, complaints, advice, old ladies, young hotties, and much, much more." – Dawn Lyons
"The short stories in Sandra López’s Singles Chicas offer up a kind of anti-advice book for the modern age, where well-intentioned counsel is frequently more obstacle than shortcut on the road to happiness. Here, know-it-all older sisters, meddlesome aunts, well-meaning friends and bitter viejitas attempt to persuade, cajole, admonish and even victimize Lopez’s heroines into fulfillment. The result is a constellation of funny, poignant and noggin-rattling scenarios that remind us that the advice we give often reveals more about where the giver is coming from than where the receiver wishes to go." – Mike Padilla
"Single Chicas is witty, sassy, and engaging. Readers are dropped into the lives of thirteen women as they navigate the issues of singledom. You'd be hard-pressed to come away from this fast-paced read and not connect with at least one of these women. A must-read for any woman, Latina or not."—Jennifer Milliken, author of Full of Fire
“Sandra Lopez’s Single Chicas is a clever, breezy, highly entertaining collection of stories in the spirit of Maupassant or O. Henry, but with a Latina flair. As her zany but lovable characters grapple with the foibles of family and the tribulations of romance, they lead us—often with wit, always with poise—on compelling emotional adventures. A fine, fun read.”---Jacob M. Appel, author of Einstein’s Beach House
"It was like making thirteen new friends and having a really fun girls' night out or in, to share stories about our day while feasting on junk food." – Up Close and Literal
"Smash your rose tinted shades! Sandra Lopez tells it like she sees it in Single Chicas, applying her sardonic wit to Latinas relishing a deluxe assortment of romantic situations. Sharp and funny, you’ll find weddings, stalkers, complaints, advice, old ladies, young hotties, and much, much more." – Dawn Lyons
"The short stories in Sandra López’s Singles Chicas offer up a kind of anti-advice book for the modern age, where well-intentioned counsel is frequently more obstacle than shortcut on the road to happiness. Here, know-it-all older sisters, meddlesome aunts, well-meaning friends and bitter viejitas attempt to persuade, cajole, admonish and even victimize Lopez’s heroines into fulfillment. The result is a constellation of funny, poignant and noggin-rattling scenarios that remind us that the advice we give often reveals more about where the giver is coming from than where the receiver wishes to go." – Mike Padilla
"Single Chicas is witty, sassy, and engaging. Readers are dropped into the lives of thirteen women as they navigate the issues of singledom. You'd be hard-pressed to come away from this fast-paced read and not connect with at least one of these women. A must-read for any woman, Latina or not."—Jennifer Milliken, author of Full of Fire
“Sandra Lopez’s Single Chicas is a clever, breezy, highly entertaining collection of stories in the spirit of Maupassant or O. Henry, but with a Latina flair. As her zany but lovable characters grapple with the foibles of family and the tribulations of romance, they lead us—often with wit, always with poise—on compelling emotional adventures. A fine, fun read.”---Jacob M. Appel, author of Einstein’s Beach House
"It was like making thirteen new friends and having a really fun girls' night out or in, to share stories about our day while feasting on junk food." – Up Close and Literal
December 3, 2016
The first story is about a woman unable with the younger brother she raised getting married sets the tone for the stories that follow. Relationships hold you back and down, don’t do it!
There were a several that creeped me out involving stalkers and trickery then several more with regressive attitudes and stereotypes. Like:
At that point, I was rejoicing they were short stories. I couldn’t have taken much more of that bullshit. There are several gems though.
My favorite was Virgin Mary, because I connected with this chica so much. Though it initially shames Mary for being a studious nerd who doesn’t care about romantic relationships, the family discussions and light bulb moment at the end was great.
My other favorites were Old Maid, My Big Fat Fake Marriage, and Single Chicas. The title short story was everything I was looking for. Women helping and supporting women while being breezy and fun.
I wish more stories were like it but women run the gamut and some of us are very fucked up. And now I’ve depressed myself again. *sigh* Anyways…
He loved Me (And?) – This one I liked in the end. It’s about a girl getting away from a stalker she gave into but still, trigger warning and it doesn’t call out his behavior as much as I would like.
My Brother’s Funeral, The Distraction, Always a Price – Heteronormative gender norms
One Fine Day, Night Caller, The Ball Drop – Stalkers, Creepy especially the latter.
The Marriage Assistant – Asian Stereotypes
The Lesbian Theory – claims to be a “lesbo” to get rid of a dude and he just meekly goes away. Yeah, right. Then oh my, she’s hit on by a lesbian in ear shot! What will she say to get rid of her?!?! Ugh.
4 Stars for the stories I liked, 2 stars for the rest. It's short and depending on your tolerance, can be enjoyable. If you're looking for something that shows a wide range of Latinx women and their circumstances, this is the collection for you as long as you're in a relationship hating mood. Lord knows I've had plenty of those before...
There were a several that creeped me out involving stalkers and trickery then several more with regressive attitudes and stereotypes. Like:
“Oh, geez, what color are your panties, dude? Were you even a dude to begin with? Do you have even the slightest bit of balls rolling around down there?”
At that point, I was rejoicing they were short stories. I couldn’t have taken much more of that bullshit. There are several gems though.
My favorite was Virgin Mary, because I connected with this chica so much. Though it initially shames Mary for being a studious nerd who doesn’t care about romantic relationships, the family discussions and light bulb moment at the end was great.
My other favorites were Old Maid, My Big Fat Fake Marriage, and Single Chicas. The title short story was everything I was looking for. Women helping and supporting women while being breezy and fun.
I wish more stories were like it but women run the gamut and some of us are very fucked up. And now I’ve depressed myself again. *sigh* Anyways…
He loved Me (And?) – This one I liked in the end. It’s about a girl getting away from a stalker she gave into but still, trigger warning and it doesn’t call out his behavior as much as I would like.
My Brother’s Funeral, The Distraction, Always a Price – Heteronormative gender norms
One Fine Day, Night Caller, The Ball Drop – Stalkers, Creepy especially the latter.
The Marriage Assistant – Asian Stereotypes
The Lesbian Theory – claims to be a “lesbo” to get rid of a dude and he just meekly goes away. Yeah, right. Then oh my, she’s hit on by a lesbian in ear shot! What will she say to get rid of her?!?! Ugh.
4 Stars for the stories I liked, 2 stars for the rest. It's short and depending on your tolerance, can be enjoyable. If you're looking for something that shows a wide range of Latinx women and their circumstances, this is the collection for you as long as you're in a relationship hating mood. Lord knows I've had plenty of those before...
December 15, 2016
Sandra Lopez's Single Chicas is a surprising story collection about single women who actually opt to stay that way. The theme is both romance and the opposite of romance. Rather than happily ever after, why not choose happy for now?
In "My Brothers' Funeral," Bea laments her younger brother's choice to marry at nineteen. Instead of freaking out about being the family's old maid, Bea thinks of divorce as "the blissful release from a life sentence," and worries her brother's fiancé is "wearing his huevos like a necklace."
In "Night Caller," Iris remains cool as she fields calls from a late-night stalker who repeatedly asks, "Love me." Instead of being the one who does the begging, Iris questions why anyone would do so. Her poker group provides some hilarious answers.
The story "Single Chicas" tells the tale of a young woman recovering from a failed relationship, and (spoiler alert) ends with a woman who is pursuing her own life goals rather than giving them up for a man. This theme is also illustrated in "Old Maid" when Danica visits a bitter vieja in a nursing home who is "holding on to some old bones" while lamenting her choice to stay with an abusive mate.
In an era dominated by telenovas and selfies, plastic surgery and Kardashian role models, how often are women given the opportunity to read stories with an entirely different sort of message?
Read Lopez's funny, sad stories. They're like chicken soup for the lovelorn. Single Chicas offers readers a cure for the romantic illusions that make women believe they are nothing without a man. Isn't it time for postmodern women to chuck bad relationships in favor of living an authentic, independent life?
In "My Brothers' Funeral," Bea laments her younger brother's choice to marry at nineteen. Instead of freaking out about being the family's old maid, Bea thinks of divorce as "the blissful release from a life sentence," and worries her brother's fiancé is "wearing his huevos like a necklace."
In "Night Caller," Iris remains cool as she fields calls from a late-night stalker who repeatedly asks, "Love me." Instead of being the one who does the begging, Iris questions why anyone would do so. Her poker group provides some hilarious answers.
The story "Single Chicas" tells the tale of a young woman recovering from a failed relationship, and (spoiler alert) ends with a woman who is pursuing her own life goals rather than giving them up for a man. This theme is also illustrated in "Old Maid" when Danica visits a bitter vieja in a nursing home who is "holding on to some old bones" while lamenting her choice to stay with an abusive mate.
In an era dominated by telenovas and selfies, plastic surgery and Kardashian role models, how often are women given the opportunity to read stories with an entirely different sort of message?
Read Lopez's funny, sad stories. They're like chicken soup for the lovelorn. Single Chicas offers readers a cure for the romantic illusions that make women believe they are nothing without a man. Isn't it time for postmodern women to chuck bad relationships in favor of living an authentic, independent life?
November 10, 2016
A sister who can't accept her sibling's choice of wife, a woman whose plan to avoid being hit on by guys leads to unforeseen complications, and how a series of strange phone calls prompts a singleton to doubt her own sanity. Short stories are like buses - if the first one doesn't happen to be going in a direction that appeals to you, you can hop on the next one.
And so it is with this unusual collection, featuring a group of disparate young women finding their way through life and love. We see the ups and downs of coupledom in all its glory - though the 'downs' have the majority vote. These tales are not about the lovey-dovey side of relationships, instead the characters tend towards the mean, the jealous and the selfish. Many, such as the girl in the title story, start well but end abruptly or without reaching any kind of realistic resolution.
Having said that, there are some intriguing characters, like mechanic Cisco in 'Always a Price', whose outlook on life clashes with that of the heroine. I loved this guy and his dialogue, and okay, he was thoughtless and a bit stupid, but I wanted to know what happened to him. Instead, the story simply stops. But, like the aforementioned buses, that's the nature of short stories - sometime you get them, sometimes you don't.
Aimed at girls of all ages, the author has created some interesting scenarios with potentially fascinating characters, and while I'm sure this collection will have wide appeal for many readers, Single Chicas didn't quite do it for me.
And so it is with this unusual collection, featuring a group of disparate young women finding their way through life and love. We see the ups and downs of coupledom in all its glory - though the 'downs' have the majority vote. These tales are not about the lovey-dovey side of relationships, instead the characters tend towards the mean, the jealous and the selfish. Many, such as the girl in the title story, start well but end abruptly or without reaching any kind of realistic resolution.
Having said that, there are some intriguing characters, like mechanic Cisco in 'Always a Price', whose outlook on life clashes with that of the heroine. I loved this guy and his dialogue, and okay, he was thoughtless and a bit stupid, but I wanted to know what happened to him. Instead, the story simply stops. But, like the aforementioned buses, that's the nature of short stories - sometime you get them, sometimes you don't.
Aimed at girls of all ages, the author has created some interesting scenarios with potentially fascinating characters, and while I'm sure this collection will have wide appeal for many readers, Single Chicas didn't quite do it for me.
January 4, 2017
Reviewed by: Bela
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This is a wonderful collection of short stories starring smart and savvy Latinas. Each one shows an entertaining view of the dramas of love, dating, and marriage.
Lopez excels at creating dialogue that is both believable and intriguing. In order to show the multi-faceted nature of marriage, the dialogue serves as not only a plotting device but also a window into the many reasons why people choose to get married.
One of the biggest strengths of this collection is the wide variety of storylines Lopez creates around the theme of singledom. From a woman who is tricked into believing she has memory loss so she’ll fall in love with her long-time admirer, to a woman who starts to fall for her phone stalker, to a woman who fakes lesbianism to reject a man’s advances, you won’t know what to expect next on this fun ride through the book. But it’s not all fun and games. Lopez manages to successfully mix the amusing and quirky storylines with more serious plots with stories.
This book is for anyone who has ever been single, for anyone who has ever laughed about attempting to navigate the dark waters of the dating world, and for anyone who has found herself in a less-than-desirable relationship but still hoped for something better. Lopez’s collection will definitely leave you wanting more. It was like making thirteen new friends and having a really fun girls' night out or in, to share stories about our day while feasting on junk food.
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This is a wonderful collection of short stories starring smart and savvy Latinas. Each one shows an entertaining view of the dramas of love, dating, and marriage.
Lopez excels at creating dialogue that is both believable and intriguing. In order to show the multi-faceted nature of marriage, the dialogue serves as not only a plotting device but also a window into the many reasons why people choose to get married.
One of the biggest strengths of this collection is the wide variety of storylines Lopez creates around the theme of singledom. From a woman who is tricked into believing she has memory loss so she’ll fall in love with her long-time admirer, to a woman who starts to fall for her phone stalker, to a woman who fakes lesbianism to reject a man’s advances, you won’t know what to expect next on this fun ride through the book. But it’s not all fun and games. Lopez manages to successfully mix the amusing and quirky storylines with more serious plots with stories.
This book is for anyone who has ever been single, for anyone who has ever laughed about attempting to navigate the dark waters of the dating world, and for anyone who has found herself in a less-than-desirable relationship but still hoped for something better. Lopez’s collection will definitely leave you wanting more. It was like making thirteen new friends and having a really fun girls' night out or in, to share stories about our day while feasting on junk food.
September 13, 2016
Single Chicas is a smart and funny collection of stories centering on the lives of modern Latinas. Young women pursue their dreams while simultaneously navigating the complexities of contemporary relationships. Along the way each woman struggles to maintain her precious independence.
In ‘My Big Fat Fake Marriage’, a young woman is forced into deceit in order to appease cultural traditions. As she misleads her family, she secretly maintains her grip on modern womanhood. In ‘Old Maid’ an older woman laments her past, cautioning a young woman and urging her to follow her dreams. Each of these stories is filled with humor and grace - a confidently balanced collection. Sandra Lopez has created an inspiring collection which has something for everyone.
In ‘My Big Fat Fake Marriage’, a young woman is forced into deceit in order to appease cultural traditions. As she misleads her family, she secretly maintains her grip on modern womanhood. In ‘Old Maid’ an older woman laments her past, cautioning a young woman and urging her to follow her dreams. Each of these stories is filled with humor and grace - a confidently balanced collection. Sandra Lopez has created an inspiring collection which has something for everyone.
October 7, 2016
Here are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...
I must start off by saying this book is a bit strange. By that, I mean, there are thirteen chapters and each chapter is just a glimpse into a very small portion of each Chica's life. New chapter, new Chica. Each one is single and dealing with life the best way she can. The chapters are super short and don't have any kind of finality.
All of that said, I really enjoyed the stories and would like to read more.
Some of these stories are hilarious and some I could relate to before I got married.
"A good rule of thumb is: You can't be friends with someone you've seen naked." - The Single Chicas
I must start off by saying this book is a bit strange. By that, I mean, there are thirteen chapters and each chapter is just a glimpse into a very small portion of each Chica's life. New chapter, new Chica. Each one is single and dealing with life the best way she can. The chapters are super short and don't have any kind of finality.
All of that said, I really enjoyed the stories and would like to read more.
Some of these stories are hilarious and some I could relate to before I got married.
"A good rule of thumb is: You can't be friends with someone you've seen naked." - The Single Chicas
January 13, 2017
Single Chicas by Sandra C. Lopez is more than just a compilation of short stories. It’s a collection of good advice on love, relationships, and life. I like the way the author teaches the reader how to use rational judgment instead of blindly following one’s heart. Reading this book is like chatting with a close friend—someone who will tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. Each story is only a handful or pages long, so you can set the book aside and pick it up later. But with Lopez’ use of stinging advise and whimsical humor you may find yourself reading cover to cover. 5-Stars for Single Chicas. Get a copy.
September 7, 2016
This collection of short stories is perfect for the young adult reader who can appreciate fast-paced and engaging tales about love, loss, and life. I found myself laughing out loud and really enjoying reading the well-written diverse tales, that include the story of a young woman whose brother's marriage in her view is his funeral and another wherein the lie a young woman tells an unwanted admirer, leads to another unwanted suitor. Sandra Lopez's hip and current dialog ring true and her knack for storytelling that resonates with the youth of the today makes Single Chicas a must read.
February 25, 2017
I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange of a review.
Perhaps it was the writing style, or the stories that I could not relate to, but this book did nothing for me. I like to feel connected to the books that I read, and this unfortunately did not happen with this book.
Perhaps it was the writing style, or the stories that I could not relate to, but this book did nothing for me. I like to feel connected to the books that I read, and this unfortunately did not happen with this book.
August 20, 2022
If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would be ... placid. Not a novel but a collection of shallow stories that did nothing for me. Character development was lacking.
November 24, 2020
A collection of stories about modern Latinas, with accurate portrayals of single life and the difficulties of staying committed. Welcome to singlehood, where the freedom to choose matters more than anything in the world. Stories told in a delightful blend of humor and sarcasm make up for an interesting read.
I found the book to be easy to read, and I appreciated the twist of each story. To what point are the characters “relatable”, I cannot state with certainty. But I liked the central idea, meaning women should be free to decide whether they stay single or in a relationship.
The message the author is trying to send is authentic, inviting to reflection. Is an independent life the best way to live? That is for each and every woman to decide. The women included in these stories like being single, and they make it quite clear there is nothing wrong with choosing this path.
Within the pages of this book, you will find the lives of different single women, each character valuing independence above all else. I found the characters to be well-developed, and I liked the added touch of sarcasm. Young women who are willing to defy cultural and social expectations are often judged, and it is refreshing to see them reaching their purpose.
What are some of the things the author could have improved upon? While it is true that a short story reflects a specific fragment in a character’s life, I found myself wanting to know more. The stories regard Latina women, so this book might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
My favorite quote from the book:
“Apparently, being born a Mexican female meant that I was supposed to be traded for sheep by the time I turned fifteen. Additionally, I was supposed to have pumped out about a dozen kids, naming each one after some loyal ancestor, leaving the boys to be raised by their father and rearing the girls to be happy, little housewives before puberty.”
My favorite story: “The Ball Drop”
Why? The ending was quite a pleasant surprise, I never expected the story to go in that direction. Loved it!
Verdict:
If you are looking for a relaxing read, “Single Chicas” is the perfect choice. You can read the short stories in one sitting, allowing yourself to be swept by the mix of emotions these modern women experience in their everyday lives. A huge bonus comes in the form of cultural flavor, and, as readers, we are lucky to be let inside the universe of modern Latinas.
I found the book to be easy to read, and I appreciated the twist of each story. To what point are the characters “relatable”, I cannot state with certainty. But I liked the central idea, meaning women should be free to decide whether they stay single or in a relationship.
The message the author is trying to send is authentic, inviting to reflection. Is an independent life the best way to live? That is for each and every woman to decide. The women included in these stories like being single, and they make it quite clear there is nothing wrong with choosing this path.
Within the pages of this book, you will find the lives of different single women, each character valuing independence above all else. I found the characters to be well-developed, and I liked the added touch of sarcasm. Young women who are willing to defy cultural and social expectations are often judged, and it is refreshing to see them reaching their purpose.
What are some of the things the author could have improved upon? While it is true that a short story reflects a specific fragment in a character’s life, I found myself wanting to know more. The stories regard Latina women, so this book might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
My favorite quote from the book:
“Apparently, being born a Mexican female meant that I was supposed to be traded for sheep by the time I turned fifteen. Additionally, I was supposed to have pumped out about a dozen kids, naming each one after some loyal ancestor, leaving the boys to be raised by their father and rearing the girls to be happy, little housewives before puberty.”
My favorite story: “The Ball Drop”
Why? The ending was quite a pleasant surprise, I never expected the story to go in that direction. Loved it!
Verdict:
If you are looking for a relaxing read, “Single Chicas” is the perfect choice. You can read the short stories in one sitting, allowing yourself to be swept by the mix of emotions these modern women experience in their everyday lives. A huge bonus comes in the form of cultural flavor, and, as readers, we are lucky to be let inside the universe of modern Latinas.
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