Read Women discussion

"Published in 2024, Catalina is the debut novel of Ecuadorian American writer Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. It follows the title character, Catalina Ituralde, through her final year of school at Harvard University. Catalina is living as an undocumented migrant, and as graduation approaches, she must face the impending reality of her uncertain future as she simultaneously navigates Harvard’s social hierarchies, her budding sexuality, and her complex relationship with her grandparents. The novel explores the complexity of living as an undocumented person in the United States. "

Who plans to read?

I'm in! I've started early because of my slow speed and I like it. The tone is light and easy to read. I think I might be starting to rouse from my reading slump :)

Hannah wrote: "I'm in! I've started early because of my slow speed and I like it. The tone is light and easy to read. I think I might be starting to rouse from my reading slump :)"

yay!

In this Elle interview, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio comes across as someone I'd very much like to hang out with. https://www.elle.com/culture/books/a6...

There are plot references in the middle couple of paragraphs that some might view as spoilers. Here's a paragraph that isn't, but gives readers a taste of what to expect, generally, from Catalina.

"As Catalina is loosely autobiographical—Villavicencio also attended Harvard, was an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, and is also a writer—the character mirrors Villavicencio most ardently in her commitment to be a part of the story, as opposed to an object of people’s imagination, fascination, or fixation. Social graces rooted in oppression do not go uncorrected in Catalina’s presence, comfort level of bystanders be damned. Villavicencio created this dynamic in hopes it’d grant readers permission to speak boldly: to be OK choosing truth over peace."

This 2025 book talk and reading at DC's Politics and Prose bookstore gives readers an opportunity to hear from the author herself. She starts with a short reading from Catalina.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFKHb...

(55 minutes)

American friends please help me to understand these terms. Catalina, the MC, is born in Ecuador, living undocumented in the USA. She's just met a colleague who had been put forward, along with her for an honorary title open to Latine interns only.

She says that: "Technically, only I was Latine. Camilo, I would hear, was Latin American. His parents were...from Spain who fled Franco...and resettled in Mexico, where they had him. He looked like he could be anything but he was Spaniard by blood and Mexican by birth."

The UN list of countries considered to be a part of Latin America includes both Mexico and Ecuador. What is the differentiation she is making here between herself and Camilo?

Hannah wrote: "American friends please help me to understand these terms. Catalina, the MC, is born in Ecuador, living undocumented in the USA. She's just met a colleague who had been put forward, along with her ..."

I don't have any special insight, but I expect that she's differentiating between someone whose ancestry is from Spain vs. someone whose ancestry is actually from a Latin American country. She's discounting the "Mexican by birth" component to zero. A Spaniard doesn't share much in the way of common culture with someone whose ancestry and family culture originates in Latin America. Because the qualification for the honorary title includes anyone who is Latin American, she's quibbling that Camilo doesn't qualify.

We have so few persons resident in the US whose ancestors or parents come from Spain that it wouldn't cross someone's mind writing intern or grant requirements to exclude someone of Spanish heritage from such a title and, even if they did so, someone's birth in Mexico would surely qualify him.

Carol wrote: "Hannah wrote: "American friends please help me to understand these terms. Catalina, the MC, is born in Ecuador, living undocumented in the USA. She's just met a colleague who had been put forward, ..."

Thank you Carol. This is an education for me! I was of the belief that most Latin Americans had at least some Spanish/Portuguese ancestry and that's why they predominantly speak the Latin languages. She does say later on that her ancestry is a mixture of indigenous, black African and white European which I know is common. Is she perhaps equating this mix as being more deserving of the title "Latine" perhaps?

Got my hands on an audio copy :) Will join in this weekend!

Hannah wrote: "American friends please help me ."

Somehow I always thought you to be American!

Lin wrote: "Got my hands on an audio copy :) Will join in this weekend!"

Hurray! I was just about to ask if anyone else was reading. It does have a rambling sort of writing style which I think will work with audio.

Ninnisha|Roberta wrote: "Hannah wrote: "American friends please help me ."

Somehow I always thought you to be American!"

Haha, I wonder what gave you that impression. I thought I was probably irritating people always complaining about books not being available or sales not matching up here (in the UK)!

Posted this about 1 am : Just finished Part 1 and thoroughly enjoying this. Several good chuckle moments, particularly with the grandmother. I loved the idea of a Puerto Rican-Ukrainian -Filipino church!

I have just finished Part 2 and am a bit "stuck in the weeds". I'll put everything in as a spoiler for those who are not this far.

I firmly believe this book to be autobiographical fiction, given the author's own background. I read her nonfiction The Undocumented Americans a few years ago and was blown away by her story and the others that she interviewed. It is truly a book I have always thought should be read by all.
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(view spoiler)[
The narrative flips quickly from one thought to another, snapping me out of my "reading concentration" and then needing to reread a few sentences to make sure I'm reading it correctly. By the end of the section, I as a parent could only think that this young lady is spiraling into a negative mental state. The worries about her undocumented existence, still not feeling "in" at Harvard, her lingering questions about her childhood, I believe, are pushing her under. The writing is so in-depth and dare I say "soulful" that I can't believe it isn't partially autobiographical. (hide spoiler)]

GailW wrote: "I firmly believe this book to be autobiographical fiction, given the author's own background. I read her nonfiction The Undocumented Americans a few years ago and was blown away by her story and the others that she interviewed. It is truly a book I have always thought should be read by all. ..."

Gail - Thank you! I have been wondering why this author looked so familiar!
The Undocumented Americans was a 5-star read for me.

GailW wrote: "I have just finished Part 2 and am a bit "stuck in the weeds". I'll put everything in as a spoiler for those who are not this far.

I firmly believe this book to be autobiographical fiction, given ..."

I'm currently in part 2, 28% so I won't read your spoiler yet. I'm finding part 2 to be less fragmented than part 1 which I thought was a bit all over the place. I particularly enjoy the parts where she's talking about her family or her undocumented status but then she can go off on a tangent very suddenly and start prattling on about clothes or famous people and - to quote Carol - I can feel my eyes start to glaze over!

GailW wrote: "I read her nonfiction The Undocumented Americans a few years ago and was blown away by her story and the others that she interviewed. It is truly a book I have always thought should be read by all ..."

This sounds great. The description reminds me a bit of Lost Children Archive which I thought was fantastic

Hannah wrote: "I particularly enjoy the parts where she's talking about her family or her undocumented status but then she can go off on a tangent very suddenly and start prattling on about clothes or famous people and - to quote Carol - I can feel my eyes start to glaze over!."

Hannah - I'm listening on audio and those rambling bits are rough. I thought I would love hearing the author read her own book, but she reads in such a slow, melancholic sort of way, almost as if she's bored. I think it's just her cadence (and it's probably lovely in-person) but dragging on audio.

Lin wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I particularly enjoy the parts where she's talking about her family or her undocumented status but then she can go off on a tangent very suddenly and start prattling on about clothes..."

Lin, when I have an audio like that I adjust the speed to 1.2 to see if it picks up any. I don't envy you doing this on audio.

Lin wrote: "I'm listening on audio and those rambling bits are rough. I thought I would love hearing the author read her own book, but she reads in such a slow, melancholic sort of way, almost as if she's bored.."

This is such a shame. I agree that usually authors reading their own works is a big plus. It's not encouraging to hear her sounding bored about her own story! I had hoped it would be more upbeat and chit-chatty

Gail, did it pick up for you after part 2?

Hannah wrote: "Gail, did it pick up for you after part 2?"

It did. I have finished the book, and will likely give 4 - 4.5 stars. The direction the narrative was taking made more sense to me. It did not end the way I had hoped but at least it ended hopeful. I'm afraid of going into too much detail before anyone else gets to that point.

Your encouragement got me a little further Gail but I'm struggling. I've had to put it down partway through her first date with Nathaniel because Arghh! Some of the things she says are so infuriating! Not to mention the annoying fragmented style is still bothering me.

Does anyone else have this issue where somebody in a book is saying problematic things - usually racist or sexist - but nobody is raising it as an issue. I don't know if the author is making a point about this problematic language/behaviour or is part of the problem themselves and doesn't even realise what they are doing?! It makes me angry and I struggle to pick the book back up. The things here are subtle compared to other books I've struggled with but I find it really hard to look past them

Hannah wrote: "... Does anyone else have this issue where somebody in a book is saying problematic things - usually racist or sexist - but nobody is raising it as an issue..."

Given the author's background and her journalistic writing and advocacy, I read it as she is trying to making a point. This kind of "stuff" continues to come up in conversations when one is outside their normal circle of like-minded friends and family. And the raising of an issue is not often enough made clear and verbal.

I have no doubt about the author's intention to raise the ethnicity and immigration status issues and I think these are the strongest parts of the book. The parts I'm not so sure about are the sexist assumptions going on between Nathaniel and Catalina -like when she feigns ignorance as he is mansplaining things - gaaah! They are a bit more subtle.

Anyhoo... I read your spoiler tag and now I'm thinking that maybe (view spoiler)[these gaaahs are deliberately building up an image of a woman who is so unsure of herself that she cannot question these things and agree that we may be going down a mental health type route. Now that I'm thinking about it, it definitely seemed this way when she didn't react to the failure of the dreamers act. That was very sad. (hide spoiler)].

Just an aside, I read this to commemorate the the International Day of Hope as part of my personal Shelf-Awareness challenge.

From the UN website:
"In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions, and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force. Recognizing this, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 12 July as the International Day of Hope—a day to celebrate and promote hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities, and nations alike.

This resolution draws upon the enduring values of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which call for peace, dignity, tolerance, and shared progress. It builds on earlier UN initiatives—such as the International Day of Conscience—by highlighting the essential role hope plays in promoting well-being, mutual respect, social stability, and sustainable development.

The declaration of the International Day of Hope is more than symbolic—it is a global invitation to act. It calls on Member States, regional and international bodies, civil society, and individuals to cultivate environments where hope can thrive. These efforts may include public education, awareness campaigns, community outreach, acts of kindness, and the promotion of forgiveness and reconciliation. By embracing these values, societies can foster inclusion, empathy, and resilience.

Ultimately, this day is a reminder that even in difficult times, hope remains a transformative force. It can bridge divides, drive progress, and uplift the human spirit. The International Day of Hope invites all of us to pause, reflect, and recommit to a future built not on despair or division, but on shared humanity and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow."

But the book ending felt like hope for our protagonist and an even stronger choice for this commemoration.

Post note: if this came off at all condescending it was not at all intended that way. Just wanted to pass on why I finally read it .... ♥️

GailW wrote: "Just an aside, I read this to commemorate the the International Day of Hope as part of my personal Shelf-Awareness challenge.

From the UN website:
"In a world facing growing unrest, widening soci..."

This is lovely, not at all condescending :) I'm glad the book fulfilled this goal for your shelves!

I'm getting more into this at last. I thought things got more interesting towards the end of part 2, especially right after (view spoiler)[Catalina's uncle died and the family's different reactions to their grief. I don't believe for one minute that Catalina doesn't have any feelings about her family (the same goes for the dream act) (hide spoiler)]

Gail - don't forget to write your thoughts down before you forget!

Hannah wrote: "... Gail - don't forget to write your thoughts down before you forget!"

Haha. Thanks for the reminder! I finished having so many thoughts - that were as disjointed as the story, making them more questions I had to “ponder”. As I was rereading my notes, I was second guessing myself on giving the book 4 stars. But…


(view spoiler)[ During the winter break, Catalina faces an even steeper descent in her depression. Five weeks of winter, spent with grieving grandparents, a furloughed and angry and controlling grandfather, and knowing that she alone is stuck like that while her wealthy friends are travelling the world, add to her moroseness.
• But what was the purpose of the phone sex? To make money? To feel wanted? To feel powerful?
• After receiving the job offer that she really wanted, knowing she can't take it because of her lack of a citizenship status, is frightening and heartbreaking. I read somewhere that she doesn't tell anyone because she is trying to "control her story". But, omw, no one can help if they don't know!
During the spring semester, I think she has lost all control of herself. Her worry over not being able to get a job coupled with her grandfather's deportation notice has stretched her to the limit.
• She is not working on her thesis that she needs to graduate. But so what? What good is graduating going to do if she can’t get a job?
• She jumps out of a moving car because she can't take any more of Nathaniel's triggers. (Someone on food stamps buying steak...)
• Her grandfather leaves, self-deporting to Ecuador. At first, I thought how selfish can this man be? He’s left both women stranded with no income, no protection. But he believes his granddaughter is brilliant, will graduate from the most prestigious college and land a great job. (At least I hope that was his reasoning, as flawed as it is.) And his leaving possibly staves off any ICE raids that would capture them.
But back to the 4-star. When Catalina realizes what her grandfather has done, she takes charge. She realizes she can’t simply just die. She has things she has to do. She must take care of her grandmother (who is becoming a whole different woman now that she doesn’t have a man completely controlling her life.) She must finish her thesis – someday. And she needs to get mental health help.
Do I think any of this is realistic? Yes and no. I can empathize with the length of time to finish the thesis. More critical issues are at the forefront (making money in order to eat and pay rent). Ten years to get help mentally? Nah. (I probably would have become a serial killer, waiting that long)
The book ends with a most hopeful tone. She has things to live for, she has somewhat of a plan, and she has a purpose. So maybe a 3.5? Still rounds to a 4. (hide spoiler)]

Spoilers inside for parts 3, 4, epilogue; ending.

I look forward to reading your disjointed thoughts once I've caught up!

I'm finding myself quite surprised at how angry and controlling grandfather has gotten. I know he's grieving and out of work but the way Catalina and her grandmother are responding to it seems as though he has always been this way although I didn't pick up on it until now? Is it just me?

Generally speaking - I was quite surprised to learn that Catalina is even allowed to study at Harvard given her undocumented status. I don't really understand how this works with children and school either? Do you not need to be citizens?

I finished, but I had to push myself. The narrative was all over the place throughout and I had to skim sections just to get through it.

Some thoughts on the second half: (view spoiler)[
I don't buy how Catalina suddenly roused from her depression when she read about granddad's deportation order. She was barely getting out of bed and then all of a sudden she was doing so, so much.
I also thought that her grandfather's character became even less believable. Depending upon what worked for the plot at the time he moved too easily between intolerable tyrant and befuddled, lovable buffoon. (hide spoiler)]

GailW wrote: "I finished having so many thoughts - that were as disjointed as the story, making them more questions I had to “ponder".."

(view spoiler)[ I thought the phone sex was probably included to demonstrate her self hatred? So many things, this, jumping out of the car, turning down the job, even her grandfather leaving were just thrown at the reader and then dropped. They came out of nowhere, weren't developed and then that was it! So much time was spent instead rambling about nothing. Like the Kissingers living inside her brain! What the heck was that all about?!

I think she probably didn't want anybody to know about the job because she knew there was no help to be had and probably felt embarrassed and hopeless about her high level of education but complete unemployability. This I could understand

10 years to wait for therapy did seem like a lot. I can't see her surviving this long in that kind of state. But maybe she spent 10 years going from high to low over and over. Thinking about it, I actually disagree that the novel ended with a more hopeful tone... It's really quite depressing in itself.
(hide spoiler)]