Chantal Aurora

“I look at Connor, and a wave of sadness washes over me. I miss him, even though he’s sitting right in front of me. It’s hard to explain, but it reminds me of a haiku I once read: 'Even in Kyoto—/ hearing the cuckoo’s cry—/ I long for Kyoto.' I feel like that a lot. I get nostalgic before I have to.”
― Erika L. Sánchez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

“I would also like to acknowledge all the immigrants who have risked their lives to come to this country, and the children of those immigrants. You are what make America great.”
― Erika L. Sánchez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

“Look for me under your boot soles.” Olga’s body will turn to dirt, which will grow into trees, and then someone in the future will step on their fallen leaves. There is no heaven. There is only earth, sky, and the transfer of energy. The idea would almost be beautiful if this weren’t such a nightmare.”
― Erika L. Sánchez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

“You know, I just... I just feel like it's unfair, that my whole life is unfair, like I was born into the wrong place and family. I never belong anywhere. My parents don't understand anything about me. And my sister is gone. Sometimes I watch those stupid TV shows, you know? The ones where mothers and daughters talk about feelings and fathers take their kids to play baseball or get ice cream or some shit like that, and I wish it were me. It's so stupid, I know, to want your life to be a sitcom.”
― Erika L. Sánchez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter