Everything Within and in Between
Everything Within and in Between by Nikki Barthelmess, published by HarperCollins Publishers on February 14, 2023, is a young adult novel that explores the complexities of identity and heritage. This 336-page book follows Ri Fernández, who has been raised by her strict Mexican grandmother and has never been allowed to learn Spanish. As she navigates the expectations placed upon her, Ri grapples with her cultural roots and the impact of assimilation on her sense of self.
In her quest to reclaim her heritage, Ri discovers a letter from her long-lost mother, prompting her to confront the realities of her family dynamics and the challenges of her mixed background. The narrative delves into themes of family, diversity, and the coming-of-age experience, as Ri learns that her journey to understand who she is involves more than just reconnecting with her past. Everything Within and in Between presents a nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s struggle to define herself amidst the complexities of her multicultural identity.
Official synopsis Publisher
Color Me In meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in Everything Within and In Between, a deeply honest coming-of-age story about reclaiming a heritage buried under assimilation, the bonds within families, and defining who you are for yourself.
For Ri Fernández’s entire life, she’s been told, “We live in America and we speak English.” Raised by her strict Mexican grandma, Ri has never been allowed to learn Spanish.
What’s more, her grandma has pulled Ri away from the community where they once belonged. In its place, Ri has grown up trying to fit in among her best friend’s world of mansions and country clubs in an attempt try to live out her grandmother’s version of the “American Dream.”
In her heart, Ri has always believed that her mother, who disappeared when Ri was young, would accept her exactly how she is and not try to turn her into someone she’s never wanted to be. So when Ri finds a long-hidden letter from her mom begging for a visit, she decides to reclaim what Grandma kept from her: her heritage and her mom.
But nothing goes as planned. Her mom isn’t who Ri imagined she would be and finding her doesn’t make Ri’s struggle to navigate the interweaving threads of her mixed heritage any less complicated. Nobody has any idea of who Ri really is–not even Ri herself.
Everything Within and In Between is a powerful new young adult novel about one young woman’s journey to rediscover her roots and redefine herself from acclaimed author Nikki Barthelmess.
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