This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves

The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category 'Analytics'. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What are the thoughts going through my head? And it was interesting. I did have to go into this mindset of really wanting to die. In fact, it sort of helps to put it all down on paper. So, to talk about that in a book with Quique didn’t feel so hard. I’m very open about my mental health struggles. Did you have any difficulties unpacking the characters, traumas, or any difficulties writing the somber moments of the book? What I also loved about this book is that it tackles a lot of complexities for a young person.

It’s from Quique’s perspective, which allows me to not gloss over it but to sort of engage with it as he would. It’s not my experience, but I have to at least mention and acknowledge that. And I was like, I can’t parse that apart. Regarding Fabiola’s experience, there’s one part in the book where Quique says Fabiola has confided in me about how she feels as a black Latina in spaces for primarily non-black Latinas. Then Fabiola is a chaotic, emotion-driven best friend. So, it’s like, Saleem is very put together, always planning. Saleem is based on her Virgo self, and then Fabiola is based on her Aries self. So, Fabiola is actually based on a friend of mine there are two characters based on that friend. I just wanted to ask why it was important to you to make Fabiola Afro-Latina. When we see the portrayals or narratives of Latina/Latinx folks don’t see any dark-skinned Latin folks. A post shared by Aaron Aceves addition to having a bisexual character, you also have an Afro-Latina character.

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves