My Thoughts On: You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

 

In honour of the Hispanic Heritage Month which spans from 15^th September – 15^th October, I’m reviewing Alexis Daria’s You Had Me At Hola. I loved it at first sight; my first read was a year ago. This time, on my second read, it only got better.

Celebrity-dom, soap-opera magic, smart dialogue and sizzling chemistry between the stars Jasmine and Ashton, not to mention Jasmine’s hilarious and exciting familia in tow. Well Ashton’s got a familia too, just that it unfolds along the way.

The first thing that struck me as a highly intelligent device used by Daria is two parallels – One, the story runs alternately between Jasmine’s and Ashton’s point of views. Two, the story runs alternately between their real lives and their reel lives which is fascinating; where readers actually get to read the script of the soap they’re acting in, Carmen in Charge. So we’ve got Jasmine and Ashton; and Carmen and Victor (played by Jasmine and Ashton), and as their privates lives collide with their public lives, we as readers get the inside scoop. The last time I remember reading a soap opera intersecting with the character’s real life was Mario Vargas Llosa’s Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, and that is a masterpiece. So is You Had Me At Hola.

Daria also touches on strong and bold issues that matter in a light and breezy manner, mainly bi-racial actors and the struggles they go through, which also extends to people in all walks of life. Next, Daria paints celebrities not as idols or demi-gods but as real people, with real emotions and real insecurities. And most importantly how Jasmine and Ashton see their true selves and each other through being Carmen and Victor. Daria also powers through with the message of woman empowerment with Jasmine’s plan to be strong and not needy in relationships, besides isn’t she playing Carmen in Charge? And her discussions with her girl power group in text messaging format is very cool and very real, something I loved.

This is the first Latinx novel which I have read, so I have no comparison to make. But in Priscilla Oliveras’s words, “ Alexis Daria has penned a showstopper novel that leaves you breathless and craving more.” I agree 100%. A stunning read that is a telenovela on paper, minus a villain. But we don’t need a villain here, because a reader would get so wrapped up in Jasmine and Ashton and their personal evolvement that we could all reflect on ourselves as we get into their world. Plus their sexy salsa moves would definitely want you heading with those heels to the studio and get that Shall We Dance Richard Gere J-Lo experience.

This novel was definitely beyond my expectations. All-star quality. Alexis Daria, Thank you and Book 2 please. As for you Jasmine and Ashton, Carmen in Charge next season please.