Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters is a heartfelt and deeply relatable young adult novel that explores anxiety, identity, and the unpredictability of life. Written by Miriam Zoila Pérez and published by Page Street YA, this contemporary coming-of-age story follows Cuban-American Camila as she navigates a year filled with emotional upheavals, friendships, family struggles, and love. With rich representation, a touch of magical realism through tarot, and an honest portrayal of mental health, this book is a must-read for fans of character-driven YA. Please scroll down to read my five reasons you should pick it up!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review. TBR and Beyond Tours sponsor this book tour.
Title: Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters
Author: Miriam Zoila Pérez
Publisher: Page Street YA
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publishing date: March 18, 2025
Book Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Synopsis:
Cuban American Camila Núñez has always been afraid of the future. She’s been working hard to keep her anxieties in check, but with so many new experiences―her first queer love, trouble with her dog walking job, her mother’s judgments about her body, learning to drive, her father being too busy with work―there’s just so much to worry about.
So when Camila’s best friend gives her a tarot card reading for her sixteenth birthday, she believes it when the cards predict terrible things to come. As the year unfolds, the cards seem to be spot-on―is her papi having an affair? Will her best friend’s love life ruin their friendship? Are all her relationships doomed to fail?
Whether she’s ready or not, Camila will have to reckon with all the ways her fear about the future is ruining her life and learn to find peace amidst it all.
My 5 Reasons to Read Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters
by Miriam Zoila Pérez
⭐ 1. A Raw and Honest Portrayal of Anxiety
Camila’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks are written with authenticity and care. The novel does an incredible job of capturing the overwhelming nature of worry and fear while also highlighting the importance of self-growth, support systems, and therapy. If you're looking for a book that realistically represents mental health, Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters delivers in a powerful and validating way.
🏳️🌈 2. Fantastic Latinx & LGBTQ+ Representation
This book is filled with meaningful representation, including Cuban-American culture, Latinx/e identity, and LGBTQ+ themes. Camila’s journey of self-discovery, particularly in her relationships, makes for an emotional and rewarding read. Her connection with a nonbinary love interest adds depth to the exploration of identity, love, and self-acceptance.
🔮 3. A Unique Twist with Tarot and Fate
The tarot card reading at Camila’s birthday adds an intriguing layer to the story, blurring the lines between superstition and reality. As her year unfolds, it’s fascinating to see how each event aligns (or doesn’t) with the prediction. The blend of magical realism with contemporary struggles makes for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
❤️ 4. Complex Family and Friendship Dynamics
Camila’s relationships with her parents, especially the suspicion surrounding her papi, create compelling tension throughout the book. Meanwhile, her evolving friendship dynamics—especially as romance enters the mix—are messy, realistic, and relatable. If you love books that dive deep into family and friendship complexities, this one will keep you hooked.
✍️ 5. Beautifully Written with an Emotional Core
Miriam Zoila Pérez’s writing is deeply emotional, immersive, and full of heart. Camila’s voice is raw and genuine, making her journey feel incredibly personal. The novel balances heavy themes with moments of warmth, humor, and self-discovery, making it a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
🌟 Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters is an unforgettable coming-of-age story that blends mental health, identity, family, and fate into a beautifully written narrative. If you love contemporary YA with rich representation, emotional depth, and a touch of magical realism, this book is a must-read!
About the author:
Miriam Zoila Pérez is an award-winning queer Cuban writer and activist. Their work, which mostly looks at the intersections of race, health and gender, is motivated by a desire to understand how the world shapes our bodies, and to explore all the many solutions that already exist for some of our biggest problems, but simply don’t get the attention they deserve.
Their debut young adult fiction novel, Camila Núñez’s Year of Disasters, will be published by Page Street YA in 2025. They will also be publishing a non-fiction book with their podcast co-host Verónica Bayetti Flores, Muévelo, published by Running Press.
Their writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian and Colorlines, among other outlets. Pérez’s work has appeared in a number of anthologies, including the NYT Bestselling anthology, Not That Bad, edited by Roxane Gay. Pérez’s 2016 TED Talk How Racism is Harming Pregnant Women–and What Can Help, has been viewed over a million times. Pérez is the author of the self-published Radical Doula Guide: A Political Primer for Full-Spectrum Pregnancy and Childbirth Support
Sounds like a great read!