The Fall of Whit Rivera

By: Ilaria Masselli

Honestly, this book was a real revelation, in a positive way. The new book by author Crystal Maldonado, The Fall of Whit Rivera, is such a special gem. I really appreciate how social matters like chronic illness, fatphobia, Latin identity and Autism were analyzed. This book can be seen as a sort of mirror where your reflection is perfect the way it is. Personally, this book made me cry as I really found a comfort zone, a friend, a place where to be myself is enough. In a society where often we are pushed to be different from who we are, here we can find the way back to ourselves.

Whitney “Whit” Rivera is a bisexual Puerto Rican teenager living in Massachusetts with her Abuela (grandmother) and her sister Lily. Whitney is ready for the perfect summer going into her Senior year at school, but especially she is ready to enjoy the Fall Fest. Unfortunately, the discovery of a chronic illness known as PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, will be a true nightmare in the life of this young girl. Despite the many obstacles that this illness causes and other problems that will arise in her life, Whitney faces everything with courage and grit, especially thanks to the help of her family, her friends Sophie and Marisol and the surprise of a new love.

It’s hard to pick just one of the many parts I loved most in this book. I really enjoy every single interaction with Abuela; she knows how to handle every situation without fear. She is warm and sweet but at the same time strong and brave. I smiled when Whitney’s best friends Marisol and Sophie are capable of understanding and listening to Whitney when she needs it the most. Also, I really appreciate how Whit’s health issues are not seen as a limit, but as a simple characteristic – a part that we must love because it belongs to us. No matter how difficult can be, how bad can be, people who love us will always appreciate us for what we are.

We already know Crystal Maldonado for her previous works such as Fat Chance, Charlie Vega and also No Filter and Other Lies, all of them romcoms for Latinas. I really love how she transforms words such as chronic illness, Autism, diabetes or even fat into simple details of a person – they are no more a defect, but a part of who we are, like a sort of background, a story that we have and that we are ready to share with the people we love. Stereotypes are broken down without denigrating them while other types are simply revealed and that is what we need in our society.

The Fall of Whit Rivera is a real comforting read, a place where we can find ourselves and where we accept our body for what it is and not for what it should be. It’s like a Manifesto of love, friendship and acceptance. Every single page is like a hug, a gentle touch, a consolation for when we feel as faults or not enough. Also, it is important to share how difficult is to know someone with chronic illnesses that sometimes simply lack information or that sometimes we know only by hearsay. Here we can find the spicy flavor of love which is true, gentle and young and that really helps in difficult situations. It is the perfect combination of a wonderful book that is worth the read.