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What's Coming to Me Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

Seventeen-year-old Minerva Gutiérrez plans revenge on her predatory boss in this equally poignant and thrilling contemporary YA about grief, anger, and fighting for what you deserve, perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson and Erika L. Sánchez.

In the seaside town of Nautilus, Minerva Gutiérrez absolutely hates her job at the local ice cream stand, where her sexist boss makes each day worse than the last. But she needs the money: kicked out of school and stranded by her mom's most recent hospitalization, she dreams of escaping her dead-end hometown. When an armed robbery at the ice cream stand stirs up rumors about money hidden on the property, Min teams up with her neighbor CeCe, also desperate for cash, to find it. The bonus? Getting revenge on her boss in the process.
 
If Minerva can do things right for once—without dirty cops, suspicious co-workers, and an ill-timed work crush getting in her way—she might have a way out . . . as long as the painful truths she’s been running from don’t catch up to her first.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up-A magnetic, coming-of-age thriller about grief, class, and trauma. Minerva Gutierrez, 17, works at an ice cream stand for a predatory boss, hoping to save up money to escape her circumstances-a terminally ill mother in the hospital and living in borderline poverty. When burglars rob the shop, grabbing the money bag straight out of Min's hands, the Dominican teen is traumatized and finds it difficult to get past the events of that night, especially as she starts to wonder whether her sleazy manager was a part of the crime. The first half of this gritty, noir-esque novel sets the scene for this Long Island seaside tale of haves and have-nots. The pacing picks up in the latter half, as a motley crew of Min, her love interest and assistant manager, Eli, CeCe, her weed-dealing neighbor, and Mary, her erstwhile best friend, plan a heist to extract a rumored treasure that could change their lives. Padilla's characters are fully fleshed out, especially the unflinching Min whose mother's long-term and terminal illness is always weighing on her mind. Marked by a strong voice, the protagonist's sardonic narration is equal parts vulnerable and defiant. While the novel is heavy with themes of poverty, sexism, and racism, there are threads of lightness woven in. CeCe and Mary are lesbians. CeCe is Latinx; Mary and Eli are white. VERDICT Realistic teen characters, hypnotic writing, and an honest portrayal of adolescence make this debut a perfect choice for fans of Sarah Zarr, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Phillippe Diederich.-Shelley M. Diazα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Praise for What's Coming to Me

A 2023 CBC Teacher Favorites Winner
Finalist for the Millikin Medal for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
Nominated for the 2023 ITW Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel
Nominated for the Rhode Island Latino Books Award
A CrimeReads Best YA Mystery of 2022

A
Kirkus Reviews Best YA Book of 2022
A
School Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A JLG Gold Standard Selection

A Buzzfeed Highly Anticipated Book of Summer

A We Are Bookish Most Anticipated Book of August

A CrimeReads Most Anticipated Crime Book of Summer
A Scribd Best Book of August
An Apartment Therapy Best Book of August

“[A] promising debut . . . Padilla adroitly navigates issues of uncertainty, revenge, and sorrow in the straits of late adolescence with her Minerva’s rebellion against a sexist and abusive boss and her search for some beauty and meaning in a life that seems to be coming apart at the seams.”
—Oprah Daily

“More than just the experience with her mother’s illness and the passion for the beach, the book is a little bit of all the experiences Padilla has had throughout her life.”
—Al Día News

“One of this summer’s must-read books . . .
What’s Coming to Me holds nothing back about the heartbreak and confusion of a young girl who seems destined for tragedy and grief in a town that offers nothing to her. In fact, at every turn Minerva faces racism, sexism, and adults whom she cannot trust. This coming-of-age novel is also a thrilling tale of revenge and redemption that is difficult to put down.”
—(585) Magazine

“Padilla’s highly anticipated YA heist story is full of righteous anger about life’s injustices, but it successfully keeps hope alive throughout the thrilling ride.”
—Scribd

“Padilla has created a character who pierces the reader’s heart by interspersing a miasma of anticipatory grief and anger with scenes that perfectly distill Minerva’s path out of the darkness.”
Booklist, Starred Review

“Lovers of flawed and morally gray characters to the front! This genre-blending heist/coming-of-age novel is trauma-informed and shows how the pressures of systemic inequalities can manifest into self-sabotage. Still, despite the heaviness of some topics, there are moments of fun and humor.”
—BookRiot

“Part summer thriller and part coming-of-age, Francesca Padilla’s powerful debut novel offers a nuanced story about a teen fighting for a better life, showing the many shades and struggles of growing up as it depicts life in all its messy authenticity.”
—Apartment Therapy

“Francesca Padilla's writing arrives with enormous integrity and realism: There are no easy solutions to Min's problems . . . [A] well-written and challenging novel.”
—Kingdom Books

“Hand this book to readers who like complicated lives, righteous anger, and surprisingly hopeful endings.”
—Teen Librarian Toolbox

“A magnetic, coming-of-age thriller about grief, class, and trauma . . . Realistic teen characters, hypnotic writing, and an honest portrayal of adolescence make this debut a perfect choice for fans of Sarah Zarr, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Phillippe Diederich.”
School Library Journal, Starred Review

“An unflinching depiction of a teenager’s struggle when faced with very adult situations, while feeling like her life is falling apart . . . Fans of the author Laurie Halse Anderson, who wrote the novel
Speak (1999), and the ‘Seeds of America’ series (2008 to 2016) should check this book out.” Adirondack Daily Enterprise

“A moody and suspenseful YA novel about a teen who is deeply hurting . . . Padilla delivers a raw and chaotic portrait of adolescence.”
—Dominican Writers Association

“Emotionally layered . . . Padilla skillfully balances introspective musings on grief with thrilling mystery and intrigue in this intimate-feeling read.”
Publishers Weekly

“Raw and unflinching,
What's Coming to Me is a beautiful story about the uncertainty of adolescence, the burden of grief, and all the ways love can surprise you. I so enjoyed spending time with Minerva Gutiérrez, and Francesca Padilla is a writer to watch.”
Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of The Voting Booth

“If you’re longing for a book that’s gritty (but not exploitative), that’s honest (but not cruel), and that will have you screaming as you turn each page . . . Francesca Padilla’s
What's Coming to Me is for you. This sharp, realistic noir illuminates the nuanced journey of Minerva, whose anger is always right on the surface. A masterful debut and one hell of a ride.” 
—Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is a Gift

“Unexpected and suspenseful.
What’s Coming to Me is a ride fueled by anger and loss, in a car driven by teens who’ve had enough. Padilla has written a gripping story about survival and injustice. About young women taking back what’s owed to them with both hands and without remorse. There be no good girls here—and I’m grateful for that.”
—Isabel Quintero, author of Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

“Propulsive, fearless, and filled with heart-aching revelations,
What’s Coming to Me is a beautiful debut by a scorching new voice in YA fiction. This is a thrill ride of a coming-of-age story, one that grabbed me by the throat but most of all moved me to the core.” 
—Nova Ren Suma, New York Times bestselling author of The Walls Around Us

What's Coming to Me by Francesca Padilla perfectly evokes the salt air, gasoline and desperation of a seaside town. A vivid and truthful book that delves into grief, denial and finding your way back to yourself.” 
—Alexandra Villasante, award-winning author of The Grief Keeper

“Nuanced, complex, and deeply emotional, Padilla’s novel skillfully delves into the personal impact of trauma and loss, as well as the damage violence and inequity can inflict on a larger community. The high-stakes narrative, as told by a grieving girl desperate to both flee and find meaning in a place that’s taken so much from her, is equal parts tense, heartbreaking, and ultimately healing. A must-read.”
—Stephanie Kuehn, author of We Weren’t Looking to Be Found

"A delicious story of revenge, unlikely friendships, and claiming your place in an all-too-unfair world. Francesca Padilla’s brilliant prose dazzles as Minerva navigates thrilling heists, quiet moments of grief, and all the sparks of joy in between. Minerva is a triumphant underdog, and her savviness, wry humor, and perseverance will win your heart."
—Angela Velez, author of Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity

“A class, wage and grief struggle tight as a garrote, Francesca Padilla’s
What’s Coming to Me is devastating in its familiarity: Where an ice cream shop becomes the world, and all of the people in it.” 
—K. Ancrum, author of Darling

“Justice and morally gray areas collide in a story of haves and have-nots.” 
—Mindy McGinnis, author of The Last Laugh

“Unfortunately, there are too many Anthony's in this world whose toxic masculinity goes largely unchecked in a society that makes it difficult for young femmes to speak up about workplace predators, especially when, like Minerva, they are navigating responsibilities that require economic stability for survival. Minerva won't settle for the idea that that's just how things are. Anyone who has had to navigate anger and grief simultaneously while continuing to believe in the promise of tomorrow will root for Minerva's perseverance and determination to get what's coming to her.” 
—Elisabet Velasquez, author of When We Make It

“Minerva is all of us. If all of us were smart, cynical, hurt but brilliant young women working for just a little bit of dignity and a little bit of joy in the midst of so much turmoil. I can't imagine a reader who wouldn't fall head over heels for Minerva. Get ready for a journey.” 
—Erika T. Wurth, author of White Horse

“To say I enjoyed it was an understatement . . . You can’t help but feel for Minerva as she wades against a cold, dark tide of things beyond her control. It’s rare that you are able to slip so easily into someone’s difficult emotions and with Minerva, you feel her every step of the way . . .
What's Coming to Me is a great revenge fantasy against 'that boss' wrapped around a tender grieving heart.”
—Sarah Nicole Lemon, author of Done Dirt Cheap

“Gripping and real. A layered story of grief, justice, and revenge told by an unforgettable narrator.”

Caleb Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving

What’s Coming to Me is an action-packed novel.”
—HipLatina

“Padilla’s debut is an impactful, no-holds-barred exploration of grief and trauma . . . This book takes readers on a beautifully textured journey that combines equal parts coming-of-age novel, heist thriller, and caustic commentary on systemic social inequalities. Despite the seriousness of these themes, when the ending comes, it’s joyful, hopeful, and, above all, earned.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09KWBTRRK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Soho Teen (August 2, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 2, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2572 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 337 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1641293357
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

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Francesca Padilla
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
28 global ratings

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5 out of 5 stars
Relatable af
This book was super easy to get into/ literally felt as though I was along side the characters as the story took place. Made me laugh out loud a time or two.Great for teens or anyone experiencing grief related to prolonged sickness or death and trying to continue their day to day lives.Great for anyone who's had a crappy boss and fantasied about exacting revenge.All around well written and enjoyable. The narrator delivered a believable angsty youngster- not campy
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2022
    What's Coming to Me is everything I needed to read as a kid and now everything I needed to read as an adult. From the clashing of worlds to the voice in Minerva's head, it was both so familiar yet still new. The characters are so natural and easy to envision. I wanted to know more about everyone. As an avid reader, I worried the turning points would be predictable but found myself surprised again and again. Which, of course, led me to a few 1 am readings trying to figure out what happens next and how in the world this thing ends.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022
    I enjoy “what’s coming to me” very much,
    The mystery, the suspense, and the humored.
    I recommend it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
    Francesca Padilla’s YA debut, What’s Coming to Me, examines grief, poverty and retaliation through a poignant and sometimes messy lens. Minerva Gutiérrez is barely keeping afloat. Her mother’s health condition has deteriorated beyond hope, she is skipping school, and working a tedious job in order to build up her “Probable Orphan Fund.” To outsiders, Minerva appears to be an apathetic teen with no motivation, who is just going through the motions. But Minerva is not okay. She is not dealing with her anticipatory grief, but is actively avoiding it. She doesn’t want to talk about her mother because then everything will be real and in order to get up every day, even to a life that is starting to feel more and more hopeless, she has to close herself off from this reality. It is a defense mechanism that often has her retreating into herself and often lashing out at others. She is angry and desperate to get out of her small town. This desperation leads her into dangerous territory when she and a friend decide to rob her shady boss. What’s Coming to Me starts off slow and made me wonder where it was going, but once its plot found its footing, it sunk its claws into me and never let go. Padilla’s debut is quietly mesmerizing, about the lengths people will go to to survive, what justice can look like when conventional avenues aren’t available to you, and how protecting yourself from grief can sometimes leave you drowning anyways.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Excellent YA debut for Francesca. She outlines anticipatory grief for teens, a super important topic, in an accessible and engaging way. The story will speak to a lot of youth going through complex emotions. It's also just a fun and exciting summer read. Excited to see more from Francesca!
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
    I just finished “What’s Coming to Me” this past weekend and I have this to say: it’s by far the realist, most honest YA novel I’ve ever read. Unlike many I’ve read over the years, “What’s Coming to Me” is the only one that covers the topics of poverty, classism, sexual harassment, racism, police corruption, and grief in a way that is both relatable and realistic. It doesn’t shy away from the ways many working-class teens observe how the affluent and well-connected abuse their power and resources, believing that those without such privileges are powerless and therefore easy to humiliate and use. Padilla’s novel takes the opportunity to point out and even challenges the symptoms of White Supremacy through her characters Minerva, CeCe, Eli, and Mary while also acknowledging the fact that they are still teens at the end of the day.

    Speaking of which, the characters are beautifully complex, realistic, and relatable. Padilla’s protagonist Minerva, a teen girl dealing with the loss of her mother, the constant disrespect from Anthony, a business owner who feels entitled to the bodies of his young female employees, and the presence of Nicole, who is both a reminder of her mother and of someone who seems to disapprove of the young woman. Like most teens, Minerva resorts to escapism through drugs, a coping mechanism rarely mentioned in many YA novels. This is one characteristic I as a reader appreciate and admire, considering that many teens resort to this sort of behavior to cope with significant life changes. Unfortunately, drug use and other risky behavior is common among many teens in unstable home environments where there is no adult to help them cope with whatever trauma the entire family is experiencing. Then you have her friend, CeCe, who comes off as untrustworthy at first, but as the novel goes on, you realize that the persona she presents to the outside world is one that shields a sensitive, intelligent, and thoughtful young woman who also desires better than what she is used to. Eli and Mary are the two characters who represent the facade of affluence. Though they reside in the suburbs, their interactions with their individual families paint a different picture. This contrast between the public image each family presents and the unseen truth shapes Mary and Eli’s personalities, which exude humility, kindness, and thoughtful awareness. There are also humorous moments between these characters as well, which not only adds balance to the intertwined storylines but showcases the fact that there lighthearted moments that occasionally dims the shadow within our own lives.

    “What’s Coming to Me” is a novel that should be recommended by college level creative writing courses and shelved in high school libraries. BIPOC Leftists who read reality based fiction should use this novel to discuss how intersectionality can be presented to teens interested in challenging various struggles. Speaking of which, “What’s Coming to Me” is one of the many reasons why I prefer the works of BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ authors above their counterparts. We are natural storytellers who aren’t afraid to tell stories about how White supremacy and its symptoms created situations that cause unnecessary obstacles for marginalized groups. I can’t wait to read her future works.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
    Minerva’s voice is powerful and uncompromising. While she carries a burden no child should have to deal with, she’s able to find beauty and love in the middle of the sordid. But she also brings a critical lens to the world she’s forced to live in. This is a book that matters to our public discourse about struggling youth with few options available to them. The prose is beautiful and the story compelling and layered. The brilliant plot never lets up, and it comes with surprising twists. The story even has humor and a lovely dog called Large Marge. A wonderful debut with an uplifting ending. Loved it!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2022
    Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. I enjoyed this debut novel and will definitely keep an eye out for future books by Padilla. I thought she did an excellent job capturing the essence of her characters and the difficult life situations they were in. I do think the plot needed a little work - the whole heist aspect almost wasn’t even necessary and felt like an afterthought thrown in the book just for the sake of having some action. I enjoyed Minerva and Cece and learning about their lives more than I cared about the heist and the ice cream shop drama. Overall, this was a good one!
    One person found this helpful
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