The author of “Ordinary Girls”, Jaquira Diaz has had a rocky start to her childhood. From having a judgmental and if I may say, a racist grandmother, to a mentally ill mother whom she doesn’t have the best relationship with, to a father that she thought was her other half until she saw the real him. Jaquira experienced such heart felt and traumatizing events as she grew up that no child should. Throughout pages 63-142, Jaquira talks about her non-existing relationship with her mother and how she wishes she had the loving, caring mother she deserves. “We’re supposed to love our mothers. We’re supposed to trust them and need them and miss them when they’re gone. But what if that same person, the one who’s supposed to protect you, is also the one who hurts you the most?” (Diaz 66). This is such a strong piece of writing and it’s sad to know that she had this doubt about her mother and that there was a lack of love and comfort Jaquira received from her. “I remember when Mami and Papi were still together, how they’d scream at each other in their bedroom…Once, right before Papi left her for the last time, Mami grabbed me and Alaina, held us out in front of him. “Take a good look at them,”…”because once you leave, you will never see them again.” (Diaz 66). This is something that a child should ever have to experience nor hear. To experience it is one thing, but to remember it, means that it really impacted you and left a mark. Overall, Jaquira Diaz does have a set of tough skin that has allowed her to get through her heartbreaking and traumatic childhood.