Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja - by Carolina Acosta & Aralis Mejia (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Tired of the same old sugarcoated self-help advice? Mamâa Didn't Raise a Pendeja serves up a bracing dose of truth straight from the mouths of Latin elders. With its wit, edge, and no-nonsense advice on everything from dating to careers, this compilation offers a tool kit of motivational mantras to tackle modern struggles -- with plenty of humor and comedic smacks of perspective along the way. Inspired by their own no-nonsense abuelitas, first-generation Latinas Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia share the tough love and bold wisdom passed down from generations of resilient women. Free of the saccharine platitudes common in modern affirmation books, this book bottles the loving reality checks only family can give. Quotes like "If you expect life to be easy, it's gonna be longer than you want it to be" cut straight to the heart with perspective and humor. Party self-help send-up, part loving lecture, Mamâa Didn't Raise a Pendeja is the little book of blessings and burns you'll want in your back pocket. It's a practical reminder that even as we hustle ahead, some of the best life lessons come from looking back." --

Book Synopsis

Affectionate yet blunt, this self-help send-up curates the witty tough love of generations of Latina ancestors

If you're tired of fluffy, feel-good self-help books, Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja is here to deliver real talk with a side of sass. This collection of unapologetically blunt, tough-love sayings--"anti-affirmations," if you will--draws on generations of Latina wisdom to cut through the noise and offer hard-hitting advice on everything from relationships to careers.

Created by first-gen Latinas Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia, this book captures the no-nonsense guidance passed down from their abuelitas and tías. Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja doesn't sugarcoat--it delivers practical life lessons with humor, honesty, and a few verbal slaps of reality. Packed with culturally rich, real-world insights, it's the perfect self-help book for anyone looking to level up without the fluff.

Whether you need a reminder to stay grounded or a push to tackle life's challenges head-on, this collection will have you laughing, thinking, and getting your life together--all while keeping it real. Perfect for anyone in need of resilience, humor, and perspective, Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja proves that sometimes the best advice comes straight from mamá.

Review Quotes

"A bold, empowering exploration of Latinx identity, heritage, and nostalgia. With wit and heart, Acosta and Mejia capture the wisdom of Latinx sayings, offering readers a relatable and refreshing perspective on self-discovery and strength. This book is great for anyone seeking a raw, authentic voice that celebrates both heritage and independence."
--Mike Alfaro, creator of Millennial Lotería and author of Sí Sabo Kids

"A remarkable collection of sayings that have shaped a resilient mindset among Latinas, driving our success, wisdom, and unparalleled humor. This is the essential book every Latina should have at home, serving as a joyful reminder that 'al mal tiempo, buena cara.'"
--Suanny Garcia Barales, author of The New Latina: 100 Millennials Shaping Our World

"It's hilarious and resolutely practical, the perfect go-to for a morning motivation fix."
--Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Carolina Acosta is the founder of Tragos Games, a tabletop game company dedicated to unique products that celebrate Latino culture. With a background in art and graphic design, Carolina found a passion in designing products that speak to her heritage and has made it her mission to use her company and products to give her community more representation in toys and games. Carolina has a MFA from Parsons The New School and is part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2021.

Aralis Mejia, a first-gen Latina, seamlessly blends her cultural roots with a thriving career in marketing, strategy, and events. Currently, as the Head of Marketing at Tragos Game, she leads impactful campaigns and charts strategic roadmaps. In 2023, Aralis ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Silara Marketing--a dynamic firm specializing in bridging the gap between digital and traditional marketing for hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. With her strategic acumen, Aralis not only plays a pivotal role in Tragos' success but also guides clients in creating comprehensive marketing initiatives, ensuring a seamless integration of modern and traditional approaches in the ever-evolving landscape. Her journey reflects a fusion of cultural heritage and professional excellence, leaving a lasting mark in both corporate and entrepreneurial spheres.