Where to Start with Ella Cerón
For most readers, the best starting point is her acclaimed debut young adult novel, Viva Lola Espinoza (2023). It showcases her signature blend of cultural identity, family dynamics, and magical realism. If you enjoy her storytelling and voice, you can then explore her early non-fiction works, which dive into memoirs and modern dating advice.
Ella Cerón Books in Publication Order
Although she is best known for her 2023 YA fiction debut, Cerón began her publishing journey in the mid-2010s with non-fiction books published through Thought Catalog. Here is the order of her books by their original release dates:
The Standalone YA Fiction
- Viva Lola Espinoza (2023) – A contemporary young adult novel about a Mexican-American teen who is sent to Mexico City for the summer, where she encounters romance, a family curse, and her own cultural heritage.
The Non-Fiction Books
- Virgin: A Memoir on Rape, and Relationships and Life Thereafter (2014) – A deeply personal memoir recounting the author's experience with trauma at a young age and her long road to emotional recovery.
- How to Date Better: Finding, Friending, Hooking Up, Breaking Up, and Falling in Love in the 21st Century (2016) – A practical and witty modern relationship guide written during her time as a digital writer and editor.
Deep Dive into Ella Cerón's Major Works
Viva Lola Espinoza (2023)
This novel tells the story of Lola Espinoza, a teenager from Los Angeles who struggles to fit into either her American or Mexican heritage. After failing her high school Spanish class, her parents send her to spend the summer with her grandmother and aunt in Mexico City. Lola expects a boring summer of studying, but instead, she is swept up in the magic of the city, discovers she might be carrying a generational family curse, and finds herself caught between two very different love interests.
Cerón uses her personal experiences visiting family in Mexico City to bring the setting to life with vibrant detail. The book deals with themes of cultural insecurity, the feeling of not being "Mexican enough" or "American enough," and the complicated bonds of family. A Spanish-language edition, ¡Viva Lola Espinoza!, was also released to make the story accessible to a bilingual audience.
Virgin (2014)
Written early in her career, this memoir is a stark departure from the lighthearted magic of her YA fiction. In it, Cerón details the trauma of being date-raped at age sixteen. The memoir focuses on the aftermath of the assault, the toxic shame she carried, and how it impacted her relationships into early adulthood. It is a raw, emotional read intended for older audiences seeking stories of healing and resilience.
How to Date Better (2016)
Drawing on her background as a lifestyle journalist and editor for major publications like Teen Vogue, Cerón wrote this guide to help young adults navigate the chaotic landscape of modern relationships. The book covers everything from online dating etiquette and defining boundaries to dealing with breakups. It is written in a friendly, conversational tone that balances humor with sensible, empathetic advice.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Ella Cerón's books span very different genres and target demographics, readers should be aware of a few key points before diving in:
- Total Standalones: None of her books are connected. You do not need to read her non-fiction to understand her YA novel, and vice versa.
- Drastic Tone Shift: While Viva Lola Espinoza is a charming, magical YA coming-of-age story suitable for teens and older readers, her memoir Virgin contains heavy themes and sensitive trigger warnings regarding sexual assault.
- Bilingual Appeal: If you are trying to practice your Spanish or prefer reading in Spanish, look for ¡Viva Lola Espinoza!, which preserves the local flavor and slang of Mexico City.