Reviews

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

brakeboundaries's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

missmeganmann's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

First and foremost: this cover? Is stunning. Absolutely GORGEOUS. And I love that this is about art and activism and family and love. 

Do I LOVE the ending? No. But is it on par with the spontaneity and decision making of a nineteen year old? Yes. So, for that, I can deeply appreciate the ending.

milvan849's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

flirting_with_pages's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

hyunniebunny's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

menderbender's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

jennybeautifulbook's review against another edition

4.5

When I read this book I had a bad news. So at first I was not going to finish it but I did and I am happy I did.  It’s impossible to put into words exactly how this book made me feel. It was one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful love stories that I had reading. 

bookish_spice's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

i_readsandbujos's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

thisgayreads's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Ander & Santi Were Here” by Johnny Garza Villa

📕 Edition: ARC ebook via @netgalley

Jonny Garza Villa delivered a stirring YA contemporary love story! This captivating novel took me on a poignant journey of self-discovery, young love, and the enduring quest for belonging.

Set in the vibrant Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, the story introduces us to Ander Martínez, a nonbinary Mexican American teenager who finds solace and inspiration in their family's taquería. The narrative beautifully captures the tapestry of Ander's world—pan dulce aromas, the harmonious blend of Spanish and English, and the powerful role of their mural artistry. As Ander prepares to leave for art school, the familiar surroundings that have nurtured their creativity give rise to hesitation and uncertainty.

Ander's transition from taquería life to full-time muralist, thanks to a "firing" from their family, marks the beginning of a transformative journey. However, it is their chance encounter with Santiago López Alvarado, the enigmatic new waiter, that sets the heart of this story in motion. The love that blossoms between Ander and Santi feels as natural as breathing, and their relationship becomes a conduit for profound self-discovery.

Through Santi's eyes, Ander gains fresh insights into their identity as an artist, igniting a creative flame that propels them forward. Meanwhile, Ander becomes Santi's guide to understanding the intricacies of Santos Vista and the United States, eventually helping Santi establish a sense of home. But their love story isn't without challenges, as the shadow of ICE agents looms, threatening to shatter their newfound happiness.

Jonny Garza Villa masterfully addresses the complexities of identity, love, and belonging in a world fraught with uncertainty. As Ander and Santi navigate the treacherous waters of immigration, readers are reminded of the fragility of home and the resilience of love. The story delves into the stark reality of living in a world that often feels against them and beautifully depicts the power of love to persevere even when the odds seem insurmountable.