Reviews

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

ezismythical's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

5.0

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

1.0

Ander is an immature, ignorant, self-centered, 19-year-old. They are a talented artist artist whose family runs a successful business and that has spared them from most of the things that cause their family and neighbors to worry. The worst part is that they have no idea how privileged their existence has been.

Santi is a seemingly hard-working young man who is seeking a better life in the U.S. He is the outline of a character we've met dozens of times before; but there is no real depth in him.

Apart from the physical attraction, it is hard for me to understand what these two see in each other; much less why they've decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

Spoiler

I am 83% in and decided to bail because this whole thing with Santi's mother and sister was too much to handle. Not just because of how horrible it must be for Santi, but because of Ander's complete lack of empathy and support. Sure Ander agonizes about it, but there is no real change in their attitude; ultimately they care more about their feelings that about what their boyfriend is going through. Then again, they haven't even said that they love each other. ("Te quiero" is very different from "te amo.")

And now this "fairy godmother" Hollywood twist. Nope I'm done.

Update: I actually finished the book and there is no way I can suspend disbelief that much.

hyac1nthgirl's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

5.0

so so so good. funny, emotional, warm feelings, the truth about the hard feelings. and love, so much love. (also, abuelitas are the best people on the planet, argue with the wall)

"through happiness and destruction."

lookatjimmy's review against another edition

4.0

[4.25]

Thank-you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Jonny Garza Villa for the eARC.

First and foremost, I have never in my life felt more ATTACKED than I did while listening to the Valentina hot sauce comment. Mx Garza Villa really came for my neck with that one.

In all honestly, it took me about a third of the way to fully get into this book. I liked the concept, the characters, and all the Mexican-ness that reminded me of home, but this was the first book I've read that made me feel like maybe I WAS too old to still be reading YA. Just some of the terminology (such as the unironic use of the word "unalive") and the super specific pop culture references that made me feel like I was ready for senior discounts and early-bird dinner specials.

jules_0021's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

billyfasig's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

3.75

eiireads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

3.0

jennaniho's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad slow-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Racism

bookworm0302's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the wide variety of characters and their experiences. This book was so cleverly written and so heartbreaking. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone I know!

adequateanja's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I loved every Word of it. Huge rec!