Reviews with content warning for Trafficking - Ander and Santi Were Here

So... I hated this book. I had a hard time getting through it. I didn't like the main character (they're insufferable for me), I found the li boring and the supporting cast was a 100% more interesting than them. The story felt too slow at the start and then devolved into bunch of loose events with no plot.

But I can't with a good heart rate it any lower than this, because I think It's a very important book. I personally didn't like it, but I think a lot of young people would benefit from reading it. If you love cheesy romances, can deal with teenagers acting as such and don't hate instalove then go for it. It has a really good message and a very hopeful ending. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

Content Warnings

ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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

Ander & Santi Were Here is a young adult/new adult book about finding home, finding voice, and finding love. Ander and Santi may be fighting for different things, but together, they learn to use their voice, art, and love to fit into a brutal yet beautiful world.

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betweentheshelves's review

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emotional hopeful 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? No

4.5

Working at their family's taqueria in their home in San Antonia, Texas is all Ander has ever known. In fact, their home is what inspired them to be a muralist, to follow their dreams to become an artist. However, in order to make sure they make the best of their gap year between high school and college, their family "fires" them. Now, they have the chance to focus on their art.

Until Santi enters the picture. Santi, Ander's replacement at the restaurant, inspires Ander to explore their identity as an artist. Makes them feel more like themselves. But the threat of ICE agents hang over both of their heads. And they'll realize how fragile their new home really is.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa! This is their second YA book, and it packs a punch. Just like Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun. Both of these books explore the idea of that transition period between high school and college, especially when you find someone you connect with. If you haven't read their other book, I highly recommend it!

This book focuses on Ander's gap year, meeting with a mentor before they go off to an art program. However, part of the story is about their artistic journey, learning that they maybe don't have to follow the conventional path. And that those college art programs can sometimes put you into a specific box. I loved the way that art was woven into this story, and how it related to Ander's own growth as a person.

Their chemistry with Santi is also well written. Being undocumented, Santi has seen a lot of difficulties, but you can just tell that he feels safe with Ander. There were so many cute moments between them, and they both have a wonderful, vibrant community around them. A community that would do anything to make sure that they both feel safe.

Villa's writing has also gotten stronger in this book, with descriptions written in a way that just makes the images leap off the page. I honestly wanted to go paint something when I was done reading this!

All in all, another beautiful novel by Villa. Can't wait to see what they write next.

Content Warnings

gigireadswithkiki's review

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emotional reflective tense 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? No

4.25

I will never recover from the emotional toll of the last 25% of this book!! Ander and Santi Were Here begins in the midst of 19 year old Ander's gap year, starting with being "let go" from their family's taqueria and encouraged to take time to pursue their artistic endeavors. Upon meeting their hot new replacement at the restaurant, Santiago, Ander is pulled on a whirlwind journey of love and self discovery, leading to heart wrenching conclusion.

Ander and Santi were beautifully vibrant characters, and I loved watching them and their relationship blossom and come to life on the pages. Ander relationship with the art they love & the murals they created was complex and nuanced, tying strongly to their Mexican identity to form an animated multifaceted character. Santi's backstory was so emotional and devastating, touching so close to home for so many Brown and Black undocumented immigrants. Together, Ander and Santi were sickeningly adorable in their love and support for each other, giving the other just what they need in times of distress.

My only issue with this book was with the pacing, I felt that the beginnings and end were so action-packed and fast paced but the middle slowed down quite a bit and threw off my momentum for a little bit. Otherwise, I loved the powerful plot of this story: featuring two Latinx Brown queer characters on their quest for their place in the world amidst a country fraught with bigoted organizations like ICE. I loved that the book showed that despite all the forces driving them apart, Ander and Santi (and others like them) do not have to face these issues alone. The conclusion of this book had me on a roller coaster of emotions and I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely recommend this book, but would absolutely advise checking content warnings beforehand!

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