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sarabookdragon's review
2.0
i was honestly debating between a 3.5 or a 4☆ , but then lots of 'religion' was included, and lots of extra words, and i think it was ruined. i liked the idea of presenting how someone with a cognitive disability could work and function so close to normally, that they all just need a chance and someone to push them, and someone to believe in them. other than that, i just think it wasn't worth the read
books4susie's review
5.0
Marcelo Sandoval has a form of high functioning autism. He attends a special school and works at the horse stable where kids with special needs receive therapy. Marcelo also hears music that only he can hear. But at the age of seventeen, Marcelo’s father thinks it is time for him to experience “the real world.” Instead of working at the stables for the summer, Marcelo will be working in the mailroom at his father’s law firm. If he can adapt and follow the rules, then Marcelo can choose where he will attend high school his senior year; Paterson or a real high school.
Jasmine, a few years older than Marcelo, is his supervisor is the mailroom. He soon realizes that Jasmine is not thrilled to have Marcelo working for her but before long; trust and friendship develop between them. After a few weeks, Wendell, the son of Marcelo’s father’s law partner, makes him an offer. If Marcelo helps Wendell make the moves on Jasmine, then Wendell will tell Marcelo’s father that he is capable of making it in the real world. Marcelo never agrees because he realizes that Wendell wishes to harm Jasmine. He soon finds himself as Wendell’s helper on a big lawsuit.
In working on the lawsuit files, Marcelo finds a photo of a girl his age whose face has been scarred. He becomes drawn to her and soon embarks on a journey to discover her story. Part self-discovery, part coming of age and part legal drama, the story of Marcelo Sandoval’s seventeenth summer will have readers cheering for the underdog.
Jasmine, a few years older than Marcelo, is his supervisor is the mailroom. He soon realizes that Jasmine is not thrilled to have Marcelo working for her but before long; trust and friendship develop between them. After a few weeks, Wendell, the son of Marcelo’s father’s law partner, makes him an offer. If Marcelo helps Wendell make the moves on Jasmine, then Wendell will tell Marcelo’s father that he is capable of making it in the real world. Marcelo never agrees because he realizes that Wendell wishes to harm Jasmine. He soon finds himself as Wendell’s helper on a big lawsuit.
In working on the lawsuit files, Marcelo finds a photo of a girl his age whose face has been scarred. He becomes drawn to her and soon embarks on a journey to discover her story. Part self-discovery, part coming of age and part legal drama, the story of Marcelo Sandoval’s seventeenth summer will have readers cheering for the underdog.
amazing_emily_anderson's review
2.0
REQUIRED TEXT
Marcelo has Aspbergers, or something like it. Up until now, he has been going to a school for kids with special needs, and he looks forward to his summer job working with the therapy ponies at the school. However, his father has other plans for him. He believes that it would be more beneficial for Marcelo to work in the "real world" with him at his law firm. What his father doesn't expect, however, is how Marcelo will begin to unravel the mysteries and secrets that lie just under the surface at the firm.
I admit, I really struggled to work my way through this book. I get that the author was trying to give a voice to people with mental disorders, but Marcelo felt more like a caricature of someone with Aspbergers rather than a real person; emotionless, obsessed with logic, overly literal, etc. One of the characters actually refers to him as Spock, which I thought was an accurate description. This book reminded me a lot of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," with almost the exact same plot. I just don't think the format of the book speaks in favor of people with similar disabilities. Why should we be surprised or proud when Marcelo is actually able to succeed in the "real world?" This book just felt pandering, and while the writing itself was not bad and there were a few highlights, overall this book did not succeed at its purpose, in my opinion.
Marcelo has Aspbergers, or something like it. Up until now, he has been going to a school for kids with special needs, and he looks forward to his summer job working with the therapy ponies at the school. However, his father has other plans for him. He believes that it would be more beneficial for Marcelo to work in the "real world" with him at his law firm. What his father doesn't expect, however, is how Marcelo will begin to unravel the mysteries and secrets that lie just under the surface at the firm.
I admit, I really struggled to work my way through this book. I get that the author was trying to give a voice to people with mental disorders, but Marcelo felt more like a caricature of someone with Aspbergers rather than a real person; emotionless, obsessed with logic, overly literal, etc. One of the characters actually refers to him as Spock, which I thought was an accurate description. This book reminded me a lot of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," with almost the exact same plot. I just don't think the format of the book speaks in favor of people with similar disabilities. Why should we be surprised or proud when Marcelo is actually able to succeed in the "real world?" This book just felt pandering, and while the writing itself was not bad and there were a few highlights, overall this book did not succeed at its purpose, in my opinion.
shirleytupperfreeman's review
I loved this YA novel even though I'd read it several years ago. Marcelo is high-functioning but 'on the spectrum' as we say today. He has attended a private school for kids with special needs but at age 17, his father thinks it is time he attended public high school and got more experience in the 'real world.' Marcelo desperately does not want to change schools. His dad makes a bargain with him - he asks Marcelo to take a summer job in the mail room at the law firm he owns. If he successfully navigates the job, Marcelo will get to choose where to attend his last year of high school. The real world turns out to be more complicated than either Dad or son imagined. At the heart of the novel is a difficult ethical choice. It's a lovely story.
therealkathryn's review
4.0
Overall a really good read. Tackles some thought-provoking concepts in a way that had me re-thinking them. At times the story felt forced and I thought the end result somewhat improbable.
thestoryowl's review
4.0
I loved a lot about this book. Even with typically functioning children, it is our job as parents to encourage them to learn more about the world, thus preparing them for adulthood. Now, would I want either of my kids working at a law firm for the summer? Nope. That kind of competitiveness is something even I as an adult avoid.
readingjag's review
4.0
What a charming book. I loved Marcelo and his unique view of the world. His coming of age story is so different from many, but also shows how universal growing pains can be.