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Reviews tagging 'Bullying'
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
19 reviews
readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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 want to give Moon the world's biggest hug. She absolutely did not deserve the way her Mother, sister, peers, etc treated her. This book had me FUMING.
I found myself crying out of anger so many times. Everyone was just so cruel to Moon. The abuse and bullying was overwhelming at times.
It always pisses me off when purity culture is forced onto girls. Telling them they are dirty and impure and should be ashamed of themselves/their bodies. The way it absolutely uprooted Moon's self esteem was heart breaking.
Her mother is probably one of the worst characters I have ever read about.I'd like to take a knife to HER and see how SHE likes it. Also I'd of cheated on her too. She makes everyone around her miserable so i can't fathom being her partner. Moon and Star both deserved better. The wrong parent died imo.
Moon's journey to self acceptance was beautiful to watch. It was so nice seeing her self esteem raise and having some time to actually heal.Her Tia is an absolute blessing. I'm so happy she and Star are with her now.
I really hope that Star does better in the future. Personally I'd love to see a sequel where she's the MC redeeming and accepting herself.
This book had me so hungry! I don't know why I've never thought to put honey on pizza, but I'll be doing that ASAP.
I found myself crying out of anger so many times. Everyone was just so cruel to Moon. The abuse and bullying was overwhelming at times.
It always pisses me off when purity culture is forced onto girls. Telling them they are dirty and impure and should be ashamed of themselves/their bodies. The way it absolutely uprooted Moon's self esteem was heart breaking.
Her mother is probably one of the worst characters I have ever read about.
Moon's journey to self acceptance was beautiful to watch. It was so nice seeing her self esteem raise and having some time to actually heal.
I really hope that Star does better in the future. Personally I'd love to see a sequel where she's the MC redeeming and accepting herself.
This book had me so hungry! I don't know why I've never thought to put honey on pizza, but I'll be doing that ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Fatphobia, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Suicide
Minor: Infidelity and Racism
apierlessbridge's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
4.5
This book was so hard to get through but ultimately so powerful and beautiful and healing. the catharsis at the end is so perfect. I absolutely adored moon and santiago and the journey they both went on. star and everyone else (except Tía not so much)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Fatphobia, Child abuse, and Toxic relationship
the_readingraven's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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 is my new favorite YA book I have ever read. This book was made with so much love and intention, that you could really feel it. Raquel writes about very hard-hitting topics such as religion, sexuality, favoritism, physical disability, fatphobia, and more. The author manages to write about all of this while adding in bits of comedy and scenes where you can't help but smile.
The earthy and spiritualistic melodies throughout this book were something to really experience. I never thought of my favorite word or how certain flowers can mean certain things to me. It was written in such an inviting way, instead of me being turned off by Moon's spiritual nature I gladly joined in the thought of the cosmos.
I also enjoyed Moon having "flashbacks" every few chapters, where we see how people around her left their mark on her during her formative years. At times, I would feel frustrated with how Moon was thinking or reacting but seeing the experience that caused her to behave a certain way started to make sense. Moon is a character I will always love. It certainly was a journey to see her start to love and care for herself. So much of her self-hate and self-criticism at the beginning of the book reminded me so much of myself. We really don't treat ourselves like how we should so it was a healing feeling to see Moon start to turn a new leaf.
Now, in terms of the romance, it was very bittersweet. Santiago is the main love interest, I really like how it was enemies to lovers because it did not start out on the right spot, AT ALL. I loved them at times and absolutely couldn't stand them. I had to remind myself this is a YA romance, they are newly adults, and they don't know how to fully communicate yet. Like jeez, who knew a simple conversation could possibly fix everything up! But besides that, they both are two people with "baggage" that need to learn how to handle it.
One thing I do wish we saw was the outcome with Moon and Stars' mother. Was there a resolution, did anything change, and where are they now? I have lots of questions about that situation but overall, I think our characters have learned a lot of their family dynamic and the sisters will face it together. Overall, I love this book deeply and I'm so glad I finally decided to read it!
The earthy and spiritualistic melodies throughout this book were something to really experience. I never thought of my favorite word or how certain flowers can mean certain things to me. It was written in such an inviting way, instead of me being turned off by Moon's spiritual nature I gladly joined in the thought of the cosmos.
I also enjoyed Moon having "flashbacks" every few chapters, where we see how people around her left their mark on her during her formative years. At times, I would feel frustrated with how Moon was thinking or reacting but seeing the experience that caused her to behave a certain way started to make sense. Moon is a character I will always love. It certainly was a journey to see her start to love and care for herself. So much of her self-hate and self-criticism at the beginning of the book reminded me so much of myself. We really don't treat ourselves like how we should so it was a healing feeling to see Moon start to turn a new leaf.
Now, in terms of the romance, it was very bittersweet. Santiago is the main love interest, I really like how it was enemies to lovers because it did not start out on the right spot, AT ALL. I loved them at times and absolutely couldn't stand them. I had to remind myself this is a YA romance, they are newly adults, and they don't know how to fully communicate yet. Like jeez, who knew a simple conversation could possibly fix everything up! But besides that, they both are two people with "baggage" that need to learn how to handle it.
One thing I do wish we saw was the outcome with Moon and Stars' mother. Was there a resolution, did anything change, and where are they now? I have lots of questions about that situation but overall, I think our characters have learned a lot of their family dynamic and the sisters will face it together. Overall, I love this book deeply and I'm so glad I finally decided to read it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Fatphobia, Death of parent, Child abuse, Body shaming, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Grief
Minor: Car accident, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
btaylorb's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
I am a slow reader and a book that's 400 pages would typically take me 4 days or more depending on the pacing, but I tore through this book in a day and a half.
I also cried several times throughout this sweet story, over some of the experiences that I related to. I never went through anything quite as bad as Moon does, but I nonetheless felt seen and was rooting for her. I LOVE the message that you can, and should, ask for all the help you need, but only you can save yourself. In the moments where this could have been a story where the guy sweeps in to save the day, this book upends that trope with such tenderness. There are also some wildly beautiful descriptions of synesthesia and physical sensation that absolutely floored me.
Also, as a side note, some of the marketing descriptions I saw for this book used the word "steamy" and I think that does a disservice to the way sex scenes are handled in this book. The sex scenes that do occur early on are not super explicit or titillating. They are awkward as hell on purpose, in a way that illustrates a lack of experience for the character, and provides necessary contrast to another happier but still relatively tame sex scene that occurs later on.
I also cried several times throughout this sweet story, over some of the experiences that I related to. I never went through anything quite as bad as Moon does, but I nonetheless felt seen and was rooting for her. I LOVE the message that you can, and should, ask for all the help you need, but only you can save yourself. In the moments where this could have been a story where the guy sweeps in to save the day, this book upends that trope with such tenderness. There are also some wildly beautiful descriptions of synesthesia and physical sensation that absolutely floored me.
Also, as a side note, some of the marketing descriptions I saw for this book used the word "steamy" and I think that does a disservice to the way sex scenes are handled in this book. The sex scenes that do occur early on are not super explicit or titillating. They are awkward as hell on purpose, in a way that illustrates a lack of experience for the character, and provides necessary contrast to another happier but still relatively tame sex scene that occurs later on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Death of parent, Grief, Bullying, and Fatphobia
Minor: Suicide, Racism, and Sexual content
morainjay's review
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Child abuse, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying
bialves's review
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
One cute book that talks about serious matters. I was waiting for a very light book, but it had some dense stuff. Their relationship with her body had a huge impact on me...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Car accident, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Bullying, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
shector1's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Suicide, Infidelity, and Sexual content
virago's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? N/A
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing! The book follows Star and Moon Fuentes, twin sisters who couldn't be more different. Star is the "pretty twin" and Moon is forced, by everyone, to live in Star's shadow.
The summer after high school graduation, they go on an influencer's tour to expand Star's following and brand. However, Moon spreads her wings and her own brand grows, and begins overshadowing Star's brand. This, of course makes not only Star unhappy, but mama Fuentes as well.
Moon is the over-weight, "ugly" twin and has been the punching bag of her mother and sister for years. When the ridiculously attractive younger brother of the tour's creator shows interest in Moon, and disinterest in Star, it throws both sisters for a loop. Moon is a talented artist, photographer, and editor. When head of the tour, inadvertently learns of Moon's talent, he promotes it on his own social media, and earns Moon many new followers. It gives Moon such joy and confidence, but makes her sister jealous. And of course she tries to sabotage her budding success.
This book really took me through it. There were laughs, second-hand embarrassment, sadness, shock, anger, and joy. The story was well thought, and well written. They characters were loveable, and strangle-worthy. The journey this novel took me on was incredible, and ended with great character developement.
I would/will read this again!
The summer after high school graduation, they go on an influencer's tour to expand Star's following and brand. However, Moon spreads her wings and her own brand grows, and begins overshadowing Star's brand. This, of course makes not only Star unhappy, but mama Fuentes as well.
This book really took me through it. There were laughs, second-hand embarrassment, sadness, shock, anger, and joy. The story was well thought, and well written. They characters were loveable, and strangle-worthy. The journey this novel took me on was incredible, and ended with great character developement.
I would/will read this again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
technicallyaly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
I loved almost everything about this book.
Moon Fuentez is an incredibly charming protagonist. I love how she loves, and how she sees the world, and how she feels pain and anger and forgiveness. She feels so real to me; she has a special place in my heart.
In turn, I also adore Santiago — a boy reeling from an accident, surrounded by influencers and models who thinks Moon is the most beautiful women in any room. I also just love a boy who has passions, bonus points that that passion ends up being cooking. Gold stars all around, solid character design.
The progression of their relationship was great, from butting heads and personal jabs, to grudging coworkers, to reluctant friends, to something so genuine and touching. It felt organic and it's what made me fall in love with this book.
There are some things I take issue with; personally, I am not a fan of the ~third act misunderstanding/breakup~, and this was no different. Santiago and Moon had developed their relationship so much up until that point, and I *know* Santiago was dealing with this own insecurities that we weren't always privy to thanks to Moon's POV, but the whole Moon following Andro online thing felt so trivial, especially to have such a huge relationship ending fight over. It felt like the stakes were thrown off, and I found it a little harder to believe their ending.
Moon's resolution with her sister Star also felt a little flat to me, but also it felt right. In Moon's shoes, I wouldn't be so graceful, but her reactions felt very in line with who her character was growing to be. It made sense in the world, even if I disagreed with how it was handled.
Complicated feelings aside, I still loved this read. The language was beautiful and poetic (without sounding pretentious), and even though I have minor issues with the ending, the lead in / build up is so great, it eclipses everything. My feelings towards this book are overwhelmingly positive. 4.5/5 stars.
Moon Fuentez is an incredibly charming protagonist. I love how she loves, and how she sees the world, and how she feels pain and anger and forgiveness. She feels so real to me; she has a special place in my heart.
In turn, I also adore Santiago —
The progression of their relationship was great, from butting heads and personal jabs, to grudging coworkers, to reluctant friends, to something so genuine and touching. It felt organic and it's what made me fall in love with this book.
There are some things I take issue with;
Moon's resolution with her sister Star also felt a little flat to me, but also it felt right. In Moon's shoes, I wouldn't be so graceful, but her reactions felt very in line with who her character was growing to be. It made sense in the world, even if I disagreed with how it was handled.
Complicated feelings aside, I still loved this read. The language was beautiful and poetic (without sounding pretentious), and even though I have minor issues with the ending, the lead in / build up is so great, it eclipses everything. My feelings towards this book are overwhelmingly positive. 4.5/5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Misogyny
panickat123's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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 adored this book. Plus size character who overcomes her own insecurities and learns to stand up for herself while finding love? Sign me the hell up. Cherry on top that she’s Mexican too. Just adore. Some very heavy topics in this also so please read triggers if you want to know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Fatphobia, Death of parent, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Suicide, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Body shaming, and Grief
Minor: Toxic friendship and Racism