Reviews

The stars aligned while reading this. The characters are imperfect. The story makes you laugh and cry but it perfectly shows human nature as a whole. The romance is adorable and honest. I will say though I personally believe the characters acted more like they were in their early to mid twenties then teens but that doesn't take away from the book.

sweetrosegirl76's review against another edition

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5.0

Not a huge contemporary fan but this may be one of the better ones I've read. I really liked the book! I enjoyed the plot, and the characters. I felt like Moon and Santiago were full characters and I felt like I got to know them. The last book I can remember where I felt I was getting to know a character was Nicky from The Extraordinaries. Moon's character and her growth was consistent and believable, same with Santiago. Star's character was believable though I can't stand her guts. I would have loved to read more about Moon's healing process, how does she heal and cope with what she had to deal with? Does Star cut their mother off financially? I sure hope so. Moon was too generous with her sis imo, I can't imagine forgiving that quick, Star didn't deserve it. Yes, Star was a victim, but she was also a perpetrator, and I don't think she regrets that enough or really understand the DAMAGE she did. I'm still very emotional and upset over it, which is how you know it's a good book I guess lol

Other than that, this was a great book, a very special one. Great plus size, Brown Latina girl rep. It's def a personal and relatable book, I think many might see themselves in Moon.

sparksofember's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a unique book. A bit odd. I wasn't sure I would finish it for the first half. There's big chunks where Moon waxes philosophical about science and nature and it took some getting used to. Lots of flashbacks and constant "but that's a story for another time" to zip back to the present for three pages and then we'd get the flashback with the story. But it worked okay. Plus there's a lot of creative, sacrilegious cursing, a big side-plot with tarot cards and mirror reading, and a not very nice portrayal of Catholics. (Which, there are plenty of hypocrites out there but the book painted them with a very wide brush.) And then there was the touch of fantasy with "the curse" and its affects, plus Moon's divination abilities. After listing all that, it's a wonder I did finish the book. But it was also a strong message about parental abuse, mental illness, self-worth/acceptance, broken people and healing. I ended up binging the second half, I was so curious to know what was going to happen. (But the book definitely plays much too freely with the teenage sexual activity.)

ktavenue's review

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

jackieeubank's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

A beautiful coming of age story with a pinch of magical realism.

readingwithtemperance's review against another edition

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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.

Content Warnings

atrailofpages's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was a lot of fun to read

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