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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I read this book as our April selection for our Banned Books Series on Madness Cafe Podcast. I was stunned, brought to tears twice by the power of poetry and the words of Elizabeth Acevedo.
The main character and i have very little in common, yet her poetry and outlook on life truly moved me.
The main character and i have very little in common, yet her poetry and outlook on life truly moved me.
This was brilliant. Once I started it was impossible to stop. Loved the themes and verse, storytelling structure of the book. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
The memoir-like format of this poetry book was refreshing and engaging. Acevedo’s plot reminded me what it’s like to live under the iron rule of a mother/monster.
Xiomara’s a teen trying to forge her own path like any other but her mother’s Catholicism clashes with X’s broadening understanding of the world and love of poetry.
Xiomara’s a teen trying to forge her own path like any other but her mother’s Catholicism clashes with X’s broadening understanding of the world and love of poetry.
Yes! So much yes to this book! I’m typically not a fan of books written in verse, but this one’s solid. I love Xiomara and see so much of my younger self in her. It brings me back to my roots, to my adolescence. I will definitely be reading this again!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Excellent book! Loved watching the story unfold through Xiomara’s observations in verse. Highly recommend to high school students and grown ups alike.
*4.25 (Yes, I'm being that technical.)
I'd still completely recommend this though, such a wonderful book.
I'd still completely recommend this though, such a wonderful book.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
I've only read one other book by this author, but so far I think she excels at unique novel structures as well as character work. This was going to be another 5 star read for me until the conclusion. It felt rushed and the reconciliation between the protagonist and her mother didn't feel deserved. When the abuse is fueled by religion, it feels wrong to have their priest be the only mediator. X's safety just doesn't seem prioritized by the people around her over preserving her relationship with her mother.