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krpollard's review against another edition
3.0
I always appreciate a good YA novel that takes place in a culture so very different from my own, and Colibri fit the bill perfectly. The author is right that we need more teen fiction from South America. Part mystery and part heartbreaking tale about family dynamics, this book kept me engaged throughout. My only criticism (and hence the three stars) were a few parts that I felt could have been better written given the voice of the narrater (Colibri). I imagine that with more practice, Cameron can start to iron out some of these wrinkles in her writing.
britomarte's review against another edition
5.0
Really good book. Nice blend of the literal and the mystical. Touching, but not maudlin. Good mystery.
jellyneckz's review against another edition
4.0
In Guatemala, twelve-year-old Tzunún travels with a man she calls “Uncle” in search of a treasure which fortune-tellers have convinced Uncle she will bring him. Tzunún manages to escape Uncle and learn the truth about her past.
I enjoyed Colibrí because I had never read any fictional stories from Guatemala before this one. I could visualize the Guatemalan cities of Nebaj and San Sebastián because of the descriptions of the people, food, and the sights and smells of the marketplaces. I was reminded that Central American cultures are not just “Spanish,” but also reflect the Mayan backgrounds of the people. This was evident in the fact that Tzunún spoke Kaqchikel, knew the Mayan calendar, and wore a traditional Mayan huipil and corte (embroidered blouse and skirt). Characters in Colibrí worshipped Christian saints, as well as a “Saint Sam,” who was believed to bring great wealth.
I enjoyed Colibrí because I had never read any fictional stories from Guatemala before this one. I could visualize the Guatemalan cities of Nebaj and San Sebastián because of the descriptions of the people, food, and the sights and smells of the marketplaces. I was reminded that Central American cultures are not just “Spanish,” but also reflect the Mayan backgrounds of the people. This was evident in the fact that Tzunún spoke Kaqchikel, knew the Mayan calendar, and wore a traditional Mayan huipil and corte (embroidered blouse and skirt). Characters in Colibrí worshipped Christian saints, as well as a “Saint Sam,” who was believed to bring great wealth.
heidiliz's review
3.0
3.5*
"My real name, Tzunun, was a secret I had almost forgotten"
I'm honestly surprised this is one of the first books I've read that takes place in Guatemala. But I'm happy I read this because damn were parts of it so good.
The entire premise of the book was promising. A four-year-old is kidnapped from her parents and the story takes place when she's 12. The person that tried to sell her off to an adoption agency fails because she's too old so he results in being her "caretaker" but that only means he uses her to scam people. He's a con-artist and thief that pretends to be blind in order to gain sympathy and money from people. And the only reason he actually keeps her around is because of a fortune-teller once told him that Tzunun (or Rosa as he renamed her) will lead him to treasure.
I think the reason I liked it a lot was because even though it seems like a book of fiction, it actually has historical characteristics of the country. I could only imagine how often these kidnappings occur. And for the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed reading a book about a character that is 12 years old.
While this book was great in some parts, I found that it lacked in others. And that's not to say it should be changed because it shouldn't. I just personally didn't enjoy certain aspects of it as I had wanted to. And maybe it was because I was listening to it as an audiobook. Not a great book but not a horrible book. It was a good book.
"My real name, Tzunun, was a secret I had almost forgotten"
I'm honestly surprised this is one of the first books I've read that takes place in Guatemala. But I'm happy I read this because damn were parts of it so good.
The entire premise of the book was promising. A four-year-old is kidnapped from her parents and the story takes place when she's 12. The person that tried to sell her off to an adoption agency fails because she's too old so he results in being her "caretaker" but that only means he uses her to scam people. He's a con-artist and thief that pretends to be blind in order to gain sympathy and money from people. And the only reason he actually keeps her around is because of a fortune-teller once told him that Tzunun (or Rosa as he renamed her) will lead him to treasure.
I think the reason I liked it a lot was because even though it seems like a book of fiction, it actually has historical characteristics of the country. I could only imagine how often these kidnappings occur. And for the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed reading a book about a character that is 12 years old.
While this book was great in some parts, I found that it lacked in others. And that's not to say it should be changed because it shouldn't. I just personally didn't enjoy certain aspects of it as I had wanted to. And maybe it was because I was listening to it as an audiobook. Not a great book but not a horrible book. It was a good book.
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