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tontina's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
fieldsandfeels's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This one hit really close to home with Moon’s relationship with her family, and how she forms a bubble of shame around herself. While it’s fairly “textbook,” pathologically speaking, the reality is that the specificity of these characters acting the way they do is endemic to Latine culture and a complex history of imperialist, colonialist, and religious trauma. Seeing Moon slowly fall in love, and doubt it at every turn because of what she’s been fed by her mother, sister, and society is something that I don’t think gets discussed enough, esp in YA literature. I just loved everything this book managed to tackle while simultaneously keeping it light-hearted, funny, and accessible.
tammys_readinglog's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
agenderberry335's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
brireads97's review against another edition
4.0
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
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.
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
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.