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n3verm0r3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
kitkatkatdog'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
4.5
So sweet. I loved the journey of both boys. I would love to read Dante’s POV. It was wonderful. And thought provoking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Alcohol, and Grief
Moderate: Hate crime, Cursing, Violence, Sexual content, Transphobia, Blood, Murder, Homophobia, Classism, and Bullying
Minor: Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Addiction, Racism, and Pregnancy
nucifera's review against another edition
3.75
This book made me feel like a human.
Minus points for the ending, it felt a little rushed? I dont know, I feel like there should have been more things, especially to round out the rest of Ari's development.
Minus points for the ending, it felt a little rushed? I dont know, I feel like there should have been more things, especially to round out the rest of Ari's development.
maddie42's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
k_tiches's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.0
minniemine's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this so much. It was such a beautiful story presented in a lyrical writing style that just captivates you, I couldn't put it down until I finished. I'd put off reading it for so long and now I'm just mad at myself for it. I have no words...
book_bound's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot describe this book. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, and now it's a new favorite. I seriously had to let this book sink in so I could appreciate how (again) beautifully it was written and the dynamic, but simple characters.
In some instances, I felt like I was Dante. Even as a 21 year old, I understand whole heartedly how he feels about growing up. I'm still not finished with the process, and sometimes there are moments of loneliness, confusion, and plain frustration. I'm similar to him in the way that I don't make friends easily too; how one can feel disconnected from everyone even though he or she is in a classroom full of people. There are other parallels to himself and me, but I don't want to spoil anything. I apologize for the personal rant, but this is why the book mattered to me so much. It made me feel less alone whether or not Dante's feelings truly existed in someone, in some time. Saying it was relatable is an understatement.
Alongside with this, the story felt tangible. I've read some teenage perspectives that seemed like the author was trying too hard. Yet, this book held the perfect blend of teenage thoughts, language, etc...
I LOVE this book, and I know in the future I will reread it again and again.
In some instances, I felt like I was Dante. Even as a 21 year old, I understand whole heartedly how he feels about growing up. I'm still not finished with the process, and sometimes there are moments of loneliness, confusion, and plain frustration. I'm similar to him in the way that I don't make friends easily too; how one can feel disconnected from everyone even though he or she is in a classroom full of people. There are other parallels to himself and me, but I don't want to spoil anything. I apologize for the personal rant, but this is why the book mattered to me so much. It made me feel less alone whether or not Dante's feelings truly existed in someone, in some time. Saying it was relatable is an understatement.
Alongside with this, the story felt tangible. I've read some teenage perspectives that seemed like the author was trying too hard. Yet, this book held the perfect blend of teenage thoughts, language, etc...
I LOVE this book, and I know in the future I will reread it again and again.
swaggie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
solarmidnight's review against another edition
5.0
I remember reading this book back in 2011/2012 and loving it. For some reason, I didn't pick it up and reread it. Now I have. Without a doubt, I love this book more the second time around. This such a poignant, thoughtful, and loving story about relationships, family, and growing up.
Benjamin Alire Saenz treats his characters and their stories with such love and care that it bleeds through; he teaches you how to love Ari and Dante as much as he does. Them and their families.
Not much happens in this book. This is not a story about characters moving from plot point A to plot point B. This is about Ari and Dante's lives, growing up in El Paso, Texas, in 1987.
I hear that there's going to be a sequel coming out. Not only will that book be on top of my priority list, but I'm definitely asking for Saenz's books for my birthday this year.
Benjamin Alire Saenz treats his characters and their stories with such love and care that it bleeds through; he teaches you how to love Ari and Dante as much as he does. Them and their families.
Not much happens in this book. This is not a story about characters moving from plot point A to plot point B. This is about Ari and Dante's lives, growing up in El Paso, Texas, in 1987.
I hear that there's going to be a sequel coming out. Not only will that book be on top of my priority list, but I'm definitely asking for Saenz's books for my birthday this year.