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asmodeous's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
visethneak's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
verovivaldi9's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
4.75
claudcloud's review
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? It's complicated
3.0
I really, really loved the exploration of neurodivergent brains and the obvious care that Anna-Marie put into their book! It definitely felt like a love letter to their communities, and the overall message of embracing every single part of you is absolutely great!
That being said - the characters, while endearing, feel a little too flat (especially the supporting cast), the plot is barely there (why didn't we explore more of the lore surrounding the lake? What stories were being told about it? What legends did Bastián grow up with? I wanted to learn so much more!!), and the pacing felt off throughout the whole novel. I would absolutely still recommend this to younger readers, especially the kids in my life who are just discovering the world of books and who would definitely enjoy this - I just personally feel like I'm not having the best time with YA anymore.
That being said - the characters, while endearing, feel a little too flat (especially the supporting cast), the plot is barely there (why didn't we explore more of the lore surrounding the lake? What stories were being told about it? What legends did Bastián grow up with? I wanted to learn so much more!!), and the pacing felt off throughout the whole novel. I would absolutely still recommend this to younger readers, especially the kids in my life who are just discovering the world of books and who would definitely enjoy this - I just personally feel like I'm not having the best time with YA anymore.
assassinsweettea's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
tayalbrecht's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
andrewthegriffin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
queeerlybeloved's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“sometimes you can’t separate the hard things from the good things.”
this book was beautiful.
i’m a little embarrassed with how long it took me to get the metaphor of the lake and the alebrijes LMAO but once i did it made the book all the more impactful.
Bastián and Lore are two beautiful, worthy souls who are just trying to find ways to fit into a world that doesn’t want them to. their separate journeys are painstaking and trying and made my heart ache. their journey together was magical and spectacular.
the metaphors, y’all. they were so incredible.
and the fact that the author made these two beautiful characters from their lived experience was !!! we Love ownvoices. it was amazing to read the author’s note and heartbreaking but so joyful to read about their experiences and those who care about their best interests.
man, i loved it. i’m so happy i read it.
this book was beautiful.
i’m a little embarrassed with how long it took me to get the metaphor of the lake and the alebrijes LMAO but once i did it made the book all the more impactful.
Bastián and Lore are two beautiful, worthy souls who are just trying to find ways to fit into a world that doesn’t want them to. their separate journeys are painstaking and trying and made my heart ache. their journey together was magical and spectacular.
the metaphors, y’all. they were so incredible.
and the fact that the author made these two beautiful characters from their lived experience was !!! we Love ownvoices. it was amazing to read the author’s note and heartbreaking but so joyful to read about their experiences and those who care about their best interests.
man, i loved it. i’m so happy i read it.