Reviews

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

thereadingchallengechallenge's review against another edition

challenging emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This was a powerful little novel that doesn't let itself get bogged down in its serious subject matter. Ari was a delightful protagonist and I loved watching her make friends and find her voice. I'm definitely on the Sonora Reyes train, now. 

lironore's review against another edition

4.5

Bi
Latinx 
Side charcater: enby

rackle's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

ofbooksandtrees's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

 Read May 2024
A book about the aftermath of a rape and getting revenge, but also one about growing friendships, solidarity, and a sapphic romance.

While dealing with some very serious and heavy topics, the book never felt overly heavy to me. I think it helps that it’s balanced by the friendships and even the new romance. Also, it’s not too graphic as the actual assault isn’t on page, it’s more about the aftermath and rape culture in general. However, if this is an especially difficult subject for you to read about, make sure to look after yourself.

Would recommend the audiobook for this one. The narration is really well done. 

gemstonejasper's review against another edition

3.75

Catharsis for anyone dealing with sex based trauma. Allows you to live out some level of justice through Ari's story. Great neurodivergent representation.

fianluna's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying and Sexual assault

marigoldgem's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective fast-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

5.0

If you liked this book I would recommend Parachutes by Kelly Yang, it deals with similar topics and has two main characters that the perspective switches between. 

baebea_luvs's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

crystal4dasha's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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

5.0

The Luis Ortega Survival Club was phenomenal! This book tackles so many topics in beautiful ways. Right from the beginning, our heart aches for Ari and roots for her story. I've never read a book with an autistic main character, especially not one with selective mutism. It was so refreshing to see how Ari's friends respected her, accommodated her, and made space for her and her neurodivergence. This especially goes out to Shawni. Even though Ari feels negatively towards her at the start, their growth is adorable. Shawni is always the first one to make space for Ari—the first one with the notepad, the first one to offer her adaptive technology, the first one to leave with her when she's feeling overstimulated. Nina, Jasmine, and Angel are also sweethearts and have lots of growth throughout the story as well. And of course, the story between her parents was interesting, nuanced, and unlike a lot of parent-child relations I read in books. I'm glad I checked this incredibly well-rounded book out for so many reasons. Fuck all the Luis Ortegas of the world. 

kristinconnolly's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

5.0

A story about revenge against a shit man. I loved this book and liked that the main character was autistic. I felt like it spoke to my own experience navigating romantic relationships as an autistic women. I loved the found family piece.