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jennyonthebook's review
5.0
This could very well be one of my all time favorite books. We had book group about it and it seemed like every one really liked it. But I just loved it. The characters were so wonderful and spiritual and I was pulling for them the whole time even when they were doing illegal things and shooting people. What an amazing story. I am excited to read the sequel.
parkyparkpark's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
cactuswrenwriter's review
2.0
a good enthralling story, but not thrilled about the writing...i'm about halfway through.
bleepbloop's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty sweet and heartwarming. Read like a Mexican nonfiction Master and Margarita, if that were a love story and not political satire.
sleeping_while_awake's review
4.0
An amazing re-telling of a family's history that reads just like a fiction book. Yes, the writing is simple, but I don't think it detracts from the story.
I do agree with other reviewers that the last half of the book become repetitive with Juan Salvador's mishaps. Probably some of the events and people were exaggerated somewhat, but I think that is always what happens when someone is talking about their own past or the past of a beloved father, etc. I enjoyed the bit of religious "fantasy" throughout the book and to be honest I didn't care if everything was true or not.
I do agree with other reviewers that the last half of the book become repetitive with Juan Salvador's mishaps. Probably some of the events and people were exaggerated somewhat, but I think that is always what happens when someone is talking about their own past or the past of a beloved father, etc. I enjoyed the bit of religious "fantasy" throughout the book and to be honest I didn't care if everything was true or not.
sfahrney's review against another edition
5.0
This book shares the history of a family that transitions from Mexico during the revolution to Southern California area which is now Orange, County. Wonderfully written, and an inviting history of a family over several generations. His sequel, Thirteen Senses: A Memoir is also good, though not as compelling.
madlovetofuries's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bazil's review against another edition
2.0
This book offers up an important story. Unfortunately, I found it poorly written and I only read 50% of it as a result.
leahagen's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0