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emmaas_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As a linguist, I love any book about language. This wholesome story about kids learning ESL and dealing with growing up is happy yet sad.
whimsyfaerie's review against another edition
3.0
3✰
this book was okay. it’s one of my lower 3✰ ratings, so not something i would recommend. plus, it has a love-triangle which is almost always a trope i can’t get on board with. :)
➪ spice rating: 0/5
➪ age rating: 13+
this book was okay. it’s one of my lower 3✰ ratings, so not something i would recommend. plus, it has a love-triangle which is almost always a trope i can’t get on board with. :)
➪ spice rating: 0/5
➪ age rating: 13+
slsj_'s review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, lyrical, introspective. Chef’s kiss. My only complaint is the title, I feel like it should of been called The Glossary of Happiness
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
If I were to try come across this book I’ll give it another try.
If I were to try come across this book I’ll give it another try.
lillimoore's review against another edition
3.0
This was a delightful YA romance, but it was also so much more than that. Ana has just moved to New Jersey from Argentina and we follow her as she navigates learning English and adapting to her life in America. I thought it was so creative and refreshing how even though this book was written in English, it included the Argentinean variation of Spanish throughout and I thought it did an amazing job of really conveying just how frustrating it is to live somewhere where you don't have all the right words, and especially how as a teenager others can treat you because of that. I loved Ana as a character and thought it was so clever of Maria E. Andreu to have this character be so interested in poetry and language in her native tongue because it added just that extra element of not only frustration for Ana when she knows she has a talent for wordsmithing and cannot demonstrate that as easily in English but also an element of elation when, as her English skills progress, she finds that talent is able to translate as well. I LOVED Altagracia and Ana's friendship with her. I also liked seeing the impact of immigrating at different times on her family and their personalities and dynamics; my heart especially broke for her mother when Ana notes that she was so loud and vibrant in Argentina but in the US she doesn't have the ability yet to be completely herself in English, and of course the relationship between Ana and her father was interesting, even if heartbreaking. I thought Neo was a great character as well but I almost wish he had just been the main interest; this book didn't need to have a love triangle in it and Harrison didn't necessarily need to be so hurt. There was still enough of a conflict during our climax with Ana and her father that adding another layer of crap to everything she was already going through just felt a little bit extra, and I truly felt terrible for Harrison. However, it was interesting to see how Ana came to the realization that she may have been idealizing him simply because he's so all-American.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was so thematically refreshing and really would love to read more immigrant stories that touch specifically on language barriers in such a poignant way. I wish that the side characters had been a little more developed and that we would have been given a bit more information on Ana's life before moving and why specifically her family chose to make such a life-changing move, but it wasn't entirely necessary, that's just a personal preference. Highly recommend to fans of YA and especially to any teenagers or really anyone that has experienced learning English as a second language. I thought it was just so insightful on that experience.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was so thematically refreshing and really would love to read more immigrant stories that touch specifically on language barriers in such a poignant way. I wish that the side characters had been a little more developed and that we would have been given a bit more information on Ana's life before moving and why specifically her family chose to make such a life-changing move, but it wasn't entirely necessary, that's just a personal preference. Highly recommend to fans of YA and especially to any teenagers or really anyone that has experienced learning English as a second language. I thought it was just so insightful on that experience.
vmgomez92's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
This was a sweet listen. Sixteen year old Ana, and her mom, have just moved to the US from Argentina joining Ana's dad who has been here for 3 years. Harrison is a cute American boy who asks for help in math class. Altagracia is a good friend who can also speak Spanish. And Neo is a boy from Greece in her ESL class who suggests they watch American movies together to try and understand them. Through Ana, Maria E. Andreu beautifully describes the confusion, hope, and angst that people feel when trying to thrive in a new language and culture - to say nothing of the normal teen relationship confusions.
alannar2422's review against another edition
5.0
I could NOT put this down. There is this certain feeling where you love a book so much, you don't want it to end, but you also are very curious to know how it ends. So naturally, you finish the book and scream when its over. Which is exactly what I did. WOW. I am a Puerto Rican , born in Florida speaking english first then spanish. I have had many friends who did not speak english and went through what Ana and Neo did. Not understanding the language, not fitting in, and having people who did not want you there. Because of my parents I had the liberty of not having to feel out of place in the US except for distinct circumstances regarding color and cultural background... but in the sense of learning a language and leaving your old life behind for a new one. This book was amazing because it showed that different perspective that most Americans do not understand. The side where you live in a foreign country and have to learn a language as well as all the customs that come alongside it. I loved Ana as a character, her words were magnificent and the way she was herself in every situation is enchanting. Altagracia is a friend we all wish to have, with her extroverted, unique, and caring personality. Neo was also a wonderful character and complemented Ana so well, since being in a foreign country was a journey they took on together. His personality was so charming, not to mention his good looks, penchant for always having snacks and Greek background. His love and talent for architecture was so admirable and again reminded me to never settle for anything less than the qualities Neo presented. I loved him is all I can say and he is now on the list of best book boyfriends of all times. Mr. T was an amazing teacher. One us students can only wish for. The way he strived to understand his students despite their startling differences and give them memories to cherish. He gave them a safe place to make friends and just be themselves. Not to mention all the times he went out of his way to take them places, buy them food or understand their daily struggles. He is a marvelous person. This novel was so delightful because you almost never see a YA book about a hispanic character to this degree and with such depth. I would also like to mention how proud of myself I am right now that I know what Agapimu means because of my love for Greek mythology. I also love that word and will never say my love in such a basic way any longer. Thank you Maria E. Andreu for giving us hispanics a voice and highlighting struggles so many of us go through. Lowkey mad at myself for finishing this book in a day but it is what it is .,.
kellylacey's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book from start to finish. It reminded me of Judy Blume’s writing but with modern-day feels. When Ana moves with her Mother from Argentina to live her new life in America her whole life gets turned upside down. Her father left previous to create the roots of their new life. His English is very good and now he has expectations for Ana to fit in, stay on top of her grades and learn better English.
It is already tough for any student navigating the daily struggles of school, emotions, boys, girls and studying. Throw into the mix not being able to understand English and the weight of all of that is immense for Ana. What brings respite is the friends she makes in her ESL class and who is this boy in maths that makes paper birds?
Ana is a likeable strong female character and I am sure she will inspire many readers. Although she is meant to be 16 in the book I felt she and the other characters were a little younger. I really loved Neo, he was just as lost as Ana and the two complimented each other so much.
The awkward laugh out loud moments are what make this book extra special. I lived in the ’80s and as Neo and Ana experience some culture from then I was in fits of giggles.
The book is perfect escapism and hopes there are further books with these characters.
Te lo recomiendo mucho!
It is already tough for any student navigating the daily struggles of school, emotions, boys, girls and studying. Throw into the mix not being able to understand English and the weight of all of that is immense for Ana. What brings respite is the friends she makes in her ESL class and who is this boy in maths that makes paper birds?
Ana is a likeable strong female character and I am sure she will inspire many readers. Although she is meant to be 16 in the book I felt she and the other characters were a little younger. I really loved Neo, he was just as lost as Ana and the two complimented each other so much.
The awkward laugh out loud moments are what make this book extra special. I lived in the ’80s and as Neo and Ana experience some culture from then I was in fits of giggles.
The book is perfect escapism and hopes there are further books with these characters.
Te lo recomiendo mucho!