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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I'm glad I listened to the audiobook version of this. The narration was fantastic and the accents and pronunciation of Spanish words by the narrators gave life to this story in a way that I would not have experienced reading it in my own voice. I enjoyed this book despite it feeling a little slow in the middle.
Based on the way that this book has stayed with me and prompted some thinking for me, I just increased my rating.
emotional
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
This was such a beautiful exploration of identity, trauma and how our experiences shape us. I really loved reading a book with an 'older' main character too!
Another brilliant, beautiful, and educational novel by González. Anxiously awaiting anything she writes next.
I guess I rate everything 4. I liked this. Learned a bit about Puerto Rico. Sort of a light book with some vegetables slipped in.
DNF at 20%; audiobook. I never forgot there was an author behind the words, i.e. the characters did not come to life for me. As others have noted, the letters from the mother especially rang untrue, as they contained exposition.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
funny
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
This book packed a heck of a punch, and there was a lot going on. It's taken me a bit to decide exactly how I feel about it, because there were things that I absolutely loved, and there were things I super did not like.
Things I Liked:
The discussion and focus on Puerto Rican interests in politics, and the themes of activism in that regard. After reading this I am reminded how much I need to educate myself on these issues and just how important it is to discuss Puerto Rico in mainstream politics. As I was reading, I felt bad for Pedro because everyone looked to him to be the only one talking about Puerto Rico and there was no push for white politicians to care about it too, which seems sadly realistic. I will also include Olga and Matteo's relationship in the positives, though I am not sure that it fit in with everything else that was happening. Lastly, Matteo's Christmas room, because that just seems fun.
Things I Didn't Like:
Anything involving Olga's mom, that lady sucked (this is more of a generally made me angry than a criticism of her involvement in the book). Anything involving Richard, this one I am more upset was even included. It just didn't feel like it fit Olga's character to keep this particular charade going, and I really hated where it ended up. Lastly, Pedro's "big secret." The whole secretly gay politician getting blackmailed into bad stuff it a big of a tired plotline for me personally.
Overall, I think this is an important read, but not a perfect one. I am glad to have it on my shelf, and am looking forward to seeing what Gonzalez will write next!
Things I Liked:
The discussion and focus on Puerto Rican interests in politics, and the themes of activism in that regard. After reading this I am reminded how much I need to educate myself on these issues and just how important it is to discuss Puerto Rico in mainstream politics. As I was reading, I felt bad for Pedro because everyone looked to him to be the only one talking about Puerto Rico and there was no push for white politicians to care about it too, which seems sadly realistic. I will also include Olga and Matteo's relationship in the positives, though I am not sure that it fit in with everything else that was happening. Lastly, Matteo's Christmas room, because that just seems fun.
Things I Didn't Like:
Anything involving Olga's mom, that lady sucked (this is more of a generally made me angry than a criticism of her involvement in the book). Anything involving Richard, this one I am more upset was even included. It just didn't feel like it fit Olga's character to keep this particular charade going, and I really hated where it ended up. Lastly, Pedro's "big secret." The whole secretly gay politician getting blackmailed into bad stuff it a big of a tired plotline for me personally.
Overall, I think this is an important read, but not a perfect one. I am glad to have it on my shelf, and am looking forward to seeing what Gonzalez will write next!
emotional
reflective
tense
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