You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'
Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
4 reviews
corsetedfeminist's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
The way this book made my heart pound and then just shattered it into a million pieces and then put it all back together again….
This book combines two basic concepts at the same time: a very sweet gay romance between a pair of Mexican kids, one of them nonbinary. And a very pointed discussion of immigration racism, and the intersection between queerness and our main character’s Mexican culture. It manages to carry both sides of the plot extremely well- the romance is very soft and tender and believable, the main characters act like real teenagers, and the discussion on race is piercing. And as it should be, ICE is the actual worst and the ongoing fear of Santi being arrested by them is genuinely heartrending.
Ander is the best. They’re deeply queer and deeply Mexican, with a profound love for their family and art. The journey of trying to work out for themself what it means to be queer and Mexican and an artist is profoundly well handled- there’s a delightful moment where they essentially flip off their racist advisor for fancy art school that made me want to cheer.
Santi is deeply human in a way that is crucial for an undocumented worker. His trauma is clearly there, but it isn’t fetishized. He’s allowed to just be a teenage boy who loves his boyfriend and loves to read and eats a terrifying amount of food and just wants to help his family.
I think this is an incredibly important book in the current cultural landscape, because while the romance is firmly YA, the issues of race and immigration are handled expertly in a way that destroys political talking points to focus on the humanity of the people involved. It would be fantastic to start a conversation with a teenager on these subjects while still challenging adults and our preconceived notions.
This book combines two basic concepts at the same time: a very sweet gay romance between a pair of Mexican kids, one of them nonbinary. And a very pointed discussion of immigration racism, and the intersection between queerness and our main character’s Mexican culture. It manages to carry both sides of the plot extremely well- the romance is very soft and tender and believable, the main characters act like real teenagers, and the discussion on race is piercing. And as it should be, ICE is the actual worst and the ongoing fear of Santi being arrested by them is genuinely heartrending.
Ander is the best. They’re deeply queer and deeply Mexican, with a profound love for their family and art. The journey of trying to work out for themself what it means to be queer and Mexican and an artist is profoundly well handled- there’s a delightful moment where they essentially flip off their racist advisor for fancy art school that made me want to cheer.
Santi is deeply human in a way that is crucial for an undocumented worker. His trauma is clearly there, but it isn’t fetishized. He’s allowed to just be a teenage boy who loves his boyfriend and loves to read and eats a terrifying amount of food and just wants to help his family.
I think this is an incredibly important book in the current cultural landscape, because while the romance is firmly YA, the issues of race and immigration are handled expertly in a way that destroys political talking points to focus on the humanity of the people involved. It would be fantastic to start a conversation with a teenager on these subjects while still challenging adults and our preconceived notions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Deportation
thehomiemona's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Alcohol
adrianas65's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Deportation
Moderate: Cursing, Racism, Sexual content, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Death of parent
sinceslicedbread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Let me tell you, when I first read the synopsis of this book, I was excited. And when I got approved to review it?......... *insert flashback of me trying to recreate the Yo Perreo Sola dance*
It’s truly an honor.
Growing up in SATX (small town south of SATX, but if you’re from here you basically grow up in SA, OKAY?), I used to read books about people in cities like LA and NYC, and it wasn’t until a few months ago that I read a book that even mentioned SA. If you’re looking for a book that has all the puro SA vibes (mentions of the west side, blue star, SA Pride, the strip, etc.) and a ton of Mexican food, this book is for you.
Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa is about a 19 year non-binary chicane muralist taking a gap year before attending art school in Chicago. When they are let go from their family’s Mexican restaurant to focus on their art,they instantly take an interest in their replacement, Santi, an undocumented server. After several run-ins with ICE and the looming date of Ander’s move to Chicago, Ander and Santi fight for their love as everything tries to pull them apart.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll salivate at the mention of mangonadas and tortas.
I give this book five chickens on a stick.
I listened to this in audiobook form and the narrator perfectly embodied Ander’s character.
Genre: Queer Latine YA (after high school) Romance
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 5/5
Pub Date: May 2, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Mcmillan Audio for this ALC. Although I was gifted this book, it in no way influenced my review.
A special thanks to Jonny Garza Villa, you are a true SA gem!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Forced institutionalization, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit