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avisreadsandreads's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Drug use, Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Deportation
Minor: Vomit, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
m_cant_read's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I liked it, and I like that it explored the immigrant perspective even if it was from an outside POV. I wish I got to know more about Santi, rather than just his tragedies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
robinks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.75
I enjoyed Ander & Santi’s love story, though some moments felt too predictable and perfect. I love Roque’s voice acting! Also, amerikkka sucks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Racism, and Deportation
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual content, Police brutality, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Cultural appropriation
reviewsandreadathons's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation
Moderate: Confinement and Xenophobia
Minor: Vomit and Murder
angeldaft's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
So... I hated this book. I had a hard time getting through it. I didn't like the main character (they're insufferable for me), I found the li boring and the supporting cast was a 100% more interesting than them. The story felt too slow at the start and then devolved into bunch of loose events with no plot.
But I can't with a good heart rate it any lower than this, because I think It's a very important book. I personally didn't like it, but I think a lot of young people would benefit from reading it. If you love cheesy romances, can deal with teenagers acting as such and don't hate instalove then go for it. It has a really good message and a very hopeful ending. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
But I can't with a good heart rate it any lower than this, because I think It's a very important book. I personally didn't like it, but I think a lot of young people would benefit from reading it. If you love cheesy romances, can deal with teenagers acting as such and don't hate instalove then go for it. It has a really good message and a very hopeful ending. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Xenophobia, Vomit, Trafficking, and Deportation
Moderate: Police brutality 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