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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
emotional
mysterious
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved that one of the dual timelines in this book was set in the mid-90s with a GenX teen at the center. I don't always like books with the perspective of children at the forefront, but Lulu’s character development was done perfectly. As someone who experienced her teen years in the early 90s, before social media and cell phones, the feral nature of Lulu’s upbringing was relatable and believable. I also feel like the author’s choice to have Lulu experience so much loss in her formative years and be expected to just carry on and ultimately care for herself was just as indicative of the “rub some dirt on it” style of child-rearing GenX experienced. Pilar’s character, while she always tried to appear stoic, seemed to carry an unimaginable amount of pain and sorrow. She loved the people in her life, but her trauma would only allow her to love from afar. Even when she had invited regular engagement from Lulu, she was in “the garage” most of the time practicing with the band while Pilar was in the house or the yard. I really enjoyed this story because I love complicated families. My 90’s heart loved that there's a whole chapter dedicated to Selena!
WOW I LOVED THIS BOOK. i loved Marcela Fuentes’ writing style — i didn’t want to put the book down!
there could’ve been less teenage angst and more actual witchy things happening. i feel like i was waiting and waiting for something really spooky to happen so i was bummed when i found out the “witch” was just a regular old lady.
i loved the references to Tejano music (being a big Tejano fan myself… i grew up with my grandpa making me listen to Freddy Fender lol) and to the Chicano movement. the description of the book says it is “a love letter to the Tejano culture and community” and i could feel that appreciation in Fuentes’ writing.
lastly, i loved the development in the relationship between Lulu and her dad at the end. sucks that it took a massive health issue for him to wake up and admit he is the problem, but i’ll take it lol
i only rated this a 4 because i wanted the “witch” to be an actual witch and i’m still upset about it… but maybe i’ll switch the rating to a 5 later on when i simmer down. anyways love this book i recommend!!
there could’ve been less teenage angst and more actual witchy things happening. i feel like i was waiting and waiting for something really spooky to happen so i was bummed when i found out the “witch” was just a regular old lady.
i loved the references to Tejano music (being a big Tejano fan myself… i grew up with my grandpa making me listen to Freddy Fender lol) and to the Chicano movement. the description of the book says it is “a love letter to the Tejano culture and community” and i could feel that appreciation in Fuentes’ writing.
lastly, i loved the development in the relationship between Lulu and her dad at the end. sucks that it took a massive health issue for him to wake up and admit he is the problem, but i’ll take it lol
i only rated this a 4 because i wanted the “witch” to be an actual witch and i’m still upset about it… but maybe i’ll switch the rating to a 5 later on when i simmer down. anyways love this book i recommend!!