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tmathews0330's review against another edition
4.0
A hopeful commentary on one way grief touches people.
graypeape's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much! Maria Amparo Escandon's writing gets along so well with my brain. I loved the relationship Esperanza had with her saints, and the synchronicity of events that happened to her - was it merely coincidence, or was it something more? I'm going with the latter. Esperanza goes on a quest given to her by her favorite saint, San Judas Tadeo, the patron saint of lost causes. She must overcome hardships and unpleasant situations, but she keeps her faith and her positive outlook to reach her goal, and learns many things about herself. Look, allergies have me very muddle-headed today, and I'm not doing a very good job with this review, but trust me, it's such a lovely book! If you love magical realism, read this!
myriadreads's review against another edition
4.0
Magical and compelling. At times absurd--but in a truly delightful way. I really enjoyed Esperanza's journey, and found myself surprised by turns in the plot multiple times. Every time I thought that the book would dip into darkness, Esperanza's pure motivation and love for her daughter kept that from happening. I would definitely recommend for fans of magical realism, especially.
rolland's review against another edition
4.0
The book is wild and fun!
I would describe it as reading a handful of episodes of the T.V. series "Jane the Virgin."
Maybe would be hard to read for people that don't have a Catholic upbringing and a decent comprehension of the our relationship with saints and prayer. I'd imagine the average Christian couldn't read the book with out getting mad at the ridiculousness of Catholics every other page.
I would describe it as reading a handful of episodes of the T.V. series "Jane the Virgin."
Maybe would be hard to read for people that don't have a Catholic upbringing and a decent comprehension of the our relationship with saints and prayer. I'd imagine the average Christian couldn't read the book with out getting mad at the ridiculousness of Catholics every other page.
cahistorygeek's review against another edition
5.0
I just re-read this book and it was wonderful all over again. It's surprising, charming, sweet, and a bit crazy but so well written. I couldn't put it down. I grew to love the characters and anticipate what would happen next. What more can you ask for?
hlparis's review against another edition
3.0
Again, a book club book that I was way behind on. I had trouble with this book, but I liked certain aspects of it. Overall, though, I struggled with the choices she made and thought about 40 pages before the end of the book, the tone completely changed and it seemed a different book. Then it morphed back to the rest of the story.
I had hoped for more from this book, so I was a bit disappointed, but I did enjoy the altar's importance and the message of faith. It was also interesting that my feelings about whether or not she would find her daughter changed throughout the book...another reflection of faith and hope and how these things can sometimes falter and rise.
"The cemetery was crowded with family members who had gone to a better life." ~p.57 I love this because it gave me an image I had never had about a cemetery, first thinking about the family members above ground, keeping each other company, and then realizing she was talking about those already gone.
I had hoped for more from this book, so I was a bit disappointed, but I did enjoy the altar's importance and the message of faith. It was also interesting that my feelings about whether or not she would find her daughter changed throughout the book...another reflection of faith and hope and how these things can sometimes falter and rise.
"The cemetery was crowded with family members who had gone to a better life." ~p.57 I love this because it gave me an image I had never had about a cemetery, first thinking about the family members above ground, keeping each other company, and then realizing she was talking about those already gone.
fionamundy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
sweetpeppah's review against another edition
3.0
A wildly quirky and surprisingly reverent story about a mother dealing with(well, denying, for most of the book) her daughter's sudden death. She sees a vision of a Saint in the grease on her oven door which tells her the daughter is still alive, so she goes searching for her. Somewhat reminiscent of Tim Robbins, but less sharp(I don't like Tim Robbins very much). I liked the breakneck pace and the hilarious naivety of the heroine. Every time she meets someone new it seems like a disaster waiting to happen but she somehow turns it around. Lots of fun.
muguete's review against another edition
5.0
Una historia dulce y encantadora de Esperanza - una seductora simple, humilde e irresistible - varios santos, un cura, un ángel y varios burdeles. Entre otras cosas.