angelo_vossen's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

„Life has a logic all its own. People talk about the highway of life, but I think that's crap. Highways are nice and paved, and they have signs telling you which way to go. Life isn't like that at all. There are days when great things happen and everything is beautiful and perfect, and then, just like that, everything can go straight to hell. It's like getting drunk. At first it feels kinda nice and all relaxed. And all of a sudden the room is spinning and you are throwing up, and, well, maybe life is a little like that.“

In "The Inexplicable Logic of My Life" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, readers are welcomed into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through the lens of protagonist Salvador (Sal) Silva. Sáenz masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, relationships, and self-discovery that resonate deeply with readers. Set against the backdrop of El Paso, Texas, the novel paints a vivid portrait of Sal's journey through adolescence, exploring themes of family, friendship, and the search for identity.

At the heart of the story is Sal's relationship with his adoptive father, Vicente, a bond forged not by blood but by love and mutual respect. Their dynamic is tender and nuanced, reflecting the complexities of fatherhood and the enduring power of unconditional love. Through Vicente's guidance and wisdom, Sal navigates the challenges of growing up with a sense of grace and resilience.

Alongside his father, Sal is supported by his best friend, Samantha, whose unwavering loyalty and strength serve as a pillar of support throughout the narrative. Their friendship is a testament to the transformative power of human connection, offering solace and companionship in the face of life's uncertainties.

As Sal grapples with questions of identity and belonging, he finds himself drawn to Fito, a classmate who enriches Sal‘s life strongly. Through their friendship, Sáenz explores the beauty of self-acceptance, challenging societal norms and expectations along the way. In my personal opinion Fito is one of the most lovable characters I have been introduced to in a very long time. His character added a lot of depth to the story and his lines caused the most tears to drop during this reading experience - not to say that not the entirety of the characters, especially when they interacted with each other as a group, made me feel very emotional (mostly in a rather happy than sad way).

What sets "The Inexplicable Logic of My Life" apart is its richly drawn characters, each imbued with depth, complexity, and authenticity. From Sal's introspective nature to Vicente's quiet strength, every character feels alive and fully realized, adding layers of nuance and depth to the narrative. As I have now read multiple of the author‘s masterpieces, I feel safe to say: Sáenz is simply great with words and always finds a way to depict every feeling and though beautifully. Therefore: wftd = felicity - since Sáenz introduced me to this word in a way that made me feel like I had not properly met this word yet.

In the end, Sáenz delivers a powerful meditation on the human experience, reminding readers of the profound connections that bind us all together. Through Sal's journey of self-discovery, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, our own struggles, and our own capacity for growth and transformation. With its lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling, "The Inexplicable Logic of My Life" is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and the inexplicable forces that shape our lives.

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_rhea_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-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

5.0


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readeranew's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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bg_oseman_fan's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-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

5.0


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apricothopeful's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

4.75


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dying_raptor's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-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

5.0

Anything written by benjamin alire sáenz is automatically a 5/5 in my book

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maikendignes's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a rollercoaster and I absolutely loved it! The prose were great, and the author had me in tears one minute, and smiling the next. Definitely exceeded my expectations considering that I’d seen a lot of mixed reviews. It’s a bit slow paced in the beginning, but it is definitely worth it in my opinion.

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puhlowmuh's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

3.5


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sim1blanket's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring 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? Yes

4.0


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lin312's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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