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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
When I began reading this, I though it was going to be just another novel about a girl trying to make it out of high school. However, Gabi's voice is so unique that it makes this book one of a kind. It made me laugh out loud. It made me cry. It made me think. Super quick read, too!
This is "Gabi, a girl in pieces", written by Isabel Quintero (I like her name, btw.) It's a novel about Gabi Hernandez, senior high school student, a k a "the fat girl." Her mom and best friend are pregnant, her dad is a meth head and her other friend just came out of the closet. Her mom abuses her verbally, not only about Gabi's weight, but also for being the product of her earlier unwanted pregnancy. Still, it's not a miserable read. It's written as a diary of the sassy, strong and funny teenage girl Gabi is.
The cover art has received some critique for being "gross", but you know what's really gross? That the body parts displayed on the cover are the usual ones that way too often are considered being other people's business; not only Gabi's or other girls.
The cover art has received some critique for being "gross", but you know what's really gross? That the body parts displayed on the cover are the usual ones that way too often are considered being other people's business; not only Gabi's or other girls.
Narration was great and really helped with the pronunciation, but it lost a star for the audio's poor pacing.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I started this book this afternoon and could not stop reading it. This book is definitely for upper high school students, as it covers many mature topics, but the story is fantastic and I'd recommend it highly.
I really enjoyed this novel told through Gabi's diary entries as she navigates her senior year. In addition to navigating the typical teen drama, Gabi's best girl friend gets pregnant, her best guy friend comes out, and her dad struggles with addiction. Through it all, Gabi tries to be the "good girl" her mother wants her to be while trying to find her own identity. Finding poetry helps her find her voice. Hand to readers who like coming-of-age stories and stories of friendships and family. I look forward to reading more from Quintero.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
Missing:
Clear voice, nuance, consideration of others, personality other than stereotypes and triteness and the same jokes repeated way too many times to be funny or charming.
A couple books I'd recommend instead that engage with Latine characters, families, and adolescence in really cool ways:
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
The Five Wounds by Kirsten Valdez Quade
Clear voice, nuance, consideration of others, personality other than stereotypes and triteness and the same jokes repeated way too many times to be funny or charming.
A couple books I'd recommend instead that engage with Latine characters, families, and adolescence in really cool ways:
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
The Five Wounds by Kirsten Valdez Quade
READ THIS BOOK!! Gabi is my hero--in her senior year, she is determined to do the following: keep writing poetry, fall in love, save her addict father, gain the approval of her mother, support her friends and not feel self-conscious of her weight. Be not fooled, however, Quintero is a master storyteller. Including Gabi's writing within the novel showcases this incredible character who never gives up. I loved the peek into the Hispanic subculture within the US--gorgeous.
This book had a slow start for me, maybe because I feel like I’ve read a lot of books lately in diary format, and just wasn’t digging it. Once the action started, however, I was hooked. Super interesting and inspiring book.