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drakoulis's review
4.0
The book is out now!
A very sweet and emotional book (it's more like a novella, quite short) about coming-out in a financially struggling Mexican-American family.
I was expecting a YA romance, but the romance is a subplot and doesn't even reach a conclusive ending, the book is instead centered on Edgar's inner world and his relationship with his family.
Edd's debut is a promising and artistic story, and I'll be waiting for his next books with anticipation!
Thank you NetGalley and West 44 Books for the ARC!
A very sweet and emotional book (it's more like a novella, quite short) about coming-out in a financially struggling Mexican-American family.
I was expecting a YA romance, but the romance is a subplot and doesn't even reach a conclusive ending, the book is instead centered on Edgar's inner world and his relationship with his family.
Edd's debut is a promising and artistic story, and I'll be waiting for his next books with anticipation!
Thank you NetGalley and West 44 Books for the ARC!
tavitay's review
5.0
This quiet YA book in verse was such a sweet read for me. I was introduced to Edd Tello via Instagram and we’ve become book friends. His taste in books is excellent—I’ve read many YA works I would never have found without him.
Book Recs aside, his story “Only Pieces” is honest, observant and at times heartbreaking. Part poetry, part prose, he takes the reader by the hand, bringing us easily into his world of figuring himself out as a young man. Though he knows himself enough to realize he is gay and should not be ashamed, his family and culture say differently. We are rooting for him the whole way, pleased that he has the strength to stand up to his parents.
The clever addition of poems he wrote as a youth (I assume?) further solidifies the state of mind of the young author. I applaud West44 books for recognizing the beauty of this work. I’m looking forward to Edd’s next book.
Book Recs aside, his story “Only Pieces” is honest, observant and at times heartbreaking. Part poetry, part prose, he takes the reader by the hand, bringing us easily into his world of figuring himself out as a young man. Though he knows himself enough to realize he is gay and should not be ashamed, his family and culture say differently. We are rooting for him the whole way, pleased that he has the strength to stand up to his parents.
The clever addition of poems he wrote as a youth (I assume?) further solidifies the state of mind of the young author. I applaud West44 books for recognizing the beauty of this work. I’m looking forward to Edd’s next book.
dfbballinger's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
annebennett1957's review
4.0
This book, written in verse with several poems as standalone, feels honest and oddly hopeful. The main character is living with his immigrant parents who came to the US illegally to make a better life for him. The problem is -- it isn't a better life for them. The boy is gay but his mother doesn't want his father to find out. When the father answers the phone when his crush calls him, things come to a head. In the end he discovers the most important thing -- to love oneself.
tinusreads's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
So Only Pieces by Edd Tello! This book is written in verse and that's awesome. The words and sentences are also simple with enough spacing between them so they are easy to read. Ideal for struggling readers. Two things that already stood out to me the second I opened the book. And I think that's important to mention.
And now about the book itself. I loved Googling all the dishes and words used in the book that I did not understand. Now I want to try and make sopes too! Which brings me to the next fact. Only Pieces is a deeply personal book about Edgar that tackles subjects like poverty, homophobia, family, adolescence and hope in a unique way. It's kind of like reading a diary. With added poems written by Edgar too!
The diary of Edgar trying to cope with being gay and growing up with Mexican-American parents in a struggling household in California. His mother does not accept his sexuality, and his father does not know. Edgar also has a crush on Alex, to make things even more difficult.
Edd Tello manages to paint a vivid and emotional picture. This one was quite the suprise for me. And I think it's quite a unique debut that's worth a read. I am happy I did!
And now about the book itself. I loved Googling all the dishes and words used in the book that I did not understand. Now I want to try and make sopes too! Which brings me to the next fact. Only Pieces is a deeply personal book about Edgar that tackles subjects like poverty, homophobia, family, adolescence and hope in a unique way. It's kind of like reading a diary. With added poems written by Edgar too!
The diary of Edgar trying to cope with being gay and growing up with Mexican-American parents in a struggling household in California. His mother does not accept his sexuality, and his father does not know. Edgar also has a crush on Alex, to make things even more difficult.
Edd Tello manages to paint a vivid and emotional picture. This one was quite the suprise for me. And I think it's quite a unique debut that's worth a read. I am happy I did!
buttermellow's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Homophobia
twiinklex's review
3.0
3.5⭐️
This novel-in-verse perfectly captures adolescence and the stressors that comes with it, such as juggling parental expectations, trying to fit in, acceptance and identity. It also sheds light on important topics such as the immigrant experience and coming out.
Edgar is a protagonist that many will be able to resonate with. Having grown up in a strict household myself, I could relate to many instances in the book but I also liked the perspective it provides about how Edgar's parents simply want the best for him.
Thank you to West 44 Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This novel-in-verse perfectly captures adolescence and the stressors that comes with it, such as juggling parental expectations, trying to fit in, acceptance and identity. It also sheds light on important topics such as the immigrant experience and coming out.
Edgar is a protagonist that many will be able to resonate with. Having grown up in a strict household myself, I could relate to many instances in the book but I also liked the perspective it provides about how Edgar's parents simply want the best for him.
Thank you to West 44 Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
remainwonderful's review
5.0
Edgar Jimenez is many things: a gay teen, fast food enthusiast, a poet and aspiring writer, and the son of Mexican immigrants. Edd Tello’s debut Only Pieces follows Edgar’s challenging path of coming out, falling in love, and boldly navigating what it means to follow your dreams in spite of your parents’ expectations for you.
I have never read a YA novel written in verse, and I'm so grateful this was my first one. Edgar is such an easily likable character who is so unflinchingly himself in spite of the lack of acceptance from his family and peers. This is definitely a story of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s true identity.
Although Edgar’s journey is a challenging one, he stays true to his roots and proves that you can live authentically without sacrificing other pieces of your identity. This was an inspiring read that I immediately pre-ordered the second that I finished reading it, and I would suggest that you do the same!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read a YA novel written in verse, and I'm so grateful this was my first one. Edgar is such an easily likable character who is so unflinchingly himself in spite of the lack of acceptance from his family and peers. This is definitely a story of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s true identity.
Although Edgar’s journey is a challenging one, he stays true to his roots and proves that you can live authentically without sacrificing other pieces of your identity. This was an inspiring read that I immediately pre-ordered the second that I finished reading it, and I would suggest that you do the same!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.