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flirting_with_pages's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
As soon as I read the dedication, I knew I was going to like this book. The writing and every topic this book contained shows how much this book meant to the author. It shows how much time and dedication went into writing and researching. The plot and the growth of all three characters was written thoroughly.
This book covers how messed up the school system is to those in struggling communities. It also talks about anger and how being angry isn't as bad as adults make it out to be. Now add in some magical realism -with their talismans- and multiple POVs! So well thought out and passionately written.
This book covers how messed up the school system is to those in struggling communities. It also talks about anger and how being angry isn't as bad as adults make it out to be. Now add in some magical realism -with their talismans- and multiple POVs! So well thought out and passionately written.
zennyreads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
"Alone was the last place I wanted to be. I'd had enough alone for two lifetimes. Not that I didn't appreciate it. Alone had been there for me when I needed her. When I got lost, alone was the home I'd always have to turn back to."
Something about this quote from my favorite character of this novel, Zeke, resonates with me and changes the way I've seen the word 'alone'. Being alone, doesn't mean that one's lonely. Solitude makes someone stronger with time and counting on it like how Zeke goes back to writing his beautiful poetry whenever he needs to express his feelings.
Three magical items - wearing a pink jacket will make someone listen to you, make someone fall in love with you by placing the ring on their finger, a baseball bat that can break things and fix them all over again. I found the pairing of the magical elements to Rosie, Caro and Zeke were really fitting and how it eventually develops onto their growth and decisions by exploring these abilities given to them.
This novel tackles grief, family complexity and overcoming challenges, fighting through injustice really delicately yet powerfully. The conversations and adventures about astrology, discovering queer identities and growing through facing their own challenges in this novel were engaging and moving that filled me with absolute joy. It feels like I've been brought back to my times as a teenager for sure!
There are various representations of diversity that features Syrian, Dominician & Afro-Latinx characters and also queer identities like sapphic, aroace and bisexual representations which I love seeing! Other side characters that I adore so much are Rishi and Ash, very supportive characters that won my heart and helped the trio with mending their hardships!
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Thank you Hear Our Voices Tour for the digital copy of The Girl, The Ring & The Baseball Bat, and Camille Gomera-Tavarez for writing this book!
Something about this quote from my favorite character of this novel, Zeke, resonates with me and changes the way I've seen the word 'alone'. Being alone, doesn't mean that one's lonely. Solitude makes someone stronger with time and counting on it like how Zeke goes back to writing his beautiful poetry whenever he needs to express his feelings.
Three magical items - wearing a pink jacket will make someone listen to you, make someone fall in love with you by placing the ring on their finger, a baseball bat that can break things and fix them all over again. I found the pairing of the magical elements to Rosie, Caro and Zeke were really fitting and how it eventually develops onto their growth and decisions by exploring these abilities given to them.
This novel tackles grief, family complexity and overcoming challenges, fighting through injustice really delicately yet powerfully. The conversations and adventures about astrology, discovering queer identities and growing through facing their own challenges in this novel were engaging and moving that filled me with absolute joy. It feels like I've been brought back to my times as a teenager for sure!
There are various representations of diversity that features Syrian, Dominician & Afro-Latinx characters and also queer identities like sapphic, aroace and bisexual representations which I love seeing! Other side characters that I adore so much are Rishi and Ash, very supportive characters that won my heart and helped the trio with mending their hardships!
-
Thank you Hear Our Voices Tour for the digital copy of The Girl, The Ring & The Baseball Bat, and Camille Gomera-Tavarez for writing this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Addiction, Violence, and Alcoholism
yesiolvera's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
@HearOurVoices book tour: The Girl The Ring and The Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez ♋️
When I read the description of this book, I was so excited to read it. I love a contemporary magical realism book. However, when I read it, it was so much more! I loved this book so much! I always really enjoy a book when there are so many emotions but I love it more when the main characters are fighting against injustice!! Have all that wrapped up in one book was so perfect to me!
From the dedication page I knew I was going to love this book!
“ To my younger self and all the underserved public school kids out there. You are more than your circumstances”
The topic of how students receive resources based on the location of their schools is a topic I always voice! And this book totally emphasized some of the feelings I have regarding that.
I wish I knew some of these injustices when I was in high school. But for me at the time, I was oblivious to it. The way things were, were just the norm for me at the time. I didn’t know any better. I am glad that kids these days are more aware of these injustices and are more inclined to speak against them. These types of books also help reassure them to continue to fight against these injustices.
The complexity of these characters and their relationships, especially with their mom, was so beautifully written. You feel all the emotions!
This is a for sure must read book and I have found another favorite author!!
Thank you @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy of the book and for allowing me to participate in another book tour!
Thank you @cgomeratavarez for writing this amazing book!
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#HearOurVoices #HOV #TheGirlTheRingAndTheBaseballBat #Bookstagram #LatinaBookstagramer #Dominican #RepresentatinMatters #DiverseBooks #ReadDiverseBooks #BookTour #BooksBooksBooks
readwithandreina's review
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
The entire concept of this is so enticing from the talismans, the dynamic of each character and seeing it all come together. I’d say the only thing that fell short for me is not getting as much from the Rosie and Caro’s mother’s story as I hoped. While I love the multiple POV’s, I also felt like it would’ve been great to see from the mother’s POV and maybe done so in a dual timeline. I just feel like I’m still left with questions about the mother and would love to know about her more.
butterwashere's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
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? No
4.5
I love how the story revolves around three characters and the story flows seamlessly.
With all the talismans, this reminds me of a quote from a character in Poptropica, “with great power comes great responsibilities.”
Rosie and Zeke used their power without knowing the full extent and the drawbacks. In the end, their talismans harm themselves and other people. (And this was before they got help)
Moving on, I learn from Mami that it not worth hiding everything from people who love you. That will only wear you out.
Yolanda said, “time can heal all wounds, if only applied right.” I am tired of hearing the phrase, time can heal all wounds because that is not true to me. If the wound is not treated properly, then the pain will last.
I forgot who in the book said the quote, but someone said, “It is ok to be angry.” This is especially important for young kids to learn. When I was young, I internalize the message to not show my emotions. Now, it is hard for me to identify my emotions.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
luchalibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
jasarahines's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Levine Querido for this ALC. This novel is timely, diverse, and literally and figuratively magical. The novel incorporates magic realism to illumniate themes of loss, acceptance, friendship, family, and the pervasive nature of race and funding in education. Young adults will navigate towards Caro, Zeke, and Rosie, and their quest to uncover the secret behind their mother's past, and Rosie's missing application money. I was taken with the poetic language and magical items in this novel. These tailsmans help each character realize who they are, and what they need. It was a wonderful story, that young readers will love.
yasidiaz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.5
This is the first book I got sent over to review and because of that, it will have a special place in my heart.
However, that doesn't mean I am not going to be objective about this book. I loved the characters from the get-go, especially Zeke who is my absolute favorite. But it didn't exactly pull me in immediately. I liked it but I didn't yet love it. As a Puerto Rican, a Caribbean, there are so many things I was able to relate to and appreciate about the characters and their stories. But it wasn't until I was about 75% into the story that I found myself actually loving the story and being unable to let it go.
It felt slow at times during the first three-quarters of the book, and although the pace went back up towards the end, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been like that since the start or at least a lot sooner. It's honestly the only reason why this is getting 4.5 stars instead of 5.
Again, the strength of this book it's the characters and their relationships to each other. Zeke is my boy and I'll do anything for him. From queer tortured poet to another queer tortured poet. Rosie's and Caro's relationships felt so realistic to me, from how complicated yet strong their bond was, to their contrasting personalities. Caro was the most complicated character for me, but I loved her nonetheless, she's ruthless, and takes bullshit from anyone, but that doesn't mean she doesn't need her mom's love and acceptance.
And as much I love going on and about the importance of stories with supportive parental figures, especially in BIPOC queer stories, it doesn't negate the need for stories with complicating parental figures. It is important to talk about this, especially from the perspective of BIPOC authors, as they can do this without the demonization of BIPOC parents, which I grew up seeing being perpetuated by white creators way too many times.
However, that doesn't mean I am not going to be objective about this book. I loved the characters from the get-go, especially Zeke who is my absolute favorite. But it didn't exactly pull me in immediately. I liked it but I didn't yet love it. As a Puerto Rican, a Caribbean, there are so many things I was able to relate to and appreciate about the characters and their stories. But it wasn't until I was about 75% into the story that I found myself actually loving the story and being unable to let it go.
It felt slow at times during the first three-quarters of the book, and although the pace went back up towards the end, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been like that since the start or at least a lot sooner. It's honestly the only reason why this is getting 4.5 stars instead of 5.
Again, the strength of this book it's the characters and their relationships to each other. Zeke is my boy and I'll do anything for him. From queer tortured poet to another queer tortured poet. Rosie's and Caro's relationships felt so realistic to me, from how complicated yet strong their bond was, to their contrasting personalities. Caro was the most complicated character for me, but I loved her nonetheless, she's ruthless, and takes bullshit from anyone, but that doesn't mean she doesn't need her mom's love and acceptance.
And as much I love going on and about the importance of stories with supportive parental figures, especially in BIPOC queer stories, it doesn't negate the need for stories with complicating parental figures. It is important to talk about this, especially from the perspective of BIPOC authors, as they can do this without the demonization of BIPOC parents, which I grew up seeing being perpetuated by white creators way too many times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction
sel_28's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
First off, I want to thank NetGalley and Levine Querido for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I don’t think I’ve read magical realism before, but I had a good time reading it! There are three alternating POVs: Rosie, Caro and Zeke. Each one had a very distinct voice, and I was invested in each one. I felt like I could relate so much to Rosie with how hard she worked in school, and I could understand her desire to attend the other school, thinking it would give her better opportunities. The book had great commentary on how these institutions treat students of color, as well as showing how there are other pathways that a student can take, as well as a different way of looking at future plans. Zeke had a different way of looking at his future than Rosie. His journey was more focused on his grief and feelings of love. The two are very different, but they complement each other. Right away, Zeke could sense that Rosie was going to be important in his life, and I’ve always believed that soulmates don’t have to be platonic, so they are soulmates to me. Caro was grappling with realizing who her father really is and that her mother’s past is very different from how she made it seem. While Rosie was also shocked by what they learned about their mother, it really affected Caro since she has more of a strained relationship with her mother. Each one had a talisman that helped them navigate the problems going on in their lives, but it also got them into interesting situations.
I was very invested in learning more about their mother’s past, and I felt like more could’ve been explained. I do feel like the book could’ve been longer so we could also see how everything went down with the school and the principal. I like the ending the characters each got, but I just wish we could’ve seen more of it.
I’m not from Jersey City, but I am from NJ, so it was also cool reading a book that takes place there! And while I’m a little past my teen years now, the way the characters were written felt very accurate!
Overall, I give the book 4 stars and am looking forward to more of Camille Gomera-Tavarez’s work!
classysassreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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