mimiag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
3.0
This reads like a slow burn fire - it takes a while for the story to catch your full interest and get going, but once it does you're committed to its warmth and occasional pain.
Nicole said it best, comparing these kids, their friendship, and Vicente's parenting to Steve Kluger's teens and parents. They're what we all wish we could have been at that age, and what we hope to be as parents. Of course, the tragedies and problems of Saenz's world are more realistic and excruciating than Kluger's, but that's what makes it all the richer a read.
A few qualms - I didn't always believe Salvador's perspective. If a parent or friend has to comment repeatedly "You're always in your head", then the narrator isn't doing enough to show that. I was also (irrationally?) irritated by the overuse of the "looks" and "wftd" texts. Those texts felt intentionally poignant / precious. I know, they're insightful, intelligent teens but I didn't quite buy it. Finally, the "nature / nurture" debates felt forced. It could have fit better, but as is, it doesn't flow with the narrative as it should.
Overall, I'm glad it exists, I was mostly enthralled by the wonderful characters, but I don't who (aka actual teens) might read it.
Nicole said it best, comparing these kids, their friendship, and Vicente's parenting to Steve Kluger's teens and parents. They're what we all wish we could have been at that age, and what we hope to be as parents. Of course, the tragedies and problems of Saenz's world are more realistic and excruciating than Kluger's, but that's what makes it all the richer a read.
A few qualms - I didn't always believe Salvador's perspective. If a parent or friend has to comment repeatedly "You're always in your head", then the narrator isn't doing enough to show that. I was also (irrationally?) irritated by the overuse of the "looks" and "wftd" texts. Those texts felt intentionally poignant / precious. I know, they're insightful, intelligent teens but I didn't quite buy it. Finally, the "nature / nurture" debates felt forced. It could have fit better, but as is, it doesn't flow with the narrative as it should.
Overall, I'm glad it exists, I was mostly enthralled by the wonderful characters, but I don't who (aka actual teens) might read it.
ereaders's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a beautiful book. With this book AND the amazing/spectacular/gorgeous/showstopping Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Saenz is one of (maybe my favorite?) YA contemporary authors. He writes so beautifully and his stories are always so diverse and tragic and just amazing. 6/5 stars. I highly recommend both of the books I mentioned. I'll definitely have to read more from him.
xdarkthunderx's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought this book was so boring but once the event with Sam happened, I just ended up holding back (and releasing some) tears for the rest of the book. It hit me way harder than Aristotle and Dante did, and it was written so beautifully while doing so. I loved every single character so much, as they were all amazing and didn’t deserve the crap they had to deal with, but those events are what made me fall in love with this book. The characters growing through their troubles and helping each other become better people was so heartwarming and wonderful. Highly recommend. Have tissues.
donttakemybooks's review against another edition
4.0
This mostly gets 4 stars because the writing is beautiful and Saenz is masterful at writing non-romantic love and relationships, especially parent-child relationships.
melissa_bee's review against another edition
5.0
YA that's not a love story, yaaay! Unless you count the platonic love story of the kid's parents which, actually, I might have liked that story better. Somebody write that one, please!
I think the best way I can describe this book is that it is like if you crossed another of the author's books, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secret of the Universe, with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Which is to say, it was always going to be a book that would find a special place in my heart.
I think the best way I can describe this book is that it is like if you crossed another of the author's books, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secret of the Universe, with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Which is to say, it was always going to be a book that would find a special place in my heart.
marousa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25