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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Wow. This book was so beautiful. Julia’s story was heartbreaking yet the ending left me with so much hope. I loved all the elements of the book from Olga’s mystery, to Julia’s romances with Connor and Estaban, Julia’s depression and anxiety, and the theme of immigration. All these aspects wove together to create an impactful story. I highly recommend to anyone, I could not put this book down.
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
One way of knowing you're getting older for real is if you read YA and you find yourself really sympathizing with the mother character.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Powerful YA story about cross-cultural upbringing and grief and family secrets. Written in accessible but thought-provoking way. I had just seen Mojada: Medea in Los Angelos at the theatre. Lots of parallels. Also similar to Poet X, but I found this story(with mystery element) more entrancing.
There was some language and content warnings I would give. If sex/f-bombs bother you I would steer clear of this book.
I think this book had some important issues brought up and talked about. We see depression, family relationships, drugs, sex, anxiety explored. I feel like there wasn't exactly a plot and the author just wanted to hit on each of these things and strung them along to Julia's search for answers about her sister, which should have been the big arc of the story but I feel like it was underscored by teen angst that I just couldn't get into.
What I liked about this book is that it does explore these things and tries to speak to the issues of immigrant life and teen girl issues.
I think this book had some important issues brought up and talked about. We see depression, family relationships, drugs, sex, anxiety explored. I feel like there wasn't exactly a plot and the author just wanted to hit on each of these things and strung them along to Julia's search for answers about her sister, which should have been the big arc of the story but I feel like it was underscored by teen angst that I just couldn't get into.
What I liked about this book is that it does explore these things and tries to speak to the issues of immigrant life and teen girl issues.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I struggled to get through this book and ultimately decided to table it. The part of the story I was interested in (her investigation of her sister’s life and death) is consistently on the back burner to prioritize the discussion Julia’s social-emotional struggles and difficult family relationships. I could absolutely see teens connecting with Julia, so it will be on my classroom book shelf for sure, but it wasn’t for me right now. Maybe I will try again another time.