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bookdragon217's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
"Being gay isn't something I was able to choose. To be happy, to get out bed every morning, to be strong and brave and proud of who I am, sure. Those were choices."
QOTD: What is your favorite traditional Mexican dish?
Thanks to @amazonpublishing and @tlcdiversity for the gifted copy.
1500 Hundred Miles From the Sun by @jonnyinstas melted my heart, left me in shambles and is definitely one of my favorite reads of this year. I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The writing is beautiful, the plot captivating and the main characters loyal, lovable and badass. I was invested from the opening pages and I could not stop raving about this book to my husband as I kept reading. It kept me up late reading and hungry with all the food references and descriptions. Overall it was pure perfection. It had the right balance between tearing my heart to pieces and making me smile from ear to ear.
What really sold me was the main character Julián who gets drunk and accidentally comes out to the world on social media. He is also secretly facing abuse at home from his machista father. He finds a friend online in Mat and their long distance romance blossoms. Their love story was the absolute cutest. That love is essentially what anchors Julian as he navigates coming into his sexuality and fighting for acceptance. I will keep Julián in my heart forever.
Even though this story was so sweet it really illuminates the pain caused by parent's rejection, peer bullying and homophobia. It highlights the importance of LGBTQIA+ teens having a solid support network of friends and family to lean on. It teaches that "coming out" is a personal experience that should not be forced by anyone. But more importantly it reminds us that sometimes you have to move on and leave people in the past who are not loving, supportive and accepting. Everyone deserves to be their authentic selves and love freely. As a parent, there were so many moments I just wanted to hug Julián and keep him safe.
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!!! Make sure you have your tissues and snacks handy.
QOTD: What is your favorite traditional Mexican dish?
Thanks to @amazonpublishing and @tlcdiversity for the gifted copy.
1500 Hundred Miles From the Sun by @jonnyinstas melted my heart, left me in shambles and is definitely one of my favorite reads of this year. I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The writing is beautiful, the plot captivating and the main characters loyal, lovable and badass. I was invested from the opening pages and I could not stop raving about this book to my husband as I kept reading. It kept me up late reading and hungry with all the food references and descriptions. Overall it was pure perfection. It had the right balance between tearing my heart to pieces and making me smile from ear to ear.
What really sold me was the main character Julián who gets drunk and accidentally comes out to the world on social media. He is also secretly facing abuse at home from his machista father. He finds a friend online in Mat and their long distance romance blossoms. Their love story was the absolute cutest. That love is essentially what anchors Julian as he navigates coming into his sexuality and fighting for acceptance. I will keep Julián in my heart forever.
Even though this story was so sweet it really illuminates the pain caused by parent's rejection, peer bullying and homophobia. It highlights the importance of LGBTQIA+ teens having a solid support network of friends and family to lean on. It teaches that "coming out" is a personal experience that should not be forced by anyone. But more importantly it reminds us that sometimes you have to move on and leave people in the past who are not loving, supportive and accepting. Everyone deserves to be their authentic selves and love freely. As a parent, there were so many moments I just wanted to hug Julián and keep him safe.
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!!! Make sure you have your tissues and snacks handy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
rbookish's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-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
3.0
this was really slow ngl
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
chave_cempasuchil's review
emotional
hopeful
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Lots of emotions. So many emotions. I read this in one night, which was sort of an accident, but even though the sun rose right before I closed the book, it was worth it. This book. Ahhgghghhhgghhg this book.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun felt like home. It spoke to my queer little Mexican-American heart so clearly and is absolutely one of the best books I have read. Oh, and the content warnings Jonny Garza Villa added in their note at the beginning? So so appreciated and necessary.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun will make you feel all of the emotions, I recommend it to everyone everyone everyone. Please read it and love it right now.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun felt like home. It spoke to my queer little Mexican-American heart so clearly and is absolutely one of the best books I have read. Oh, and the content warnings Jonny Garza Villa added in their note at the beginning? So so appreciated and necessary.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun will make you feel all of the emotions, I recommend it to everyone everyone everyone. Please read it and love it right now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Hate crime
stxrmblessed's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Free copy of the book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Where to start with this book? Emotionally, I'm all over the place in the best way possible. I love almost everything about this book and simply couldn't put it down.
I adore the title and the cover but I even more adore the characters and the relationship Jules has with his friends, his sister and Mat. I love the love and the diversity in this book, the message and Jules' decision to do things for himself, to believe in what he has dreamed about and has worked hard for for years.
I didn't rate it 5 stars because I felt the relationship was a bit rushed at times and the writing style took me some getting used to but that has more to do with me rarely reading books in first-person anymore.
This book deals with some heavy topics so I definitely suggest checking out the trigger warnings before reading.
Where to start with this book? Emotionally, I'm all over the place in the best way possible. I love almost everything about this book and simply couldn't put it down.
I adore the title and the cover but I even more adore the characters and the relationship Jules has with his friends, his sister and Mat. I love the love and the diversity in this book, the message and Jules' decision to do things for himself, to believe in what he has dreamed about and has worked hard for for years.
I didn't rate it 5 stars because I felt the relationship was a bit rushed at times and the writing style took me some getting used to but that has more to do with me rarely reading books in first-person anymore.
This book deals with some heavy topics so I definitely suggest checking out the trigger warnings before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Bullying
perpetualpages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
CWs: Verbal and physical child abuse; physical assault; homophobia; homophobic slurs (English and Spanish); bullying; non-graphic allusions to suicidal ideation; disownment; descriptions of PTSD, panic attacks, and depressive episodes; some exploration of grief; references to underage drinking, some graphic allusions to sex
Jonny Garza Villa really and truly didn't have to write the perfect book. But they did, and I'm forever grateful.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun very much feels like a successor to Ari & Dante, especially in its deliberate, slow pace. This is a story that meticulously takes you through the seasons of Jules' senior year, reveling in moments of friendship and love while also confronting homophobia head-on. It's a story about love in all its power and its limitations—exploring what love can do and what it can't. Love can support you, protect you, and keep you going when things get tough, but at the same time, love can't make up for everything when it's not supported by action.
Whether that means a father who refuses to acknowledge his son's queerness or a long-distance boyfriend who's struggling to figure out how to show up for someone when you can't physically be there, the story deftly explores both love's power and its failings. Even though this is a book that's not afraid to acknowledge the hardships queer people face, it's also largely about finding out which friends are true and learning to find joy in the communities we build for ourselves. This is a story that perfectly captures those high school friendships where buying a $2 soda from a fast food drive through on your way to the beach after school is an adventure you'd take over and over again and where piling onto the same bed together is an appropriate response to someone's depressive episode—those ride-or-die friendships that make your soul sing.
Not only that, but FHMFTS is a love story for the ages and exactly the love story we need right now. It's very rare that we get to see a story that both understands and celebrates online, long-distance romance. Not only is this a story that validates long-distance relationships, but it shows how integral online relationships can be in day-to-day life. Besides his physical presence, you miss nothing of Mat throughout this story. He is every bit as vibrant and present in Jules' life as Jules other friends from school are. He supports Jules, cheers him on, and wants the best for him, all while trying to maintain clear and open communication.
They run into pitfalls along the way, and the distance definitely tests both of them in different ways, but their relationships is every bit as real and beautiful as any other romance out there. They have A-plus level chemistry and banter, yes, but I think their relationship is so memorable because they're both learning not only how to see the other person for everything they are, but how to allow themselves to be seen in return. Letting yourself be known, in all your messiness and in all your mistakes, is an act of love and bravery, and that is ultimately what makes their relationship so satisfying to read.
Oh yeah, and they're funny as fuck.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is a book that will make you laugh, a book that will make you smile right after it makes you cringe, and a book that will make you feel above all else. Trust me when I say you do NOT want to miss this book. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to absolutely everyone.
Jonny Garza Villa really and truly didn't have to write the perfect book. But they did, and I'm forever grateful.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun very much feels like a successor to Ari & Dante, especially in its deliberate, slow pace. This is a story that meticulously takes you through the seasons of Jules' senior year, reveling in moments of friendship and love while also confronting homophobia head-on. It's a story about love in all its power and its limitations—exploring what love can do and what it can't. Love can support you, protect you, and keep you going when things get tough, but at the same time, love can't make up for everything when it's not supported by action.
Whether that means a father who refuses to acknowledge his son's queerness or a long-distance boyfriend who's struggling to figure out how to show up for someone when you can't physically be there, the story deftly explores both love's power and its failings. Even though this is a book that's not afraid to acknowledge the hardships queer people face, it's also largely about finding out which friends are true and learning to find joy in the communities we build for ourselves. This is a story that perfectly captures those high school friendships where buying a $2 soda from a fast food drive through on your way to the beach after school is an adventure you'd take over and over again and where piling onto the same bed together is an appropriate response to someone's depressive episode—those ride-or-die friendships that make your soul sing.
Not only that, but FHMFTS is a love story for the ages and exactly the love story we need right now. It's very rare that we get to see a story that both understands and celebrates online, long-distance romance. Not only is this a story that validates long-distance relationships, but it shows how integral online relationships can be in day-to-day life. Besides his physical presence, you miss nothing of Mat throughout this story. He is every bit as vibrant and present in Jules' life as Jules other friends from school are. He supports Jules, cheers him on, and wants the best for him, all while trying to maintain clear and open communication.
They run into pitfalls along the way, and the distance definitely tests both of them in different ways, but their relationships is every bit as real and beautiful as any other romance out there. They have A-plus level chemistry and banter, yes, but I think their relationship is so memorable because they're both learning not only how to see the other person for everything they are, but how to allow themselves to be seen in return. Letting yourself be known, in all your messiness and in all your mistakes, is an act of love and bravery, and that is ultimately what makes their relationship so satisfying to read.
Oh yeah, and they're funny as fuck.
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is a book that will make you laugh, a book that will make you smile right after it makes you cringe, and a book that will make you feel above all else. Trust me when I say you do NOT want to miss this book. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to absolutely everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
mezzarella's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
5.0
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is emblematic of the of the excellent diverse LGBT representation that 2021 is offering the Young Adult literature scene. With praises from other up and coming authors such as Aiden Thomas, I am delighted to report that the praise for Jonny Garza Villa's debut is well-deserved. Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is emotionally gripping and still manages to tell the joyful and optimistic story of two boys across the United States who love each other.
In this novel, we focus on a Latino boy named Julian (or "Jules" for short) who is an excellent student, friend, and is coming to terms with his gay identity as someone who is also Latino. Jules father, following traditional views of masculinity from Hispanic culture, believes that being gay is a personal weakness rather than something to accept or celebrate. When Jules accidently comes out via Twitter, he struggles to remain in the closet with his father. This becomes especially true after Jules online crush, Mat reaches out to him. Mat and Jules begin to grow closer and closer, and Jules must decide who he is and what he wants from his life.
This novel handles LGBT and cultural identities with nuance and care. Other than Jules and his family members, there are other people of color represented proudly in the novel. For instance, Mat is a Vietnamese-American boy living in California. Languages (both Spanish and Vietnamese) are interwoven into the narrative, and food is also central to many cultural indicators throughout the narrative. I loved how culture was casually shared with the reader. I'm sure this narrative could reach any audience, but especially students who are criminally underrepresented in YA LGBT literature. When I realized how diverse this book was (and how respectful and nuanced it was) I smiled.
The message of this novel (separate from the romantic love story) is a very poignant one for young readers today. With colleges growing more expensive and more competitive, students have to think more and more about where they're going to end up attending university. Jules' dream school is UCLA, and he longs for the days he can leave Texas behind and attend a prestigious university. This novel takes you down Jules worries and joys, and then poses a question for young readers. What happens if your plans don't go exactly as planned? What is it that you truly need from a university? I'm overjoyed to share that this book ends very happily, but I also appreciated the honest college conversations which made a formidable aspect of the book.
Overall, this book is a must-read for 2021 releases. The fact this book is Villa's debut means that I'm excited to have a new favorite YA novelist join my bookshelf. While I'm waiting for new books from Villa to release, I'll be glancing at some of my favorite lines from Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun over and over again. I'm not expecting to tire from reading it anytime soon.
In this novel, we focus on a Latino boy named Julian (or "Jules" for short) who is an excellent student, friend, and is coming to terms with his gay identity as someone who is also Latino. Jules father, following traditional views of masculinity from Hispanic culture, believes that being gay is a personal weakness rather than something to accept or celebrate. When Jules accidently comes out via Twitter, he struggles to remain in the closet with his father. This becomes especially true after Jules online crush, Mat reaches out to him. Mat and Jules begin to grow closer and closer, and Jules must decide who he is and what he wants from his life.
This novel handles LGBT and cultural identities with nuance and care. Other than Jules and his family members, there are other people of color represented proudly in the novel. For instance, Mat is a Vietnamese-American boy living in California. Languages (both Spanish and Vietnamese) are interwoven into the narrative, and food is also central to many cultural indicators throughout the narrative. I loved how culture was casually shared with the reader. I'm sure this narrative could reach any audience, but especially students who are criminally underrepresented in YA LGBT literature. When I realized how diverse this book was (and how respectful and nuanced it was) I smiled.
The message of this novel (separate from the romantic love story) is a very poignant one for young readers today. With colleges growing more expensive and more competitive, students have to think more and more about where they're going to end up attending university. Jules' dream school is UCLA, and he longs for the days he can leave Texas behind and attend a prestigious university. This novel takes you down Jules worries and joys, and then poses a question for young readers. What happens if your plans don't go exactly as planned? What is it that you truly need from a university? I'm overjoyed to share that this book ends very happily, but I also appreciated the honest college conversations which made a formidable aspect of the book.
Overall, this book is a must-read for 2021 releases. The fact this book is Villa's debut means that I'm excited to have a new favorite YA novelist join my bookshelf. While I'm waiting for new books from Villa to release, I'll be glancing at some of my favorite lines from Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun over and over again. I'm not expecting to tire from reading it anytime soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Vomit
Drug use/abuse is from a scene involving underage drinking.stephblair's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Perhaps I shouldn’t have chosen Valentine’s Day to read this because now I’m feeling sappy and also lonely lol. But anyway, I loved this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
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