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A review by gigireadswithkiki
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This book has firmly solidified Sonora Reyes as one of my auto-buy authors. The amount of effort they exert to make sure their books are diverse and intersectional will always raise the bar for all other books I read! The Luis Ortega Survival Club follows the story of Ariana Ruiz (Ari, for short), as she plots revenge against infamous Luis Ortega, banding together with a group of others who have also been wronged by Luis. However, this synopsis doesn't even begin to skim the surface of the depths of this book.
In a style that I have come to associate with Sonora Reyes, this book tends to jump from topic to topic, in a myriad of different ways. I can absolutely see how this can result a whirlwind of confusion, but as a neurodivergent autistic person myself, this unique writing style deeply parallels my own thought patterns, leading me to devour this book ravenously. From lighter issues (such as sapphic pining or freestyle dancing) to heavier issues (such as infidelity or biphobia), this book handles these topics with care, allowing space for discussion (or criticism) without traumatic over-saturation.
In addition to beautifully compelling writing, this book also contains strong and fierce characters that readers empathize with easily. While Ari is not without her faults, her growth throughout the story is achingly tender, showing the journey of non-verbal autistic girl as she struggles to make friends and stand up for herself. Although there are moments where readers will be frustrated with Ari for her choices or thought patterns, her characterization is handled with a grace that reassures readers that Ari is on a path towards self-betterment.
In case it hasn't been obvious quite yet, I loved this story with all of my heart; everything contained within this book spoke so very very deeply to my soul, and I cannot wait for others to get their hands on The Luis Ortega Survival Club. I would highly, highly recommend this book for all readers, but especially those who are autistic and/or BIPOC!
In a style that I have come to associate with Sonora Reyes, this book tends to jump from topic to topic, in a myriad of different ways. I can absolutely see how this can result a whirlwind of confusion, but as a neurodivergent autistic person myself, this unique writing style deeply parallels my own thought patterns, leading me to devour this book ravenously. From lighter issues (such as sapphic pining or freestyle dancing) to heavier issues (such as infidelity or biphobia), this book handles these topics with care, allowing space for discussion (or criticism) without traumatic over-saturation.
In addition to beautifully compelling writing, this book also contains strong and fierce characters that readers empathize with easily. While Ari is not without her faults, her growth throughout the story is achingly tender, showing the journey of non-verbal autistic girl as she struggles to make friends and stand up for herself. Although there are moments where readers will be frustrated with Ari for her choices or thought patterns, her characterization is handled with a grace that reassures readers that Ari is on a path towards self-betterment.
In case it hasn't been obvious quite yet, I loved this story with all of my heart; everything contained within this book spoke so very very deeply to my soul, and I cannot wait for others to get their hands on The Luis Ortega Survival Club. I would highly, highly recommend this book for all readers, but especially those who are autistic and/or BIPOC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Sexual harassment, Rape, and Sexual assault