Scan barcode
A review by tiredcath
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
dark
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
In the same vein, as John Tucker Must Die, The Luis Ortega Survival Club is a story of unexpected friendship and revenge.
I was pleasantly surprised with how much this tackled in such a quick read. I flew by the book quickly, falling into Sonora Reyes's natural writing style and relatable characters. There's so much I enjoyed about this, mostly, it was the core group of friends. They all felt so genuine together, I appreciated seeing how much they cared about each other, and how it was evident they all wanted a place to be themselves and to heal. Our main character Ariana is autistic with selective mutism, who's lived a pretty invisible life until recently. What I really appreciated about this novel was the handling of Ariana's autism, it's never demonized. I think a lot of people will find comfort in this friendship group, and how Reyes managed to create a found family bond out of a tragic event.
Reyes tackles issues with rape culture, consent, toxic masculinity, as well as wholesome masculinity, without making it feel like a PSA. It reminded me a lot of the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. (I recommend reading the TW but nothing in this is graphic.)
I do wish the ending was a tad longer, I wanted to spend a little more time with the characters. But in all, this is a fantastic novel. It's warm, it's sad, bittersweet, it's about healing and friendship, and togetherness. This is a really special book with wonderful representation.
I was pleasantly surprised with how much this tackled in such a quick read. I flew by the book quickly, falling into Sonora Reyes's natural writing style and relatable characters. There's so much I enjoyed about this, mostly, it was the core group of friends. They all felt so genuine together, I appreciated seeing how much they cared about each other, and how it was evident they all wanted a place to be themselves and to heal. Our main character Ariana is autistic with selective mutism, who's lived a pretty invisible life until recently. What I really appreciated about this novel was the handling of Ariana's autism, it's never demonized. I think a lot of people will find comfort in this friendship group, and how Reyes managed to create a found family bond out of a tragic event.
Reyes tackles issues with rape culture, consent, toxic masculinity, as well as wholesome masculinity, without making it feel like a PSA. It reminded me a lot of the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. (I recommend reading the TW but nothing in this is graphic.)
I do wish the ending was a tad longer, I wanted to spend a little more time with the characters. But in all, this is a fantastic novel. It's warm, it's sad, bittersweet, it's about healing and friendship, and togetherness. This is a really special book with wonderful representation.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Toxic relationship