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A review by gigireadswithkiki
Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
emotional
reflective
tense
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
4.25
I will never recover from the emotional toll of the last 25% of this book!! Ander and Santi Were Here begins in the midst of 19 year old Ander's gap year, starting with being "let go" from their family's taqueria and encouraged to take time to pursue their artistic endeavors. Upon meeting their hot new replacement at the restaurant, Santiago, Ander is pulled on a whirlwind journey of love and self discovery, leading to heart wrenching conclusion.
Ander and Santi were beautifully vibrant characters, and I loved watching them and their relationship blossom and come to life on the pages. Ander relationship with the art they love & the murals they created was complex and nuanced, tying strongly to their Mexican identity to form an animated multifaceted character. Santi's backstory was so emotional and devastating, touching so close to home for so many Brown and Black undocumented immigrants. Together, Ander and Santi were sickeningly adorable in their love and support for each other, giving the other just what they need in times of distress.
My only issue with this book was with the pacing, I felt that the beginnings and end were so action-packed and fast paced but the middle slowed down quite a bit and threw off my momentum for a little bit. Otherwise, I loved the powerful plot of this story: featuring two Latinx Brown queer characters on their quest for their place in the world amidst a country fraught with bigoted organizations like ICE. I loved that the book showed that despite all the forces driving them apart, Ander and Santi (and others like them) do not have to face these issues alone. The conclusion of this book had me on a roller coaster of emotions and I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely recommend this book, but would absolutely advise checking content warnings beforehand!
Ander and Santi were beautifully vibrant characters, and I loved watching them and their relationship blossom and come to life on the pages. Ander relationship with the art they love & the murals they created was complex and nuanced, tying strongly to their Mexican identity to form an animated multifaceted character. Santi's backstory was so emotional and devastating, touching so close to home for so many Brown and Black undocumented immigrants. Together, Ander and Santi were sickeningly adorable in their love and support for each other, giving the other just what they need in times of distress.
My only issue with this book was with the pacing, I felt that the beginnings and end were so action-packed and fast paced but the middle slowed down quite a bit and threw off my momentum for a little bit. Otherwise, I loved the powerful plot of this story: featuring two Latinx Brown queer characters on their quest for their place in the world amidst a country fraught with bigoted organizations like ICE. I loved that the book showed that despite all the forces driving them apart, Ander and Santi (and others like them) do not have to face these issues alone. The conclusion of this book had me on a roller coaster of emotions and I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely recommend this book, but would absolutely advise checking content warnings beforehand!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deportation and Police brutality
Minor: Kidnapping and Trafficking