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A review by pastelwriter
Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*clears throat*
*screams into the abyss*
Now that that’s over, let’s talk about Ander & Santi Were Here.
First of all, I knew I was going to love this book the moment I bought it because I had already loved Jonny’s debut. Secondly, book reviewers I trusted were giving glowing reviews of it.
So, it’s no surprise that this book had me in absolute shambles in the best way possible. I knew it would hurt me, there were low chances that a love story between a Mexican American and an undocumented Mexican immigrant wouldn’t, but it was such a beautiful story beyond that.
The vast majority of this book is actually full of queer and Latine joy. The love story between Ander and Santi is heartwarming and cavity inducing. They felt like a treasure I got to hold every time I opened the pages and was able to watch them awkwardly stumble towards a relationship and then be so happy once they choose to be in one.
Not only was the love story beautiful because we had such wonderfully crafted characters, it was also beautiful because I felt like I was home. The conversations between Santi and their friends felt so familiar and real. I could picture myself in their family, in their shoes, because I’ve been in similar with my friends and family. It was a perfect reminder of why these stories are so important and why I continue to pick up YA. YA Latine authors continue to write stories that feel like home. Estoy con mi familia cuando leo sus palabras.
It’s beyond what I can put to words. The gift Latine authors give me when they write with all the truth in their hearts is one I will always cherish.
Anyway~
I also really loved the aspects of this that focused on Ander’s identity as an artist and the kind of art they want to make. Their conversations with their advisor reminded me a lot about stories my art teacher friend would tell me about while she was completing her master’s in art. It was such a rich part of the story that I don’t want to go unmentioned because it brought to light conflicting emotions that many artists of color deal with as they try to inhabit a space that is dominated by white voices.
Tbh. The only “flaw” of this book is not a flaw at all. I’m just an ace Latina in her mid 20s who can’t relate to horny teenagers and can’t help being uncomfortable reading about their horniness. Still. Horny teenagers have rights 😂 I just also have the right to be uncomfy.
All in all, please pick this up if you’re at all interested. You won’t regret it!
*screams into the abyss*
Now that that’s over, let’s talk about Ander & Santi Were Here.
First of all, I knew I was going to love this book the moment I bought it because I had already loved Jonny’s debut. Secondly, book reviewers I trusted were giving glowing reviews of it.
So, it’s no surprise that this book had me in absolute shambles in the best way possible. I knew it would hurt me, there were low chances that a love story between a Mexican American and an undocumented Mexican immigrant wouldn’t, but it was such a beautiful story beyond that.
The vast majority of this book is actually full of queer and Latine joy. The love story between Ander and Santi is heartwarming and cavity inducing. They felt like a treasure I got to hold every time I opened the pages and was able to watch them awkwardly stumble towards a relationship and then be so happy once they choose to be in one.
Not only was the love story beautiful because we had such wonderfully crafted characters, it was also beautiful because I felt like I was home. The conversations between Santi and their friends felt so familiar and real. I could picture myself in their family, in their shoes, because I’ve been in similar with my friends and family. It was a perfect reminder of why these stories are so important and why I continue to pick up YA. YA Latine authors continue to write stories that feel like home. Estoy con mi familia cuando leo sus palabras.
It’s beyond what I can put to words. The gift Latine authors give me when they write with all the truth in their hearts is one I will always cherish.
Anyway~
I also really loved the aspects of this that focused on Ander’s identity as an artist and the kind of art they want to make. Their conversations with their advisor reminded me a lot about stories my art teacher friend would tell me about while she was completing her master’s in art. It was such a rich part of the story that I don’t want to go unmentioned because it brought to light conflicting emotions that many artists of color deal with as they try to inhabit a space that is dominated by white voices.
Tbh. The only “flaw” of this book is not a flaw at all. I’m just an ace Latina in her mid 20s who can’t relate to horny teenagers and can’t help being uncomfortable reading about their horniness. Still. Horny teenagers have rights 😂 I just also have the right to be uncomfy.
All in all, please pick this up if you’re at all interested. You won’t regret it!