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A review by hobbithopeful
Up in Flames by Hailey Alcaraz
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A powerful read about leaving your bubble of privilege, and how undocumented immigrants are affected by natural disasters.
I very much enjoy how Ruby knows how to best use her appearance and beauty to her advantage. The way she dealt with Frank made my heart break a bit for her, but at the end of the day she was doing what was needed to survive.
Ruby grows a lot in this story, and watching a very spoiled character realize there is more to the world then just what she is dealing with is always a thought-provoking read. She really had to step up for her family, and even though she starts off ignorant, by the end of the book she really is a different person.
I am always wary to read a Latine book regarding topics of immigration and ICE because of the large amount published compared to more "cozy" stories. It does push a certain societal narrative and stereotype around our culture, and I do feel the need to mention publishers choosing certain themes to publish over others. I do like how it was handled here, even though it was almost a bit too rainbows and sunshine with how everything worked out perfectly for the undocumented immigrants. (An unrealistic portrayal to be frank)
I did find this book extremely prose heavy, the only reason this isn't a five star book for me. There are so many inner monologues and summaries, and just it reads very fast-paced at times. Every time I thought we were going to have a scene or conversation, instead sometimes it will go for pages of just inner monologue or summarizing with no dialogue or anything else whatsoever. I do think I would have liked it if it was longer and spent more time showing the dialogue instead of just summarizing character interactions.
I do think I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot more then the second.
The ending was fine? I was very confused by some of the characters. Remy seems to alternate between being mature and smart, to being incredibly immature especially for someone of his age and responsibilities. Ambiguous endings can work in certain situations, but it seems that Ruby is just chasing after another guy so I didn't quite enjoy that fact. (Though hey I am super happy to see a BIPOC character not end up with the white guy!)
I did feel like certain men were forgiven too easily by other characters, I almost wish the woman each had a bit more self respect in how they were treated. Or at least came to the realization that IT'S OKAY TO BE ALONE!
I would recommend this book, and I would read more from Hailey Alcaraz. This is her debut novel and I am excited to see more from her.
A powerful read about leaving your bubble of privilege, and how undocumented immigrants are affected by natural disasters.
I very much enjoy how Ruby knows how to best use her appearance and beauty to her advantage. The way she dealt with Frank made my heart break a bit for her, but at the end of the day she was doing what was needed to survive.
Ruby grows a lot in this story, and watching a very spoiled character realize there is more to the world then just what she is dealing with is always a thought-provoking read. She really had to step up for her family, and even though she starts off ignorant, by the end of the book she really is a different person.
I am always wary to read a Latine book regarding topics of immigration and ICE because of the large amount published compared to more "cozy" stories. It does push a certain societal narrative and stereotype around our culture, and I do feel the need to mention publishers choosing certain themes to publish over others. I do like how it was handled here, even though it was almost a bit too rainbows and sunshine with how everything worked out perfectly for the undocumented immigrants. (An unrealistic portrayal to be frank)
I did find this book extremely prose heavy, the only reason this isn't a five star book for me. There are so many inner monologues and summaries, and just it reads very fast-paced at times. Every time I thought we were going to have a scene or conversation, instead sometimes it will go for pages of just inner monologue or summarizing with no dialogue or anything else whatsoever. I do think I would have liked it if it was longer and spent more time showing the dialogue instead of just summarizing character interactions.
I do think I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot more then the second.
The ending was fine? I was very confused by some of the characters. Remy seems to alternate between being mature and smart, to being incredibly immature especially for someone of his age and responsibilities. Ambiguous endings can work in certain situations, but it seems that Ruby is just chasing after another guy so I didn't quite enjoy that fact. (Though hey I am super happy to see a BIPOC character not
I did feel like certain men were forgiven too easily by other characters, I almost wish the woman each had a bit more self respect in how they were treated. Or at least came to the realization that IT'S OKAY TO BE ALONE!
I would recommend this book, and I would read more from Hailey Alcaraz. This is her debut novel and I am excited to see more from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent