A review by happyblkhippie
A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Ok so, I picked this up purely off the beautifully designed cover art and plot. This was my first time reading Alexa Daria got more than asked for with this one. I realized after reading that this is the second book of a series. So I will be going back to read the first one. 

This story follows Gabe and Michelle two childhood best friends from The Bronx, New York who've lost touch and are reconnected years later.

This is an emotional, yet fun and lighthearted read. It does talk about some heavy topics but is done so in a way that's not overwhelmingly triggering. 

What I Loved
  • The witty banter, shared history, and dialogue between the MCs. 
  • Defined character personalities
  • Realistic, nerdy, flawed characters
  • Diverse cast
  • Love the Spanglish dialogue
  • The narration was phenomenal! Serafina seamlessly goes from adult to children's voices, accents, and no accents. Hard to believe it's just one person with so many distinct voices. 

What I Disliked
  • Plot-driven ending 

Quotes


I'd rather be alone and focused than surrounded by people who don't believe in me.

As much as it pained her to think of him, she didn't regret opening up. Those days with him had been the most emotionally satisfying of her life. She'd allowed herself to be vulnerable, to be seen. To ask for what she wanted. How many people never felt that in their whole lives? She'd once been one of those people and now that she'd felt it, she'd always know. She deserved better and she would survive, no matter what. 

Overall, excellent story! I really enjoyed this one. It also helped me brush up on my Spanish a bit too!


Spoilers

Looove that the MCs are both Bi 😍 Also, love the queer representation with one of the characters being Trans.


Ending
Not feeling the reunion with Gabe and his parents. His father is headstrong and abusive. His mother is complacent and codependent. I think it's unrealistic that he would just reunite with them after being away for 9 years so quickly. Easing back in would've been a better plot point. 

Loved the ending with Gabe and Michelle. I love how much they love each other. Their friends-to-lovers story is my weakness. Gorgeous! Love the witty banter and mix of serious and playful. Their choosing to continue to build their own business, and doing a semi-long distance thing is perfect for their dynamic. I also really love that each character has their own voice and sense of personality outside the other.
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