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A review by grapestakes
Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Ander and Santi Were Here is the best book I’ve read so far this year. It is vivid, moving, and at times laugh out loud funny.
The plot driving this book is captivating - Santi’s struggle to remain in America and Andre’s growth in being directly impacted by the injustice of being an undocumented person for the first time is truly moving without ever getting too saccharine. Villa’s writing is so beautiful and specifically constructed that I felt like I was walking side by side with Ander and Santi - I had physical, visceral reactions to several moments of fear.
But, it’s the character development that made me absolutely love this story. I love books that not only let you get to know their characters intimately, but also why they are who they are and this book does that so well. In getting to know Ander’s entire support system you understand what allows them to both be this beautiful, self assured person, while also sheltering him to some of the harsher realities of their community. I absolutely fell in love with this family.
The plot driving this book is captivating - Santi’s struggle to remain in America and Andre’s growth in being directly impacted by the injustice of being an undocumented person for the first time is truly moving without ever getting too saccharine. Villa’s writing is so beautiful and specifically constructed that I felt like I was walking side by side with Ander and Santi - I had physical, visceral reactions to several moments of fear.
But, it’s the character development that made me absolutely love this story. I love books that not only let you get to know their characters intimately, but also why they are who they are and this book does that so well. In getting to know Ander’s entire support system you understand what allows them to both be this beautiful, self assured person, while also sheltering him to some of the harsher realities of their community. I absolutely fell in love with this family.