A review by glischsanchez
Here the Whole Time by Vitor Martins

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

Vitor Martins has written a young adult queer love story that is equally beautiful and honest. I think his writing of Felipé might be the best teenage character I’ve seen brought to life on the page. Yes, this novel is about the growing love between two boys, but it is also a love story about the love between friends (i.e. chosen family), a mother and child, a grandmother and child, a child and his superhero teenage role model, a therapist and her client, and ultimately it is a love story between a fat gay teenage boy and himself. Ciao is sweet and courageously open and generous with those he loves and who love him. Becky is simply a marvel to behold on the page; I want to be Becky when I grow up. And Rita, Felipé’s mom, is the best kind of mother: one who mothers not only her own biological child but every child she encounters who needs a safe harbor. Thank you Vitor for this incredible story, and thank you Larissa Helena for translating this work and making it accessible to this reader and so many more!