ellenreading_theend's review
5.0
What’s better than a family saga full of complicated people who deeply love each other in messy ways? Nothing. I feel so much tenderness for these characters after the journey with them. There were moments I learned from, moments I related to, and so many moments that made me emotional. I’m so glad I bought this years ago and remembered it when I saw it on a list from @2bookornot2book — it was a journey I’d gladly go on again and again.
abeljquintero's review
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
matthewchoi's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lisagreen65's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kevinmccarrick's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.0
hoosgracie's review against another edition
3.0
A novel of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles gathering for a funeral and a birthday. Told from multiple viewpoints. It can get confusing at times with so many characters. I liked this but didn't love it.
ajnsmiths's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Very well-crafted novel. Each character is finely drawn and complex. A lot of pain in this book, but also beautiful moments of triumph and forgiveness.
jess_ika's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5 stars*
Once again, the writing was very good but the characters ended up bringing this book down for me. I get the author was trying to exaggerate their manners and the way they spoke, but still, I ended up annoyed with how many "cabrón" and "pendejo" there were.
monkeyhippy's review
5.0
One of the best novels I've read in a long time. The characters are vivid and real and fascinating and funny, the storyline is brilliant, and the whole thing was a joy to read.