Reviews

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

readwkc's review against another edition

2.0

I am very conflicted on my rating but I think I'm gonna give it a 2. On one hand I enjoyed the first half but then it lost me in the second half. The pacing is very fast in the beginning and I wished it were slowed down because of the contents of the book but then in the second half I noticed we weren't really doing anything. The pacing slowed but it wasn't going nowhere. Some of that is due to the many subplots. She was juggling with so many different plotlines that we weren't spending enough time discussing certain things. Scenes would end abruptly to mention something else. I did like the found family though

rudyyy's review against another edition

4.0

Loved :) such a good accurate portrayal of autistic interiority. 

thehawk72's review against another edition

3.0

I can’t really put my finger on why but I really didn’t like this one as much as Lesbianas.

kewarra's review against another edition

emotional

3.75

brim010's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-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? Yes

4.0

wellreadsinger's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Addressing harm is never easy because there is no guarantee you will be heard. There is no guarantee you will be protected after you have named your abuser. The Luis Ortega Survival Club is a reminder that community built on a foundation of transparency, love, and protection is a safe haven everyone deserves. 

The author’s overall writing style at times felt choppy at times and in some cases could be considered cut and dry however I think in this case it doesn’t necessarily take a way from the novel’s overarching, powerful message. The pacing especially nearing the climax could’ve  been better executed. However,  as a neurotypical I also can see how Reyes’ simplistic style perhaps makes the reading more accessible for those that are neurodivergent and youth in general  that may struggle to engage with topics like the ones discussed. Sometimes the complex thing needs to be broken down simply. 

I found myself feeling like a protective auntie when it came to  TLOSC. Seeing them grow, learn, resolve conflict. Watching how these young teens built community with one another that manifested into a safe space for them to show up authentically as themselves warmed my heart. May we all find those that make us feel safe enough to drop the mask and just be. 

kendraa1264's review against another edition

5.0

i can't remember the last time i actually cried while reading a book. not just cried sobbed. this book made me so sad but also made me feel so validated. if i had friends like this in high school i would be a different person today

groseille's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

amelia_megs's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

dkg20's review against another edition

3.0

I feel it could’ve been better. Started off really slow to the point that it was a task to pick it up and keep reading. Was not that interested in the romance. Probably the best thing about this book was the neurodivergent rep