moonraker's review
dark
funny
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
alisonburnis's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A poet named Melissa, a fictional version of the author, decides to resurrect Selena, the Tejano pop star, setting off a chain of increasingly strange events, with ghostly sightings, a second wave of Selena obsession, a lawsuit from Selena’s father, a bunch of other celebrity ghost,s, and having her skin stolen by Selena’s murderer.
Genuinely one of the most unique things I’ve ever read. The book is written as a series of linked poems, telling the story of Melissa’s resurrection of Selena, interspersed with comments from people who see Selena after she comes back. This is a bizarre, spooky ride, but it’s also just so odd that you’re drawn right into it. Lozada-Oliva is doing a lot of fascinating work with both poetry and novel here, and it works. Even font comes to play a part in how the story is told.
Genuinely one of the most unique things I’ve ever read. The book is written as a series of linked poems, telling the story of Melissa’s resurrection of Selena, interspersed with comments from people who see Selena after she comes back. This is a bizarre, spooky ride, but it’s also just so odd that you’re drawn right into it. Lozada-Oliva is doing a lot of fascinating work with both poetry and novel here, and it works. Even font comes to play a part in how the story is told.
bhavanabee's review
3.0
This was very different from the type of books I've read recently! I appreciate the author's creativity and the way she writes and the way her mind works for her to come up with this concept. I particularly enjoyed "Crush Sonnets," "Yolanda and Selena Don't Talk Anymore," and "Will We Ever Stop Crying About the Dead Star"
I think I have some feelings to sort through about using a celebrity as inspiration like this-- knowing Selena was a real individual with feelings and has a family and loved ones, but maybe that's part of the larger critique of celebrity worship and parasocial relationships I do think the author addresses in some of her poems
I think I have some feelings to sort through about using a celebrity as inspiration like this-- knowing Selena was a real individual with feelings and has a family and loved ones, but maybe that's part of the larger critique of celebrity worship and parasocial relationships I do think the author addresses in some of her poems
amandas_books's review
5.0
This truly is my new favourite book. Every page was crazier and more unhinged then the last, as if you took an edible with a higher dosage each time you turned the page until you read until the end. Such a scarily realistic depiction of obsession, I will never be able to recommend this book enough
jadereadsometimes's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
ecn's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’ve never read anything like this and I loved the book from the very first page. First of all, a character index? HELL YEA. even though it was a bit comical, I’ve always said more books need that. This book was hilarious and witty and sad and a mirror to my heart. I love every moment and want to read everything this author has and will ever write.
If you love the heart, sincerity, and quirks of Little Weirds, you’d love this book.
If you love the heart, sincerity, and quirks of Little Weirds, you’d love this book.
pryngols's review
5.0
I don't think I have the right words for how much I love this collection. It is very easy to get confused at the beginning, especially if you make the same mistake as I did and focus too much on the narrative of the MC bringing Selena back to life. Though it is the central theme in which most of the pieces revolve, what really made the greatest impact to me is how her words made me feel. This is definitely the most "freaky" poem collection I have ever read this year. I love how it pushes the boundaries of reality and magical realism while discussing feminism, coming of age, sexuality, life and death. Absolutely gorgeous.
I still have so much to unpack but will probably do so on my blog later. Big thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for the eARC.
I still have so much to unpack but will probably do so on my blog later. Big thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for the eARC.
inkylabyrinth's review
dark
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0