lolajoan's review
5.0
Wonderful and charming and full of love and nostalgia and thoughtfulness. Lots of interesting literary references and punk rock references and theater references. It is a little bit uneven in places, with a few character developments seeming a little unearned, plus it starts out as magical realism and then veers into full urban fantasy at a certain point which is a bit jarring when it happens. But it's beautiful beautiful beautiful.
sophieb_bookseller's review
mysterious
reflective
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
3.5
This is an unconventional YA novel that is rooted in myth, fairy tale, and Shakespeare. Set in 1990s Portland, Oregon, through a magical realist lens. There’s A LOT here, including a large, diverse, rainbow cast of characters, parent-child relationship tension, sibling relationship tension, falling in love for the first time, finding your feet, and much more. And everyone is gorgeous in their own way and very, very cool. And kind.
It was a bit too much for me, to be honest. Because there is so much going on I never really connected with the book. And I was a teen in the early 1990s, too - but my word I was never this suave. Especially not in my awkwardness. Also, I was never a theater kid, really (jock to my marrow), so that was another layer I missed.
Still, it is not your average YA, and that’s to be cherished. If you love myths and fairy tales and don’t mind somewhat over-the-top plot twists there’s a lot to love here.
patroclusbro's review
5.0
I think that I have outgrown young adult genre in general, but this book has such a special tone, luring me in.
Orr and Iph, inseperable teenage siblings, get seperated during one summer that changes everything. Trying to figure out things on their own, they stumble through 90's Portland; meeting runaways, homeless teenagers, feminist punk bands, and a lot of people who have both suffered and loved.
This book connects trauma with magical realism, fairytales with song lyrics, and tells stories about birth and found families, coming of age and queerness.
As a much-too-sensitive and constantly overwhelmed teen, I would have devoured this.
Orr and Iph, inseperable teenage siblings, get seperated during one summer that changes everything. Trying to figure out things on their own, they stumble through 90's Portland; meeting runaways, homeless teenagers, feminist punk bands, and a lot of people who have both suffered and loved.
This book connects trauma with magical realism, fairytales with song lyrics, and tells stories about birth and found families, coming of age and queerness.
As a much-too-sensitive and constantly overwhelmed teen, I would have devoured this.
mousehouse's review
4.0
This book was so unexpectedly gorgeous and I enjoyed many elements of it. The magical realism is as intriguing as it is mystifying, and the portrayal of young characters from diverse walks of life was very well done. My only real criticisms are that at times the pacing felt a bit slow and points of contention in plot seemed to be resolved too easily for the characters. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.
bindick's review
5.0
this book just filled me with such good vibes. i just rlly love platonic relationships and communities and found family and siblings and close families and !!! but yeah it was so magical and wonderful and like a world i’d want to live in? mmdmndndndndn
s_syrup's review
1.0
writing was good but i wasnt able to get into the story. also the magical aspect comes out of left field and some of the feminest/pro sex-work message felt a little forced. good message, it just felt awkward and like things people wouldnt actually say in the way the characters did
cassssss's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
- 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? Yes
3.5
mementomorimoto's review
5.0
Summer in the City of Roses sets out to do a lot all at once, and it certainly, fantastically delivers. Borrowing from the Greek tragedy of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and the fairy tale “Brother and Sister,” Michelle Ruiz Keil brilliantly incorporates Shakespeare, queer and feminist theory, and a number of other subtle, wonderful touches that make for a highly re-readable adventure.
After Orr’s father authorizes him to be kidnapped to a camp to help him “man up,” siblings Iph and Orr escape into the world of 1990s Portland in a punk rock odyssey that subverts and surprises. Keil’s setting makes for a glorious romp through riot grrrl culture, rendering the scene in exquisite detail; however, the characters, multi-faceted and often brilliant, never seem dated or precocious. The challenges they face and issues they address – ranging from gender, sex, love, race, religion, substance abuse, and disability – complement the retro vibe in ways that make the characters feel very real, and very current.
As an avid fan of YA and the 90s, I am continuously in awe of Keil’s thoughtful and innovative novel, and highly recommend Summer in the City of Roses!
After Orr’s father authorizes him to be kidnapped to a camp to help him “man up,” siblings Iph and Orr escape into the world of 1990s Portland in a punk rock odyssey that subverts and surprises. Keil’s setting makes for a glorious romp through riot grrrl culture, rendering the scene in exquisite detail; however, the characters, multi-faceted and often brilliant, never seem dated or precocious. The challenges they face and issues they address – ranging from gender, sex, love, race, religion, substance abuse, and disability – complement the retro vibe in ways that make the characters feel very real, and very current.
As an avid fan of YA and the 90s, I am continuously in awe of Keil’s thoughtful and innovative novel, and highly recommend Summer in the City of Roses!
natherton's review
4.0
The first 80% of this book was a 5 for me. A 10 even. I loved the atmosphere and the characters and the topics that don’t always get addressed in YA. I don’t mind a magical realism element, but the shift in what I was being asked to accept in the last 20% took me out of that world really drastically and I had a hard time finishing it out.
samanthamurk's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is definitely a new favorite!!! I absolutely loved everything about this book!! Each character was unique and so well written, i would love spin offs for each and every one of them!!