melmoony's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It’s a story about the hardships of being transplanted to a new country, of struggling to make ends meet, of persecution and of being willing to do anything for those you love.
Graphic: Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Racism, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Stalking, Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Gun violence
Minor: Rape, Incest, and Alcoholism
notartgarfunkel's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault and Ableism
Minor: Drug use, Fatphobia, Vomit, and Car accident
btodd12's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Spoiler
This novel follows a family who legally immigrates to the Northeast specifically so their teenage daughter, Maribel - who suffered a TBI at her father’s construction work site - can attend a special school. The slow-moving relationship between Maribel & Mayor showed the depths of both of their characters. Maribel’s parents display their protectiveness time & time again, as well as the very real ways their daughter’s sudden disability shakes their marriage. Unfortunately, Maribel is also targeted and taken advantage of by another teen boy with sinister intentions. I enjoyed how the author made Maribel’s interactions with him the catalyst for other plot points.Spoiler
Very well written (and narrated) book that left me emotional several times.Moderate: Bullying, Ableism, and Sexual harassment
kaneebli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Hate crime, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Rape, and Incest
reebeee's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Bullying, Stalking, Racism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Ableism, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Injury/Injury detail