btodd12's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
We hear a lot about the reasons people immigrate to the U.S. (and debate the legitimacy of each, as if we should judge such a personal and monumental decision for people we’ve never met), but I haven’t often heard about families who immigrate here seeking better education and related services for their disabled children.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Ableism, and Sexual harassment
kaneebli's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
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
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
A moving, devastating narrative of Latinx immigrants' complex relationships with the United States and each other. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of chapters from the POV of minor side characters, explaining why they immigrated and what their personal history and outlook on life is; it added an extra layer of vibrancy to the community in the apartments and drove home the message that immigrants aren't a monolith or just a category of public policy, but people with their own stories and motivations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Stalking, Racism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Ableism, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Injury/injury detail
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