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
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
catherineelkhattabystrauch's review
emotional
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Sexual harassment
kaddyren's review
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I hate Mayor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma
Moderate: Sexual harassment
amandaquotidianbooks's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.5
An excellent snapshot into the lives of Latinx immigrants to the US. My favorite plot was Major’s as he navigates his difficult father and becomes friends with Maribel, whose recent accident prompted her family to immigrate to enroll her in an American school. I loved seeing their relationship grow. Alma and Arturo’s dedication to making Maribel’s life easier was eternal and inspiring. Henriquez brings to life the little joys and everyday anxieties of moving to a country that doesn’t want you there.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Death, and Racism
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