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eslsilver's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Minor: Vomit
youmns's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Catholic-themed, this is the story of a Mexican-American boy coming of age during and immediately after WWII. Antonio sees death come for various people in various ways, is exposed to different religions and beliefs, and navigates these topics through his child's lens.
Heavy stuff, beautifully written.
I did not love the narration, and certainly got the impression that the narrator was chosen because he's bilingual.
Heavy stuff, beautifully written.
I did not love the narration, and certainly got the impression that the narrator was chosen because he's bilingual.
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
wifeslife's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.75
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Alcohol
baybod's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Wow. I did not expect such a strong ending. I enjoyed the book enough throughout, but the last third was incredibly gripping. I really resonated with Antonio’s struggles with faith and his desire to believe in all that he saw was good, not just one god. I found it a satisfying resolution to this when Ultimate blesses him in the name of “all that is good and strong and beautiful,” because she seems to give validity to all of the gods he puts faith in. I also appreciated the thoughtful manner in which the book dealt with death and Antonio’s experiences with it. I think this book does an excellent job of representing a people of many beliefs and with backgrounds that lie in many traditions. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Vomit and Religious bigotry
meganpbennett's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
After moving to New Mexico, I learned about Bless Me Ultima, and it ended up on my TBR pile. I finally read it as part of both Banned Books Week celebration and Hispanic Heritage month. It was an interesting book, following the narrator, Tony, as he navigates his life after his grandmother, Ultima, comes to live with his family.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail