melikeread's review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
this book is so bad
they really tried to address so many different social issues in one book (a good goal), but managed to address each one so poorly that it totally defeats the point. instead of pushing against stereotypes, as I assume was the goal, it reinforced them. next time try less hard with the buzzword bingo and maybe the representation will actually be respectful and accurate.
for example, if being gay is so much not an issue, you shouldn’t have to mention its non-issue status. also, there are other kinds of hispanic/latino/a/e besides Mexican.
i’m sure this was very well intentioned but it squarely missed the mark and i’m very disappointed. one of my least favorite books of all time.
they really tried to address so many different social issues in one book (a good goal), but managed to address each one so poorly that it totally defeats the point. instead of pushing against stereotypes, as I assume was the goal, it reinforced them. next time try less hard with the buzzword bingo and maybe the representation will actually be respectful and accurate.
for example, if being gay is so much not an issue, you shouldn’t have to mention its non-issue status. also, there are other kinds of hispanic/latino/a/e besides Mexican.
i’m sure this was very well intentioned but it squarely missed the mark and i’m very disappointed. one of my least favorite books of all time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Xenophobia
it’s just soo bad…schausjk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
This book handled the complexities of family dynamics between adopted and biological siblings in a way that felt authentic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Deportation, Racism, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Child abuse
Minor: Infertility, Lesbophobia, Animal death, Abandonment, Eating disorder, and Death
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Sexual content, Vomit, Ableism, Cancer, Animal death, Eating disorder, Deportation, Death of parent, Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Infertility, and Racism
Slut shaming. Underage drug use.tree_apple681's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
My all time favorite book! While the characters are dealing with difficult stuff it is still such a beautiful book with so much hope and love. It really focuses on family. You get to see all three of their different life perspectives and it talks about some very important issues.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Racism
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