A review by saratonin_stories
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

This is the story that I needed growing-up, and that I didn't know I needed currently as someone coming out in their 20s. I adored and related to the relationships in this book: the sibling bonds and the friendship group dynamics, in a way that I have never felt more connected to in a book. Jules internal dialogues as he traverses being gay and Latinx mirrored parts of my own thought process, leaving me feeling seen, heart broken, and validated all at once. While there were some parts with current slang, terminologies, or references which felt a little awkward, for the majority of the book it felt natural and authentic. Most importantly the story and the characters made me laugh, cry, and audibly squeal with joy as they traversed decisions about college, relationships, and moving into the next stage of their lives. I wish I could put into words how much this book truly meant to me as a queer chicanx person, but I simply do not have that talent. Muchas Gracias  to Johnny Garza Villa for this incredible labor of love and struggle that I am sure it took to write this novel, for the healing that you have provided through this novel to my high school self.