Plot – 4
Writing style – 4.5
Characters – 4
Romance – 4
In which an eighteen-year-old Mexican boy was mistaken for another Latino by an American girl who was traumatized by an incident with an involvement of an infamous Mexican gang.
• Plot – I always state this whenever I review ya novels, I am not much of contemporary reader but let me tell you this, this book over here is golden.
The issues it deals with are prominent. It’s my first time reading a novel that has something do with with an Latinos getting deported due to their dark pasts in there homeland. To be honest, it felt refreshing reading this because it somehow broadened my view in such things.
That life outside my room is not rainbows and unicorns. That I should be taking myself for the privellage I have.
Of course, I do have some issues with the book itself but nothing major, let me assure you.
I do only wished the author somehow focused as well with the female protaginist’s said trauma and case.
Also, while reading this, I was shocked due to how cruel La Salvador was explained. I can’t really say if the author kinda exaggerated the whole La Salvador’s state, the gang fights and all because I personally didn’t witnessed it. Haven’t even step a foot in Mexico though I would love to someday.
This is the type of novel that is worthy of being a movie.
• writing style – it hooked me the moment I read the first chapter. I mean, it’s direct to the point. No unnecessary and boring introduction. No sipping coffees or whatever.
Fast paced, that’s for sure. Read it in one sitting.
The climax was fine with me. Not too dramatic but not too dull. Smooth.
• characters – they’re amazing. To tell you the truth, I think the novel was not lengthy enough for us to get to know the characters deeper.
1. Gretchen – The female lead’s character was especially not much given attention. Sure, there was character development. It’s just the lack of seeing who she really is.
Don’t get me wrong, I do like her because she’s straight to the point. Determined. When the secrets were spilled, she freaked out a bit but immediately get ovee it and tried fixing things up. That’s the type of ya heroine I need.
Like I said, I wished the author somehow focused as well with her case, not only with the male lead’s.
2. Phoenix – I feel so bad for all the things he’d been through. He’s a great brother. Smart. Patient.
I also love reading his point of views. How he complain about the overpriced cheese and all that. I mean, I completely agree with me.
• romance – it was not the type of romance where you’ll find yourself blushing. I mean, of course, you’ll laugh at some point but the whole love story itself was touching.
Both characters themselves found each other to heal. To help one another in overcoming all the tragedies.
Somehow, they felt natural despite the fact it’s kinda insta-love. How first, they only see each other as friends. Someone to trust.
Anyways, as long as it is not love at first sight, I am fine with it.
Marie Marquardt is an author of young adult novels, a college professor, and an immigration advocate.
How are these all connected? After many years as a researcher, service provider, and – most importantly – friend with immigrants to Georgia, I felt frustrated. I often spoke to groups about immigration and the need for immigration reform. I offered clear, rational explanations and data on why our immigration system needs to be repaired. And then I realized something: people only begin to care when they meet and get to know someone who is living inside this broken system. It’s been my great honor to have those very relationships over decades.