Reviews

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

reader4evr's review against another edition

4.0

I started reading this but knew I would be in the car for a couple of hours so I ended up checking out the audiobook and it was really good! The author narrates and his voice fit the whole story perfectly (obviously).

enter_the_phantom's review

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

mrsg_goodreads's review

funny hopeful 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

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

4.0

“Lo mas importante, mi Arturito, es el amor y la fe,” says Abuela .

I loved this book! I loved Arturo and his family, I loved the dialog between Arturo and his friends (it made me laugh out loud more than once), and I really loved the message (and it wasn't heavy handed). This is a great introduction to first generation families, gentrification, and the poetry of Jose Marti. When Arturo reads these words from his grandfather, "A young person has the power to do many great things..." he decides to stand up to the big bad developer trying to take over his families restaurant to put up a high-rise. It requires bravery and love and a little poetry. This is so touching and filled with humor. An excellent middle grade novel about Cuban American life.

dedkake's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

ell_jay_em7's review against another edition

3.0

This book was a fun and moving read with some structural issues. It has great characters and a lot of heart but I had questions about some of the character motivations and didn't like the way the story was framed.

bickie's review against another edition

4.0

Arturo Zamora, 13, is looking forward to a summer in Canal Grove (near Miami) working in his Cuban abuela's restaurant and hanging out with his friends. The restaurant, La Cocina de la Isla, is the nexus of the Zamora extended family as well as a popular community gathering place. Abuela is the person who holds it all together, but due to her failing health, Arturo's mother has taken over as the chef and manager. Two people appear in town to change the trajectory of Arturo's summer: his mother's goddaughter, Carmen, whose mother died during the past year, and Wilfrido Pipo. While the Zamoras are excited to expand the restaurant into the empty lot next door, Pipo, a developer, swoops in with alternative plans to build a high-rise with a gym, movie theater, and other amenities. As Pipo wins over the community with grand promises, gift bags, a free-food festival, and schmoozing with the local authorities, the Zamoras fight his gentrification ideas even while coping with the alarming decline in abuela's health.

zgonzalezp's review against another edition

4.0

This book represents family, but most of all unity, we realize through this book that the people we care of is the most important thing in the world and that we need to be with them before something else pulls us appart

annagonzalez26'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? No

3.75

jwinchell's review against another edition

4.0

Arturo's voice and world are strong and fearless but nuanced and authentic.