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burlesot's review
4.0
Hearing this work of art read aloud by the author was a true immersion into a culture so unlike my own I felt voyeuristic at times. Listening to X grow in confidence and learning to trust her own voice felt raw, real and brutally honest. I've never attended a true poetry slam, but if the work there is 1/10th as powerful as this book was, I think it would be an intensely moving experience.
jenmangler's review
4.0
I devoured this book. I don't have the words to describe how moved I am by Acevedo's words. Xiomara is such a fantastic protagonist, and her story is a powerful one that you'll want to read.
leo_glz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
anna26's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
a perfect book, especially for a young audience.
belleakuvi's review
5.0
this book beautifully touches on topics that i personally connect to, and even the topics that i don't have a personal connection to were written beautifully. i came into this a little hesitant because i'm not a big fan of poetry, but i was completely blown away.. plus i love the cover so much
redheadreading's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
mcmoon's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a poet, and I really wanted to love this book. As a work of art, I would give this book a four. The language is beautiful and moving. However, the narrative feels cliche. It's about finding your voice in an immigrant household where your mother expects you to be religious. It's a message that matters, but it feels overdone because so many books have tackled it better. I think a spoken word piece built around voice and empowerment and identity would have had more power than this verse novel does. The characters come across as two-dimensional and the plot is predictable. The story needed more layers and complexity. I would love to see this author write a verse novel with a more imaginative plot.