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gabalodon's review against another edition
5.0
If you enjoyed the first one you'll enjoy this one. I love these books so much. The narrative voice is so fun and charming and full of heart. They make me laugh and cry and laugh some more and want to hug all my family and friends.
laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
Sal and Gabi may have broken the universe, but can they fix it? And, more importantly, does it even need fixing?
Sal Vidon is many things: Cuban-American, magician, diabetic, Level 4 friend to Gabi Real, and breaker of universes. Not that he means to do it. It's not his fault, really. Most of the time, anyway... His Papi, a calamity physicist, believes he has found the answer to fixing the universe using his remembranation machine, which can repair the holes that Sal has ripped in the multiverse. The machine seems to be a success... until Sal encounters another Gabi, who says that--in her universe--the machine has caused more problems then they were supposed to fix. And she is not happy about it...
Rogue Gabis, talking toilets that don't like cussing, friend problems, the most epic Parent-Teacher Night to ever exist, a new Gabi-Dad, and more await in this second Sal and Gabi novel, "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe".
Hernandez's hilarious and heartfelt writing combines with science to create an adventure of a lifetime (or, technically, several lifetimes. Depends on how you want to look at it). You're never sure what you'll be more surprised by: what comes from the multiverse, or what the kids at the Culeco Academy of the Arts come up with (Seriously, this school is nuts in the best possible way. So many theater and arts kids. So much Extraneous Extraness.) While so many aspects of this novel can clearly be labeled as science-fiction, fantasy, humor, and more, Hernandez also hits hard on real issues and real life problems such as child neglect, living with a chronic condition, addiction, grief, and making mistakes that hurt the people you care about. And then there's familia. Found families, blended families, so many families. I laughed with delighted surprise then about cried at chapter 37 1/2. It's perfection, my friends... At the heart of it, this book is about friendship, families and teamwork, all wrapped up in this perfectly delightful blend of smarty-pants sciency-stuff and fart jokes that you don't have to be a middle-schooler to laugh at.
Sal Vidon is many things: Cuban-American, magician, diabetic, Level 4 friend to Gabi Real, and breaker of universes. Not that he means to do it. It's not his fault, really. Most of the time, anyway... His Papi, a calamity physicist, believes he has found the answer to fixing the universe using his remembranation machine, which can repair the holes that Sal has ripped in the multiverse. The machine seems to be a success... until Sal encounters another Gabi, who says that--in her universe--the machine has caused more problems then they were supposed to fix. And she is not happy about it...
Rogue Gabis, talking toilets that don't like cussing, friend problems, the most epic Parent-Teacher Night to ever exist, a new Gabi-Dad, and more await in this second Sal and Gabi novel, "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe".
Hernandez's hilarious and heartfelt writing combines with science to create an adventure of a lifetime (or, technically, several lifetimes. Depends on how you want to look at it). You're never sure what you'll be more surprised by: what comes from the multiverse, or what the kids at the Culeco Academy of the Arts come up with (Seriously, this school is nuts in the best possible way. So many theater and arts kids. So much Extraneous Extraness.) While so many aspects of this novel can clearly be labeled as science-fiction, fantasy, humor, and more, Hernandez also hits hard on real issues and real life problems such as child neglect, living with a chronic condition, addiction, grief, and making mistakes that hurt the people you care about. And then there's familia. Found families, blended families, so many families. I laughed with delighted surprise then about cried at chapter 37 1/2. It's perfection, my friends... At the heart of it, this book is about friendship, families and teamwork, all wrapped up in this perfectly delightful blend of smarty-pants sciency-stuff and fart jokes that you don't have to be a middle-schooler to laugh at.
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
5.0
Love this series! I'm so bummed there's not another for me to read (yet?). Both books close their stories well enough that the series could end there, but leave just enough for a sequel. It's beautifully done. In terms of storytelling, this book has the edge over the first with a more focused plot and a stronger showing of craftsmanship. By the same token, though, it does make it feel a little more calculated. The biggest knock on it is that it wants so desperately to be the most charming thing ever that it can, at times, grate just slightly, but with a book that is this much shameless fun to read, it's hardly worth mentioning.
Merged review:
Love this series! I'm so bummed there's not another for me to read (yet?). Both books close their stories well enough that the series could end there, but leave just enough for a sequel. It's beautifully done. In terms of storytelling, this book has the edge over the first with a more focused plot and a stronger showing of craftsmanship. By the same token, though, it does make it feel a little more calculated. The biggest knock on it is that it wants so desperately to be the most charming thing ever that it can, at times, grate just slightly, but with a book that is this much shameless fun to read, it's hardly worth mentioning.
Merged review:
Love this series! I'm so bummed there's not another for me to read (yet?). Both books close their stories well enough that the series could end there, but leave just enough for a sequel. It's beautifully done. In terms of storytelling, this book has the edge over the first with a more focused plot and a stronger showing of craftsmanship. By the same token, though, it does make it feel a little more calculated. The biggest knock on it is that it wants so desperately to be the most charming thing ever that it can, at times, grate just slightly, but with a book that is this much shameless fun to read, it's hardly worth mentioning.
lillanaa's review
4.0
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened. Most of these kinds of books don't emphasize that communication is healthy and necessary and it's an important lesson that was extremely necessary here.
The characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with.
The one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
Merged review:
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened. Most of these kinds of books don't emphasize that communication is healthy and necessary and it's an important lesson that was extremely necessary here.
The characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with.
The one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened
Spoiler
at least closer to the endThe characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with
Spoiler
FixGabi because she deserves itThe one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
Merged review:
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened
Spoiler
at least closer to the endThe characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with
Spoiler
FixGabi because she deserves itThe one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
evamadera1's review against another edition
adventurous
4.0
(Same review for both books in the duology)
I loved this entry (both books in the duology) in the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Interestingly, this duology does not include any type of mythology, typical of the books in this line. Instead, Hernandez leans into the near future sci-fil elements and the idea of the multiverse. Hernandez creates a loveable madcap main character in Sal as well as unique family structures; I still do not understand Gabi's family but that doesn't matter. This first book could stand on its own but Hernandez definitely builds enough into book one for book two to make complete sense. There's even potential for book three even though i do not think that Hernandez has plans to continue the series.
I loved this entry (both books in the duology) in the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Interestingly, this duology does not include any type of mythology, typical of the books in this line. Instead, Hernandez leans into the near future sci-fil elements and the idea of the multiverse. Hernandez creates a loveable madcap main character in Sal as well as unique family structures; I still do not understand Gabi's family but that doesn't matter. This first book could stand on its own but Hernandez definitely builds enough into book one for book two to make complete sense. There's even potential for book three even though i do not think that Hernandez has plans to continue the series.
alyshadeshae's review
5.0
Just some quotes I enjoyed for one reason or another from this book because I don't want to put spoilers in my review! But how amazing is this that an aromantic (for now, at least) and an atheist are the main characters of this amazing series?! #RepresentationMatters
(This one is used more than once throughout the book and I just adore that!)
‘The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons,’
(This one is used more than once throughout the book and I just adore that!)
And anyway, if I do say so myself, I look good in kung fu pj’s. “Hey”—I shrugged—“if Aru Shah can have adventures in her pajamas, why can’t I?”
Her T-shirt sported the message “YOUR PERSONALITY IS YOUR PAST, NOT YOUR FUTURE”—CARLOS HERNANDEZ.
She shrugged. “‘The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.’”
If you were any more aro, I’d shoot you out of a bow.
I mean, I am as atheist as a mountain.
cayeman's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.75
mogar_pogar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
tani's review against another edition
4.0
Well, my brain is stubbornly refusing to even try and summarize this, so no summary for this review, I guess. Instead, I'll just say that if you enjoyed the first book, you should definitely read this one as well. As you might expect, it does have a plot about holes in the multiverse, but it also has so much more than that. There are lessons about family and acceptance. There are discussion of what makes someone a person. There are adult role models making mistakes and apologizing and learning from them. There are children role models doing that exact same thing. There is hope for the future, even after you're messed up. There's forgiveness for the mistakes of others. There's taking something that's not quite working and turning into something amazing. There's just honestly so much stuff here.
I think one of my favorite things about these books is how they let the adults be just as human and prone to mistakes as the kids. There's a scene where Papi messes up, and where Sal has to be the one to help him own up to his mistakes. I think that makes it so much more powerful when the tables are turned and Sal makes his own mistakes. It's easy to say that everyone messes up, but this is a wonderful example of showing just that.
Also, the sheer love that these characters show for the world is so heartening. If you need a book to lift your spirits, I recommend this series. There are so many wonderful lessons here about love and family, without shying away from some of the more unhappy aspects of life. Things aren't perfect, but as long as I can hang out with Sal and Gabi as they try their best to do the most good that they can for as many people as they can, for as long as they have the spoons, I am happy with my life.
On a more serious note, I am also really hoping that I can manage to call someone a sandwich in the next couple days. It is my new favorite loving insult.
And on an even more serious note, if I ever manage to have a kid, these books are going on my required reading list.
Merged review:
Well, my brain is stubbornly refusing to even try and summarize this, so no summary for this review, I guess. Instead, I'll just say that if you enjoyed the first book, you should definitely read this one as well. As you might expect, it does have a plot about holes in the multiverse, but it also has so much more than that. There are lessons about family and acceptance. There are discussion of what makes someone a person. There are adult role models making mistakes and apologizing and learning from them. There are children role models doing that exact same thing. There is hope for the future, even after you're messed up. There's forgiveness for the mistakes of others. There's taking something that's not quite working and turning into something amazing. There's just honestly so much stuff here.
I think one of my favorite things about these books is how they let the adults be just as human and prone to mistakes as the kids. There's a scene where Papi messes up, and where Sal has to be the one to help him own up to his mistakes. I think that makes it so much more powerful when the tables are turned and Sal makes his own mistakes. It's easy to say that everyone messes up, but this is a wonderful example of showing just that.
Also, the sheer love that these characters show for the world is so heartening. If you need a book to lift your spirits, I recommend this series. There are so many wonderful lessons here about love and family, without shying away from some of the more unhappy aspects of life. Things aren't perfect, but as long as I can hang out with Sal and Gabi as they try their best to do the most good that they can for as many people as they can, for as long as they have the spoons, I am happy with my life.
On a more serious note, I am also really hoping that I can manage to call someone a sandwich in the next couple days. It is my new favorite loving insult.
And on an even more serious note, if I ever manage to have a kid, these books are going on my required reading list.
I think one of my favorite things about these books is how they let the adults be just as human and prone to mistakes as the kids. There's a scene where Papi messes up, and where Sal has to be the one to help him own up to his mistakes. I think that makes it so much more powerful when the tables are turned and Sal makes his own mistakes. It's easy to say that everyone messes up, but this is a wonderful example of showing just that.
Also, the sheer love that these characters show for the world is so heartening. If you need a book to lift your spirits, I recommend this series. There are so many wonderful lessons here about love and family, without shying away from some of the more unhappy aspects of life. Things aren't perfect, but as long as I can hang out with Sal and Gabi as they try their best to do the most good that they can for as many people as they can, for as long as they have the spoons, I am happy with my life.
On a more serious note, I am also really hoping that I can manage to call someone a sandwich in the next couple days. It is my new favorite loving insult.
And on an even more serious note, if I ever manage to have a kid, these books are going on my required reading list.
Merged review:
Well, my brain is stubbornly refusing to even try and summarize this, so no summary for this review, I guess. Instead, I'll just say that if you enjoyed the first book, you should definitely read this one as well. As you might expect, it does have a plot about holes in the multiverse, but it also has so much more than that. There are lessons about family and acceptance. There are discussion of what makes someone a person. There are adult role models making mistakes and apologizing and learning from them. There are children role models doing that exact same thing. There is hope for the future, even after you're messed up. There's forgiveness for the mistakes of others. There's taking something that's not quite working and turning into something amazing. There's just honestly so much stuff here.
I think one of my favorite things about these books is how they let the adults be just as human and prone to mistakes as the kids. There's a scene where Papi messes up, and where Sal has to be the one to help him own up to his mistakes. I think that makes it so much more powerful when the tables are turned and Sal makes his own mistakes. It's easy to say that everyone messes up, but this is a wonderful example of showing just that.
Also, the sheer love that these characters show for the world is so heartening. If you need a book to lift your spirits, I recommend this series. There are so many wonderful lessons here about love and family, without shying away from some of the more unhappy aspects of life. Things aren't perfect, but as long as I can hang out with Sal and Gabi as they try their best to do the most good that they can for as many people as they can, for as long as they have the spoons, I am happy with my life.
On a more serious note, I am also really hoping that I can manage to call someone a sandwich in the next couple days. It is my new favorite loving insult.
And on an even more serious note, if I ever manage to have a kid, these books are going on my required reading list.
calypsogilstrap's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!
Merged review:
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!
Merged review:
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!