Thursday, April 6, 2017

Review: The Inexplicable Logic Of My Life

The Inexplicable Logic Of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
Source: ALA Midwinter 2017
Date Read: 3/14/17 to 3/26/17
464 pages


The first day of senior year:

Everything is about to change. Until this moment, Sal has always been certain of his place with his adoptive gay father and their loving Mexican-American family. But now his own history unexpectedly haunts him, and life-altering events force him and his best friend, Samantha, to confront issues of faith, loss, and grief.

Suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and discovering that he no longer knows who he really is—but if Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from ARC may or may not be in the published edition.

Disclaimer: I think that Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was a much better book.

To follow up, this was good. But just not as good, ok? I mean for one, there is no dog named Legs. And really, there is no dog in general. But I guess that’s beside the point.

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life follows Sal, who although isn’t Mexican by blood, still sees himself as Mexican American since his adopted father raised him to be one. Though it doesn’t help that he is conflicted at times due to this. But this isn’t all. Him and his best friend, Sam, both go through a ton of tough times, from uncontrollable actions resulting in punches to deaths in the family.

Because life is hard.

There’s no huge climax, but rather just the ups and downs of life. And I think there’s essentially why many aren’t as impressed with this as they were with Ari and Dante. And I guess I can say the same. Because even though this was a so beautifully written, it lacked in plot. However, I can say that Sal’s father is the nicest, sweetest man ever. And of course there’s Mima, who is 10 times as sweet.

Also, this is such a quick read, which I appreciated. There’s an art to writing short, concise yet eloquent dialogue, and Benjamin Alire Sáenz has mastered that.

I would definitely recommend this, but just be warned that this probably won’t live up to his first novel. Just lower your expectations a bit, but only a bit.


Comments (16)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
So can you believe I've never read this author? I need to read Aristotle. I've heard this wasn't as good as the previous book, but still it sounds like a good book despte the lack of a real plot. I'll have to try though. I'm sure my library has a copy!
Great review!
Yes to all of this. I liked it a lot but not a lot of plot at all. The beautiful writing definitely helped make up for it. Great review!!
I love that this book doesn't have a major plot point. It's simply a story. Sometimes, reading a structure-less book is a good thing.
I loved Aristotle and Dante and am really looking forward to reading this one. It definitely sounds interesting. I feel like living up to that book is really hard though and I'm not surprised it didn't quite get there but I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it.
This sounds nice, and I haven't read Aristotle & Dante so maybe I should read this one first so I'm not disappointed. I do kinda want to read it every time I see that cover, even before I knew what it was all about.
I loved this one so much!! 😍😍 I do agree Ari & Dante was better though. (And hey Sal had a dog?!? He shared it with Sam when she was sad remember?!) 😂 But SAL'S DAD THOUGH. Like omg finally an excellent YA father. I loved him! Hehe. I wish it'd had more plot, but it was still beautiful. <3
I really need to reread Aristotle and Dante, because I loved it so much. I was curious to read review before giving this one a go, and I think I will. I really need books to have plot, a story about every day life isn't always enough for me, but well, it's Benjamin Alire Saenz so I could still enjoy it. Great review! :)
It's a case of sophomore slump then, it's one of those things which happens. As I've not read the first book from the author (yet) I will definitely check this out too. I don't tend to mind stories that lack a bit of story as this one seems like it's all about the characters. It sounds really interesting and I definitely want to read. I don't know why I've waited so long to read something from this author.
I love Ari and Dante and for some reason, I hadn't read the synopsis since they updated it on Goodreads and thought it was a follow up to their story. It sounds cute but I must admit, Ari and Dante would be such a hard book to follow up on. It was magical in so many ways and absolutely enchanting. The lack of storyline and direction don't bother me so much as long as it's wonderfully written. Just sad that there's no Ari or Dante thrown in. Brilliant review Val and so glad you were still able to enjoy it <3 <3
I'm really excited to read this one. Great review, Val!
Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/
So. Should I read this one first and THEN Aristotle and Dante? That way I won't have like, sad expectations? Again, you just tell me what to do, and I am all over it.
So how mad would you be if I said I haven't read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe? I KEEP FORGETTING ABOUT IT. But honestly, what is a book without a dog. (or more importantly without a cat, HONESTLY VAL WHERE ARE THE CATS IN YA)
I'm so glad you enjoyed this so much, but, on the other hand, I'm sorry to hear it wasn't quite as good as Ari & Dante. It's always tough to follow up when you've written such an amazing debut. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
I was super excited about this book until I heard the mixed reviews that came out, and it sounds kind of dull tbh. Thanks for the review though Val!
Psst, Ari and Dante wasn't his first novel, haha. He's actually written quite a few, but that was the first one with a lot of buzz around it!

I am hesitant to read this title, because I have heard quite mixed things about it. I didn't love Ari and Dante as much as everyone else did (although I DID love it. It's just not my fave book ever, like it is for some), so I am weary of a book that doesn't seem to have quite the same special elements to it. Although I like the sound of an amazing dad. We need more of those in YA!

Are you keen for the Ari and Dante sequel? I am scared because if they don't have a happily ever after I'm going to be ANGRY AND UPSET.
Benjamin Alire Saenz's avatar

Benjamin Alire Saenz · 386 weeks ago

Aristotle and Dante was not my first YA novel—it was my fourthYA novel.In addition to my four adult novels and two collections of short stories and 6 poetry books. Just thought you should know. And thanks so much for reviewing my book. All the best!

Post a new comment

Comments by

This site uses IntenseDebate to manage comment data. Learn more about how that is processed here.