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.
Nick · 427 weeks ago
Great review!
venosag 72p · 427 weeks ago
joyousreads 92p · 427 weeks ago
Cassi MyThoughtsLit · 427 weeks ago
gregorylhill 73p · 426 weeks ago
caitdrews 124p · 426 weeks ago
Lucie · 426 weeks ago
FoolsIngenuity 93p · 426 weeks ago
Kelly · 426 weeks ago
wanderingsofabookbird 24p · 426 weeks ago
Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/
shannonmiz 83p · 426 weeks ago
Zoey · 425 weeks ago
zoesnicholson1 74p · 425 weeks ago
jeannius88 122p · 424 weeks ago
delicateeternity 69p · 421 weeks ago
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 · 386 weeks ago