When my cousin sent me the e-book, adding, that she saw it in my to-be-read list in GoodReads, I was greatly surprised that I didn't remember when or what made me add this book. It made me look up my
list and found that I had added it somewhere in Nov 2014. I usually add books from my GR friends bookshelf, but this ... not many of my
friends had added, and the ones that added were at a later date. So, what
exactly made me add this ... I kept wondering and I have not figured it out
yet.
Set at the back drop of a Latin-American family, it is a
beautiful pencil sketch of two teens. Pencil sketch...? Yes, no colors added, that
moves your focus to less innate things... simple shades of black and grey, with
white interpreted the way you perceive. I simply loved it... right from the first
page, the contents, the introduction, the names of the chapters, characters and everything
about it.
After the Book Thief, (which changed my perception of taking pride in
my history, nationality, ethnicity, language and culture, it put in my mind that humanity means more than everything else),
this is yet another soulful read.
Set in 1987, which was the year that I stepped into my teens,
the things happening around Ari, his parents, his friends... A very nostalgic read, reminded me of my School, schoolmates –
the bullies included, my lovely teachers, who still remain my inspiration and shaped
me into whatever I am. I think I had/have very few friends... the soulful, best
friend types... I am just part of all the funny conversations in most groups...
Books have been the best friends that have criticized and influenced me in the
most positive way.
The problem with my life was that
it was someone else’s idea
A start like this is bound to keep one riveted. Reading
this at my age, the irony ... makes me wonder, how many lives have been my idea? But
somewhere towards the end, I think it all comes down to the same place where it
started. Was Ari’s decision, really his own? Somehow, I feel, he succumbs to
other’s decision, one of the ills of being less demonstrative about one’s feelings? It
would have been lovelier, if there isn't any push from others... his parents,
Dante’s parents, and that he feels it himself. That was one star minus, from my
perception.
The one line summary of this book goes... A
lyrical novel about family and friendship ...
on googling about the author, Benjamin Alire Sáenz,
found that he is a teacher, poet... and written so many books for children and
young adults... each one of his book titles are poetry by themselves... very
eager to read more of his writings.
As I come to the end of this review, running my eyes again
through this lovely book... the dedication touches my heart and fills it with
love to the brim...
... To all the boys who’ve had to learn to play
by different rules
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