I actually didn't end up liking this book as much as I thought I would; as a kid, I loved magic realism, fantasy, and Harry Potter, so it felt like this book would be a sure match for me. However, I found the world-building both overly simplistic and too complicated, which lent to a novel that felt like it focused on the wrong priorities. The writing style wasn't as good as I hoped it would be either, but I can see what audience it would appeal to

I've been waiting for the novel to address this. From the beginning, I thought that the idea of Lobizona's dual-bruja and lobizón society is very interesting, albeit a bit limiting. I wanted the novel to push back against the society that it created, and I am glad that we're getting an in-universe conversation about that. I think this moment would be great for students who themselves feel like they don't fit into any pre-established space.

I'm halfway through this novel, and I am really interested in the ways in which it handles societal pressure. Manu's characterization is interesting to me (albeit a little bit flat, ngl), and I am excited to see what happens after this turn of events.

I love the interplay between Spanish and English in this novel. As with several novels in this course, there have been interesting and varied ways to incorporate a second language, but I find myself really enjoying the strategy that Lobizona uses. It also helps to build characterization, which is super interesting to me.

I was gagged. This moment was crazy to me; I mean, I saw it coming, but I also did not see it coming, y'know? That being said, I think this book holistically deals with the idea of mistrust and surveillance in an extremely smart way; it is moments like these that have continually left me reeling (in the best way possible).

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE INTRODUCTION! It has been quite a while since I have been this hooked from the beginning of a novel. I am already enamored with Sepetys's writing style and the direction that this story is heading in.

Finally, I thought the idea of the “mirror-world“ was kind of interesting, but, in all honestly, it kind of felt like a rip-off of Coraline to me. That was my chief issue with this entire book: it just felt like a re-telling of popular dark fantasy/gothic tropes.

I would like to say that I particularly enjoyed the prevalence of art and imagery in this book. A part of me, however, wishes that the art was not included as a part of the book. It takes away from the whimsical and transitory nature of the way that the images are described.

This panel actually made me tear up, which was unexpected to be honest. I was talking with a friend yesterday about the importance of literature (he is a math major) in the world; granted, so rarely does lit lead to material wealth in any form, but so often does it make life worth living. To think that even Omar and Hassan and the other refugees found solace in stories is heartwarming, and reminds me of the interconnectedness that lit fosters.

This page made me think a lot about my grandmother, actually; she grew up in an extremely poor family with fourteen siblings, and dropped out of high school to take care of the siblings and her parents' farm. While she doesn't have the exact same story as Omar and Hassan, I think about the decisions that she had to make and the way that she fought to stay in school, even though it didn't work out for her in the end.

This moment in the graphic novel was a lot for me. Before applying to the Engl Educ major, I thought a lot about what education meant, both for me and for people around the world. Education is access, empowerment, and opportunity. I cannot relate to Omar's story here, but I can empathize; the fear and concern and the hope and the turmoil of emotions that he's feeling really hit me quite hard.

As an older sibling, this was a super relatable moment for me. I have often given up little things in my life to make sure that my younger sibling, Rowan, is taken care of--even if its something as simple as skipping hanging out with my friends so that I could support them and their endeavors. It really makes me think and reflect what I would be willing to give up to make sure that Rowan would be okay.

What an incredible novel! I think this one will end up as one of my re-reads. I loved watching Lily and Kath's relationship progress. I especially loved the way that it interconnected scenes from the past/Lily's family with scenes from the present--it made the characters in the novel feel intertwined.

I love the way that this novel in particular handles foreign languages. I think that a lot of novels take the easy route, and depict foreign language as just italicized English. I love that 'Last Night...' keeps the original Chinese characters in.

I don't know what to add here as commentary that isn't going to be overly vulnerable; at some point or another, we have all been Lily.

As a queer individual, this moment in 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club' really resonated with me--there's a lot of bravery, and fear, that goes in trying to connect with people who you think might be like you but you aren't totally sure. This book already has me on the edge of tears, not going to lie. If I had read it as a high schooler, it would have changed my life.

I AM SO NORMAL ABOUT THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK BEING AN INTERLUDE. Stories always start (and end) in the middle. Life goes on. What a great novel.

I am loving We Are All So Good at Smiling thus far. I'll admit that I don't often read prose poetry (in fact, I think this is the first time I've ever read a book full of it), but I can definitely see the appeal. I also think that the novel has a really intentional and thoughtful way of navigating what sorrow and depression feel like.

I know I'm meant to have grand and important thoughts about novels, but this is just one of those quotes that I want to print out and put on my wall.

I am not sure if I know how to articulate this thought super well, but this quote in particular stood out to me as I was reading. McBride's juxtaposition/intermingling of bravery and surrendering just feels so incredible to me.

Looking back on the book as a letter to the people that helped Javier positions the book in a really cool place

An example of the interplay between English and Spanish in Solito! I'm interested in where the author chooses to translate and chooses to not

There's a really interesting reoccurring theme of the music that follows Javier through his journey North. I find myself enamored with the way in which things change and stay the same for him throughout his journey--the incredible way in which we stick to what we know even in times of adversity.