What do you think?
Rate this book
Libertad
A queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election, about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras churns louder and faster. For her part, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán takes heart in writing political poetry for her anonymous Instagram account and a budding romance someone new. But things come to a head when Mami sees texts on her phone mentioning a kiss with a girl and Libi discovers her beloved older brother, Maynor, playing a major role in the protests. As Libertad faces the political and social corruption around her, stifling homophobia at home and school, and ramped up threats to her poetry online, she begins dreaming of a future in which she doesn’t have to hide who she is or worry about someone she loves losing their life just for speaking up. Then the ultimate tragedy strikes, and leaving her family and friends—plus the only home she’s ever known—might be her only option.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 29, 2024
This queer coming of age story was well written and bitter sweet. It takes place in Honduras mostly in 2017 during a rigged presidential election. The main character is Libertad, a young girl finishing high school and contemplating who she is and who she will be. A few chapters are told from her older brother’s perspective Maynor. As the story progresses the reader understands last year Libertad and her best friend kissed but she didn’t want to talk about it and now is now dating another boy at school. It isn’t a safe time or place to be queer and Libi is trying to figure out who she is. It’s also not a safe time or place to be with political unrest, a rigged election and protests growing. This book was full of well developed characters and the writing was excellent. This book is a bit of an emotional roller coaster and I definitely cried while reading it. I will definitely be looking for what this author brings next.
August 25, 2024
This book was so eye opening for me to read. I was born in Honduras but my mom was able to leave the country when I was 6 months old and I’ve never known how it really is in my homeland. This book has really opened my eyes about the state of things there and how so much is still not accepted there even after all these years. It breaks my heart that there is still so much unrest after all these years and the author really paints a picture of all the unsettling things there. The protests are still active and going to this day and it was just so surreal to read it all in a book. I felt what the main character felt as far as wanting to leave but also being so afraid of the unknown and what the future holds for her. The relationships between family members reminds me of my family and the complexity of it all. Being thrown into Libertad’s world is not for the faint of heart but the author did so well in bringing it all to life.
July 19, 2024
Amidst a tumultuous presidential election in Honduras and widespread protests, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán finds solace in her political poetry and a new romance. But her world unravels as she navigates family tensions over her sexuality, discovers her brother’s involvement in protests, and faces online threats. Ultimately, tragedy forces Libi to consider leaving behind everything she loves in search of a safer future.
I just finished this book and cried my eyes out. Normal Thursday night. It took me several days to finish this book and it’s not for lack of interest. It was very heavy on my heart.
*spoilers*
I loved watching Libi learn about herself, and I truly thought the family dynamics were incredible to read about. I loved her brothers and her close relationship with both, along with her mother and Abuela. I wanted to hug Alberto, he was so sweet. I also loved her group of friends and how they interacted. Again, it was a really great dynamic to play out in the book.
I was absolutely devastated when Maynor died in the protests. We are talking sobbing. Tears running down my face. He was just figuring himself out, in love, and had so much hope. My heart broke and I could FEEL the grief coming off of these pages. So many incredible quotes about grief and how it feels.
I recovered and then by the end with the poem and mural I was a mess again. But - I was so hopeful for Libi and her future. She had figured out a good balance and got into a school she was hopeful for. It was a really full circle ending.
I loved the culture and language and prose and beauty of this book. Absolutely stunning. The author’s note had me tearing up as well - don’t miss it.
*I was provided a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher and NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.*
I just finished this book and cried my eyes out. Normal Thursday night. It took me several days to finish this book and it’s not for lack of interest. It was very heavy on my heart.
*spoilers*
I loved watching Libi learn about herself, and I truly thought the family dynamics were incredible to read about. I loved her brothers and her close relationship with both, along with her mother and Abuela. I wanted to hug Alberto, he was so sweet. I also loved her group of friends and how they interacted. Again, it was a really great dynamic to play out in the book.
I was absolutely devastated when Maynor died in the protests. We are talking sobbing. Tears running down my face. He was just figuring himself out, in love, and had so much hope. My heart broke and I could FEEL the grief coming off of these pages. So many incredible quotes about grief and how it feels.
I recovered and then by the end with the poem and mural I was a mess again. But - I was so hopeful for Libi and her future. She had figured out a good balance and got into a school she was hopeful for. It was a really full circle ending.
I loved the culture and language and prose and beauty of this book. Absolutely stunning. The author’s note had me tearing up as well - don’t miss it.
*I was provided a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher and NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
As a whole, it's a good story. But I'm so done with publishers/authors spoiling up to 70% of books' content, honestly. I knew from the synopsis that:
So it was neither a surprise nor emotionally impactful when it happened, especially since it was so late in the story. And since the rest of the novel is about the ripples of that event, I just felt disconnected from it all. Overall, the pacing felt off to me.
While Libertad broaches political topics much more important than the ones in Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay, I think the latter portrayed "that thing" better.
Two other nitpicks: The spenglish isn't seamlessly woven in the prose, the full sentences of untranslated Spanish stick out and feel jarring. And while translations are available for the poems, they're shoved at the very end of the whole book (I honestly couldn't be bothered to go read them).
Lastly, the love triangle was so frustrating because the MC doesn't talk about boundaries with any of her two love interests and ends up cheating on them back and forth. Love to see it.
Otherwise, I loved the emotional depiction of such a troubled time and the slice-of-life feel of a family just trying their best to survive, generation after generation, through such turmoil.
So it was neither a surprise nor emotionally impactful when it happened, especially since it was so late in the story. And since the rest of the novel is about the ripples of that event, I just felt disconnected from it all. Overall, the pacing felt off to me.
While Libertad broaches political topics much more important than the ones in Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay, I think the latter portrayed "that thing" better.
Two other nitpicks: The spenglish isn't seamlessly woven in the prose, the full sentences of untranslated Spanish stick out and feel jarring. And while translations are available for the poems, they're shoved at the very end of the whole book (I honestly couldn't be bothered to go read them).
Lastly, the love triangle was so frustrating because the MC doesn't talk about boundaries with any of her two love interests and ends up cheating on them back and forth. Love to see it.
Otherwise, I loved the emotional depiction of such a troubled time and the slice-of-life feel of a family just trying their best to survive, generation after generation, through such turmoil.
August 27, 2024
Libertad is an evocative queer coming of age story set in Honduras during the political turmoil of 2017.
I knew very little about Honduras before reading this book and Zaldívar does an incredible job situating the reader in all that the setting entails: the anxiety of the political tension, the weather of Honduras, the people and smells and day to day rhythm of living in Tegucigalpa. I was immersed in Libertad's story from the first page.
I cried steadily through the last hundred pages. Libertad's journey, without spoiling anything, is incredibly emotional and beautiful - and as a queer reader, I loved the moments of queer joy, love, and possibility woven into the narrative. I also believe that being queer means being open to all the possibilities and seeing the beauty in what can be instead of what is - a powerful message that counterbalances the overwhelming political turmoil Libertad is living through.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I firmly believe it should be on everyone's TBR - it's a beautiful narrative that tells an important story, illuminating experiences that most Westerners have little understanding of.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Zaldívar and I shared an office during grad school and I was honored to receive an early copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
I knew very little about Honduras before reading this book and Zaldívar does an incredible job situating the reader in all that the setting entails: the anxiety of the political tension, the weather of Honduras, the people and smells and day to day rhythm of living in Tegucigalpa. I was immersed in Libertad's story from the first page.
I cried steadily through the last hundred pages. Libertad's journey, without spoiling anything, is incredibly emotional and beautiful - and as a queer reader, I loved the moments of queer joy, love, and possibility woven into the narrative. I also believe that being queer means being open to all the possibilities and seeing the beauty in what can be instead of what is - a powerful message that counterbalances the overwhelming political turmoil Libertad is living through.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I firmly believe it should be on everyone's TBR - it's a beautiful narrative that tells an important story, illuminating experiences that most Westerners have little understanding of.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Zaldívar and I shared an office during grad school and I was honored to receive an early copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year.
Read
October 1, 2024📣 HI HELLO this is my favorite YA read of the year so far!!
I'll try to cobble together a review at some point, but in the meantime RUN DON'T WALK and get this one ASAP from your nearest bookstore or library.
10/10 would cry again 😭.
🙃 Gonna go write some poems now 🇭🇳🏳️🌈.
I'll try to cobble together a review at some point, but in the meantime RUN DON'T WALK and get this one ASAP from your nearest bookstore or library.
10/10 would cry again 😭.
🙃 Gonna go write some poems now 🇭🇳🏳️🌈.
August 27, 2024
Full review in its optimum format can be found on my blog, Cierra’s Cynosure, here.
Discussion
Here is a queer coming-of-age novel that examines social and political intricacies at a new level. We follow 17-year-old Libertad through her senior year of high school, her 18th birthday, and her very first romantic encounters with…girls. All of these events are sweet and exciting parts of growing up, but unfortunately, they are marred by a backdrop of political violence.
Libertad is set in Honduras, a country in Central America whose history is tainted by colonialism, western imperialism, political violence/instability, and at times, blatant homophobia. Unfortunately for Libertad, all of these facts cast huge shadows over a period in her life that should feel full of promise and hope. The book illustrates what living in Honduras was like during the real-life 2017 presidential election of Juan Orlando Hernández, whose presidency was marked by allegations and a subsequent conviction of conspiring with drug traffickers across Honduras in exchange for monetary bribes.
What I appreciated most about my experience with this title was the opportunity to step outside of the demographics that I am most familiar with in a very accessible way. As an American, I am largely unaware of a lot of the political climate and instability across Central American countries. Therefore, following Libertad through all of the instances of political violence whilst she also navigates her daily life felt like a very tangible way to grasp how a country’s larger political atmosphere also impacts the lives of everyday citizens. It also provided an opportunity to examine another perspective of Western imperialism over smaller nations.
The censorship, the military police violence, the curfews, the electricity blackouts—I felt real anxiety while reading about all of these events from Libertad and her family’s perspective. Their fear and sense of helplessness felt palpable.
“Months ago, Juan Orlando Hernández ordered the military police—the MP—to take to the streets in major cities like Tegus and San Pedro to “mantener el control.” When I still had my phone, I saw videos all over Twitter and Instagram of the MP beating protestors, firing tear gas and rubber bullets.”
“I think of the coup nearly a decade ago now. The way I understand it, one morning the US government decided our democratically elected president wasn’t fit to rule anymore. They drove him out, imposing a military state and right-wing government instead. How can we be independent if another country—bigger, richer, more powerful—can swoop in at any time and upend everything?
Despite the risks of violence, there is such a notable sense of community throughout this novel that really brings each character to life and allows them to shine individually. I felt the heartwarming moments between Libertad and her older brother Maynor as they got to know each other as people and not just as siblings. I felt Libertad’s sorrow and confusion when her mom found out about her being gay and urged her to hide it at first. I felt her classic moments of annoyance with her younger brother Alberto, and her opposition to the traditional viewpoints of her Abuela. I empathized with each character trying to make sense of very complicated family dynamics, including absent parents and physically abusive ones.
Zaldivar expertly crafted emotions and relationships in this book that felt genuine. All of the characters have flaws. All of the characters have moments that they come to regret. Through the conflicts, Libertad unearths a deep understanding of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and growth in interpersonal relationships. It felt special to watch the character relationships grow and change throughout the novel. Here are a few moments of character connection that I loved:
“"It’s what every mother wants, I think. For life to be a little less hard for our children than it was for us.””
“As the two of us breathe in and out, slowly, I remind myself that this shit is hard. She has her own process to go through. I asked her a question, and she answered me as honestly as she could.”
“I stare into Alberto’s soft, dark eyes, both of us hardly blinking. “I love you so much that sometimes, it feels like if I look at you for too long, I’ll pass out. You know?”
Alberto giggles. “I don’t feel like I’m gonna pass out when I look at you.”
I laugh. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. One day you’ll get it.””
In all, Libertad is an honest depiction of what it’s like to come of age and come to terms with your identity at a time when the world around you feels unsafe. It is raw, honest, and incredibly introspective. It depicts first love and heartache, grief, and the eldest sibling’s guilt of being the first one in your family to leave home. I highly recommend this title for all of its social and political commentary, as well as its exemplary character relationships.
Discussion
Here is a queer coming-of-age novel that examines social and political intricacies at a new level. We follow 17-year-old Libertad through her senior year of high school, her 18th birthday, and her very first romantic encounters with…girls. All of these events are sweet and exciting parts of growing up, but unfortunately, they are marred by a backdrop of political violence.
Libertad is set in Honduras, a country in Central America whose history is tainted by colonialism, western imperialism, political violence/instability, and at times, blatant homophobia. Unfortunately for Libertad, all of these facts cast huge shadows over a period in her life that should feel full of promise and hope. The book illustrates what living in Honduras was like during the real-life 2017 presidential election of Juan Orlando Hernández, whose presidency was marked by allegations and a subsequent conviction of conspiring with drug traffickers across Honduras in exchange for monetary bribes.
What I appreciated most about my experience with this title was the opportunity to step outside of the demographics that I am most familiar with in a very accessible way. As an American, I am largely unaware of a lot of the political climate and instability across Central American countries. Therefore, following Libertad through all of the instances of political violence whilst she also navigates her daily life felt like a very tangible way to grasp how a country’s larger political atmosphere also impacts the lives of everyday citizens. It also provided an opportunity to examine another perspective of Western imperialism over smaller nations.
The censorship, the military police violence, the curfews, the electricity blackouts—I felt real anxiety while reading about all of these events from Libertad and her family’s perspective. Their fear and sense of helplessness felt palpable.
“Months ago, Juan Orlando Hernández ordered the military police—the MP—to take to the streets in major cities like Tegus and San Pedro to “mantener el control.” When I still had my phone, I saw videos all over Twitter and Instagram of the MP beating protestors, firing tear gas and rubber bullets.”
“I think of the coup nearly a decade ago now. The way I understand it, one morning the US government decided our democratically elected president wasn’t fit to rule anymore. They drove him out, imposing a military state and right-wing government instead. How can we be independent if another country—bigger, richer, more powerful—can swoop in at any time and upend everything?
Despite the risks of violence, there is such a notable sense of community throughout this novel that really brings each character to life and allows them to shine individually. I felt the heartwarming moments between Libertad and her older brother Maynor as they got to know each other as people and not just as siblings. I felt Libertad’s sorrow and confusion when her mom found out about her being gay and urged her to hide it at first. I felt her classic moments of annoyance with her younger brother Alberto, and her opposition to the traditional viewpoints of her Abuela. I empathized with each character trying to make sense of very complicated family dynamics, including absent parents and physically abusive ones.
Zaldivar expertly crafted emotions and relationships in this book that felt genuine. All of the characters have flaws. All of the characters have moments that they come to regret. Through the conflicts, Libertad unearths a deep understanding of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and growth in interpersonal relationships. It felt special to watch the character relationships grow and change throughout the novel. Here are a few moments of character connection that I loved:
“"It’s what every mother wants, I think. For life to be a little less hard for our children than it was for us.””
“As the two of us breathe in and out, slowly, I remind myself that this shit is hard. She has her own process to go through. I asked her a question, and she answered me as honestly as she could.”
“I stare into Alberto’s soft, dark eyes, both of us hardly blinking. “I love you so much that sometimes, it feels like if I look at you for too long, I’ll pass out. You know?”
Alberto giggles. “I don’t feel like I’m gonna pass out when I look at you.”
I laugh. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. One day you’ll get it.””
In all, Libertad is an honest depiction of what it’s like to come of age and come to terms with your identity at a time when the world around you feels unsafe. It is raw, honest, and incredibly introspective. It depicts first love and heartache, grief, and the eldest sibling’s guilt of being the first one in your family to leave home. I highly recommend this title for all of its social and political commentary, as well as its exemplary character relationships.
August 10, 2024
"Libertad" is a queer coming-of-age story set amongst the political turmoil that sweeps across Honduras in the early 2000s.
It's 2017 and a weighty political election looms over Libertad's and the rest of Honduras' heads. Luckily, Libertad has her poetry to bring her some relief in these tumultuous times. She never would have expected her poems to gain so much traction on Instagram, but then again, she wasn't expecting to kiss her best friend, Cami, in a grungy night club bathroom either. Or that her older brother Maynor would become an active part of the country's political protests. Libertad's world has become a whirlwind of complicated feelings and scenarios and she begins to think that the only way out is to flee the country in search of a better life where she can truly be herself.
This book is a bit of a beast in length and topic matter, but it is an important one. It is also a little more political than my average read, but once again, it's necessary, so I didn't mind it all that much. "Libertad" introduces the reader to a bunch of things that are happening in Honduras, including a rigged political election, an unconstitutional presidential stay, and charged protests, both on the streets and anonymously online. I know very little about other countries, especially their politics, so this was a great intro into Honduras and the things that it's citizens are going through.
One thing I really love about this book is how it didn't shy away from Spanish. I feel many books fear that the audience won't understand the secondary language used throughout, so they try to include it as little as possible or include direct translations directly afterward, making for a bit of a clunky read. This book on the other hand, didn't do either of these things and it made the story flow beautifully and feel much more authentic. This was especially true when Libertad wrote poetry in Spanish; it was gorgeous to experience it in it's originally language. I thank Zaldívar for sharing her language without a filter.
Another thing I can say without fail, is that the author got me attached to all the characters. I loved meeting Libertad's family and seeing how close she is to Abuela, her mother, and both of her brothers, Maynor and Alberto. It is nice to read about families that are super close, yet still have disagreements and fights. Libertad's friends are also great, though Cami is obviously the most important to the story plot and Libertad's self-discovery journey. Even Alicia, an important side character, grabbed on to my heart and wouldn't let go. All of Zaldívar's characters are dynamic, diverse, and all go through some serious stuff that changes their lives in various ways. My heart really goes out to all of her characters.
Overall, "Libertad" is a beautiful story filled with heartfelt characters and gestures. It is a bit of a tough read at times, but it is important to read about the less than optimal parts of life and experience the grief, love, and passion that oppressed people often go through. If you have interest in reading Libertad's queer, coming-of-age tale while also learning about the beautiful country of Honduras, I can't recommend this one enough.
It's 2017 and a weighty political election looms over Libertad's and the rest of Honduras' heads. Luckily, Libertad has her poetry to bring her some relief in these tumultuous times. She never would have expected her poems to gain so much traction on Instagram, but then again, she wasn't expecting to kiss her best friend, Cami, in a grungy night club bathroom either. Or that her older brother Maynor would become an active part of the country's political protests. Libertad's world has become a whirlwind of complicated feelings and scenarios and she begins to think that the only way out is to flee the country in search of a better life where she can truly be herself.
This book is a bit of a beast in length and topic matter, but it is an important one. It is also a little more political than my average read, but once again, it's necessary, so I didn't mind it all that much. "Libertad" introduces the reader to a bunch of things that are happening in Honduras, including a rigged political election, an unconstitutional presidential stay, and charged protests, both on the streets and anonymously online. I know very little about other countries, especially their politics, so this was a great intro into Honduras and the things that it's citizens are going through.
One thing I really love about this book is how it didn't shy away from Spanish. I feel many books fear that the audience won't understand the secondary language used throughout, so they try to include it as little as possible or include direct translations directly afterward, making for a bit of a clunky read. This book on the other hand, didn't do either of these things and it made the story flow beautifully and feel much more authentic. This was especially true when Libertad wrote poetry in Spanish; it was gorgeous to experience it in it's originally language. I thank Zaldívar for sharing her language without a filter.
Another thing I can say without fail, is that the author got me attached to all the characters. I loved meeting Libertad's family and seeing how close she is to Abuela, her mother, and both of her brothers, Maynor and Alberto. It is nice to read about families that are super close, yet still have disagreements and fights. Libertad's friends are also great, though Cami is obviously the most important to the story plot and Libertad's self-discovery journey. Even Alicia, an important side character, grabbed on to my heart and wouldn't let go. All of Zaldívar's characters are dynamic, diverse, and all go through some serious stuff that changes their lives in various ways. My heart really goes out to all of her characters.
Overall, "Libertad" is a beautiful story filled with heartfelt characters and gestures. It is a bit of a tough read at times, but it is important to read about the less than optimal parts of life and experience the grief, love, and passion that oppressed people often go through. If you have interest in reading Libertad's queer, coming-of-age tale while also learning about the beautiful country of Honduras, I can't recommend this one enough.
September 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC
I've been writing, thinking about this review since I was halfway through this book, something just told me I would need a lot of words to be able to convey what it made me feel.
In simple words this book feels like home, it feels like asambleas estudiantiles waiting to start while listening to Latinoamérica, is muros pintarrajeados and the dream that if you scream loud enough the world will listen and change. Other things are familiar too: the fear and uncertainty that comes every elections, the half joke half truth of saying that they will cut down power and come back winning if they don't like the results, the wish of fighting for a country that you don't even know if it will have a future.
Libertad takes all of that and it slaps you in the face.
I have lived in Latin America all of my life, aquí nací y aquí me criaron, and this same land will probably see me die one day, I have many many complaints about it, as we all do, and also so much love. Reading Libertad was like all of that, laughing to not cry about the injustices we all face, crying when I saw my own life reflected in the pages of the book. I can't describe the experience to those who have not lived it, but it feels like that moment of grace when a protest starts, walking with a group of people who believe in change, chanting, jumping and laughing, reading the signs and telling to the people "vecino mirón, únanse al montón, su hijo es estudiante y usted es trabajador." the joy and hope one feels before the police appears in front of you.
The prose and the poetry captures it perfectly, the Spanish, the glimpses to other people's POVs that immerses the reader deeper into the world, it's a beautiful work.
When I got this book in my email it felt meant to be, and I'm so glad I was able to read it, I'm so glad I got to know Libertad and I'm looking forward to what the author does next.
Y espero algún día vernos a todos libre, y viviendo la vida que siempre nos hemos merecido.
I've been writing, thinking about this review since I was halfway through this book, something just told me I would need a lot of words to be able to convey what it made me feel.
In simple words this book feels like home, it feels like asambleas estudiantiles waiting to start while listening to Latinoamérica, is muros pintarrajeados and the dream that if you scream loud enough the world will listen and change. Other things are familiar too: the fear and uncertainty that comes every elections, the half joke half truth of saying that they will cut down power and come back winning if they don't like the results, the wish of fighting for a country that you don't even know if it will have a future.
Libertad takes all of that and it slaps you in the face.
I have lived in Latin America all of my life, aquí nací y aquí me criaron, and this same land will probably see me die one day, I have many many complaints about it, as we all do, and also so much love. Reading Libertad was like all of that, laughing to not cry about the injustices we all face, crying when I saw my own life reflected in the pages of the book. I can't describe the experience to those who have not lived it, but it feels like that moment of grace when a protest starts, walking with a group of people who believe in change, chanting, jumping and laughing, reading the signs and telling to the people "vecino mirón, únanse al montón, su hijo es estudiante y usted es trabajador." the joy and hope one feels before the police appears in front of you.
The prose and the poetry captures it perfectly, the Spanish, the glimpses to other people's POVs that immerses the reader deeper into the world, it's a beautiful work.
When I got this book in my email it felt meant to be, and I'm so glad I was able to read it, I'm so glad I got to know Libertad and I'm looking forward to what the author does next.
Y espero algún día vernos a todos libre, y viviendo la vida que siempre nos hemos merecido.
August 29, 2024
Libertad is a powerful debut about a queer teen living in the political disturbance of Honduras.
It is a realistic and emotional story, you don't need to know much about Honduras to understand what is going on, the author explains the historical context simply and makes you part of the story, you can almost be breathing the hostile air of Tegucigalpa, before the elections.
Libertad is a queer teenager but she can't admit it because of the homophobia of the country, through her poetry she expresses herself anonymously, she writes about her feelings, her family, and above all about politics and the problems of her country, only those closest to her know who is behind the viral Instagram.
Honduras is a dangerous place, but that does not mean that the characters do not have dreams and hopes, they want and fight for a better country, and they are looking forward to the elections to exercise their right to choose and thrive.
It’s raw, realistic, emotional, and powerful, it is about love and grief, about following your path and discovering yourself, and being careful. The family and friendship dynamics are realistic and complex, there are many people and everyone has a unique voice. They are likable people, with dreams and flaws, they are messy and complicated, but if you get attached to them and can empathize with their actions you will suffer when something happens to them. And spoilers & TW: something is going to happen to them, it's violent, it's horrible but it's realistic, and it makes sense, even if you don't like me, life is hard and you don't know what can happen.
It’s heartbreaking, but it is also a lesson, not only about the political conflict in Honduras but also about humanity. It’s an important story.
Read if you like:
• Diverse Reads
• Coming of Age
• Realistic stories
It is a realistic and emotional story, you don't need to know much about Honduras to understand what is going on, the author explains the historical context simply and makes you part of the story, you can almost be breathing the hostile air of Tegucigalpa, before the elections.
Libertad is a queer teenager but she can't admit it because of the homophobia of the country, through her poetry she expresses herself anonymously, she writes about her feelings, her family, and above all about politics and the problems of her country, only those closest to her know who is behind the viral Instagram.
Honduras is a dangerous place, but that does not mean that the characters do not have dreams and hopes, they want and fight for a better country, and they are looking forward to the elections to exercise their right to choose and thrive.
It’s raw, realistic, emotional, and powerful, it is about love and grief, about following your path and discovering yourself, and being careful. The family and friendship dynamics are realistic and complex, there are many people and everyone has a unique voice. They are likable people, with dreams and flaws, they are messy and complicated, but if you get attached to them and can empathize with their actions you will suffer when something happens to them. And spoilers & TW: something is going to happen to them, it's violent, it's horrible but it's realistic, and it makes sense, even if you don't like me, life is hard and you don't know what can happen.
It’s heartbreaking, but it is also a lesson, not only about the political conflict in Honduras but also about humanity. It’s an important story.
Read if you like:
• Diverse Reads
• Coming of Age
• Realistic stories
August 18, 2024
When I got this book in the mail I was like wow it's longer than I was thinking (over 400 pages!) and I was concerned I would get bored and struggle to finish it. That was not the case at all, I read ~250 pages in 2 days so it did an excellent job holding my attention overall.
Onto what I loved. This books is heavy on the emotions and it does it well, I will even admit I teared up in a few places. I loved Libertad's relationships with her siblings, especially Maynor. Honestly her relationships with all of her friends and family is what really made the book interesting and the writing around them is great. I liked the poetry aspect of it a lot, and I feel like the prose really has a poetry vibe to it some of the descriptions which really added to it.
Really my only gripes with the book are formatting based, which might sound silly and maybe you'll think none of this matters but it seriously bothered me. First off, and I feel like I am always complaining about this, the book is almost all in first person, following Libertad as the title would suggest. But there's several chunks about her family members that are from the past and in third person. Nothing pulls me out of a book faster than shifts like that and I just did not like it. Yes there's some character information in them but the important bits are relayed to Libertad at some point so honestly they just do not need to be there imo I also really struggled with the Spanish in the book. I am NOT saying it doesn't belong there, it 100% is at home in the book, but there's very little explanation or translation. There are some end note translations (with the first one coming on page 158), but there's only 5 of them. There are some in-text translations and context clues, but not nearly enough for me personally.
Onto what I loved. This books is heavy on the emotions and it does it well, I will even admit I teared up in a few places. I loved Libertad's relationships with her siblings, especially Maynor. Honestly her relationships with all of her friends and family is what really made the book interesting and the writing around them is great. I liked the poetry aspect of it a lot, and I feel like the prose really has a poetry vibe to it some of the descriptions which really added to it.
Really my only gripes with the book are formatting based, which might sound silly and maybe you'll think none of this matters but it seriously bothered me. First off, and I feel like I am always complaining about this, the book is almost all in first person, following Libertad as the title would suggest. But there's several chunks about her family members that are from the past and in third person. Nothing pulls me out of a book faster than shifts like that and I just did not like it. Yes there's some character information in them but the important bits are relayed to Libertad at some point so honestly they just do not need to be there imo I also really struggled with the Spanish in the book. I am NOT saying it doesn't belong there, it 100% is at home in the book, but there's very little explanation or translation. There are some end note translations (with the first one coming on page 158), but there's only 5 of them. There are some in-text translations and context clues, but not nearly enough for me personally.
June 6, 2024
ARC provided by Penguin Teen (thanks!) Seventeen-year-old senior Libertad lives in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with her family. As the Honduran presidential election advances, Libertad must navigate her own identity amid tumultuous political and social circumstances.
Libertad is a book that will stay in the back of my mind for a long time. Zaldívar does an excellent job with writing about Libertad and her family’s home life, but also how that life intersects with and is affected by the decisions that the people in power make.
Libertad, her family, and her friends are beautifully flawed people. I love how Libertad herself was allowed to feel extreme emotions in response to the things that she was going through. We also get a glimpse into many other people’s lives and backgrounds, such as her older brother, Maynor, her mother, and her grandmother.
Throughout the novel, Libertad must grapple with her queer identity and what that means for her future in general, but also her future if she stays in Honduras. This theme, I think, will resonate with many queer readers, but especially queer readers who cannot come out safely.
One of the only criticisms that I had of the book is that I wish that we learned a little more about (and had POVS of) some of Libertad’s friends, like Cami or Valeria, who mentions that she’s queer once towards the end of the book, and then we don’t hear much more from her. Same with Dani; I liked her, but she seemed to serve as Libertad’s gateway to the queer community, and I just wish we got a pov from her or something more.
Libertad is out August 2024, and I absolutely recommend it!!
Libertad is a book that will stay in the back of my mind for a long time. Zaldívar does an excellent job with writing about Libertad and her family’s home life, but also how that life intersects with and is affected by the decisions that the people in power make.
Libertad, her family, and her friends are beautifully flawed people. I love how Libertad herself was allowed to feel extreme emotions in response to the things that she was going through. We also get a glimpse into many other people’s lives and backgrounds, such as her older brother, Maynor, her mother, and her grandmother.
Throughout the novel, Libertad must grapple with her queer identity and what that means for her future in general, but also her future if she stays in Honduras. This theme, I think, will resonate with many queer readers, but especially queer readers who cannot come out safely.
One of the only criticisms that I had of the book is that I wish that we learned a little more about (and had POVS of) some of Libertad’s friends, like Cami or Valeria, who mentions that she’s queer once towards the end of the book, and then we don’t hear much more from her. Same with Dani; I liked her, but she seemed to serve as Libertad’s gateway to the queer community, and I just wish we got a pov from her or something more.
Libertad is out August 2024, and I absolutely recommend it!!
October 5, 2024
Thank you to @penguinteen for providing an ARC.
This was a great debut and I am so happy that more authors from Central America are getting published these days. I’m always on the lookout for YA books to read from that part of the world because of the students I serve in my district.
Libertad is set in 2017 Tegucigalpa, Honduras. It is a time of political unrest and the main character, Libertad is entering her senior year as the president is threatening not to step aside after the election.
There are so many elements to relate to in this debut novel. Despite the political unrest, it is mid-paced. Just like in real life, despite the craziness of a revolution hanging over everyone’s heads, life must go on. For Libertad, that means figuring out her feelings for her best friend in a culture that does not accept queerness. Over one year, Libertad experiences love, develops as a political poet and must decide whether Honduras is the home she wants to stay in.
There are some portions that move a little slow. But I tend to lean towards the action packed scenes in books. The protest and police scenes early on in the book really pulled me in, as I’m not familiar with that time period in Honduras so I didn’t know what to expect.
Home, family and acceptance are constant motifs throughout the book. Several chapters are even in her mother and older brother’s point of view. I really appreciated hearing from both of them, but especially Maynor. Since he is the oldest by more than 5 years, he has insight into family dynamics that Libertad does not, and it adds depth to the story. It thought it was a unique touch to the narrative.
I listened to the audiobook and read the physical copy. The narrator did an excellent job at voicing the characters. There is Spanish language throughout the book so if you need help with pronunciation or just want to hear how it is supposed to sound for non-native speakers, I definitely recommend.
I look forward to reading more of Zaldivar’s work.
This was a great debut and I am so happy that more authors from Central America are getting published these days. I’m always on the lookout for YA books to read from that part of the world because of the students I serve in my district.
Libertad is set in 2017 Tegucigalpa, Honduras. It is a time of political unrest and the main character, Libertad is entering her senior year as the president is threatening not to step aside after the election.
There are so many elements to relate to in this debut novel. Despite the political unrest, it is mid-paced. Just like in real life, despite the craziness of a revolution hanging over everyone’s heads, life must go on. For Libertad, that means figuring out her feelings for her best friend in a culture that does not accept queerness. Over one year, Libertad experiences love, develops as a political poet and must decide whether Honduras is the home she wants to stay in.
There are some portions that move a little slow. But I tend to lean towards the action packed scenes in books. The protest and police scenes early on in the book really pulled me in, as I’m not familiar with that time period in Honduras so I didn’t know what to expect.
Home, family and acceptance are constant motifs throughout the book. Several chapters are even in her mother and older brother’s point of view. I really appreciated hearing from both of them, but especially Maynor. Since he is the oldest by more than 5 years, he has insight into family dynamics that Libertad does not, and it adds depth to the story. It thought it was a unique touch to the narrative.
I listened to the audiobook and read the physical copy. The narrator did an excellent job at voicing the characters. There is Spanish language throughout the book so if you need help with pronunciation or just want to hear how it is supposed to sound for non-native speakers, I definitely recommend.
I look forward to reading more of Zaldivar’s work.
May 22, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Libertad from the author, Bessie Flores Zaldivar. I was eager to get my hands on Libertad after seeing the cover-not one that is typical for the YA genre. Only a few pages into my read I knew that this book would be one that I carry with me for the rest of my life.
I fell in love with each character as they were introduced. The author has a talent for pulling you in to the story and allowing you feel every single emotion along side Libertad and her friends and family. From first high school crushes, political turmoil all the way to unfathomable devastation; I howled with laugher, ugly cried, felt the stickiness of humidity in the air and felt butterflies in my stomach with Libertad.
The story is extremely relevant to our world's current landscape and will be a resource to generations to come.
This book came to me during my own personal upset and life transformations. I connected to Bessie's words in a way that an author has not been able to connect with me before. Thank you Bessie!
Libertad is not a book to be missed. You will not be able to put it down!
I fell in love with each character as they were introduced. The author has a talent for pulling you in to the story and allowing you feel every single emotion along side Libertad and her friends and family. From first high school crushes, political turmoil all the way to unfathomable devastation; I howled with laugher, ugly cried, felt the stickiness of humidity in the air and felt butterflies in my stomach with Libertad.
The story is extremely relevant to our world's current landscape and will be a resource to generations to come.
This book came to me during my own personal upset and life transformations. I connected to Bessie's words in a way that an author has not been able to connect with me before. Thank you Bessie!
Libertad is not a book to be missed. You will not be able to put it down!
August 22, 2024
Thank you to @bookishfirst and @penguinrandomhouse for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
CW: police brutality, gun violence, death of a loved one, homophobia, misogyny, domestic abuse
Libertad Morazán is a high school senior in Tegucigalpa, Honduras during the time of an explosive presidential election. Life is fraught with protests and Libertad writes political poetry under an anonymous Instagram account. It all comes to a head when Libertad's mother finds texts about Libi kissing another girl on her phone and she finds out that her brother Maynor is involved with the protests. When a tragedy strikes, Libertad must figure out if she can be herself in the country where she's from.
This was a challenging and beautiful novel set in a fraught political environment and country. I think Libertad not being able to be her full self was a sad fact. The author's note at the end cleared some things up for us. The book covers numerous hard topics and all you want to do is hope that Libertad is able to be who she is.
CW: police brutality, gun violence, death of a loved one, homophobia, misogyny, domestic abuse
Libertad Morazán is a high school senior in Tegucigalpa, Honduras during the time of an explosive presidential election. Life is fraught with protests and Libertad writes political poetry under an anonymous Instagram account. It all comes to a head when Libertad's mother finds texts about Libi kissing another girl on her phone and she finds out that her brother Maynor is involved with the protests. When a tragedy strikes, Libertad must figure out if she can be herself in the country where she's from.
This was a challenging and beautiful novel set in a fraught political environment and country. I think Libertad not being able to be her full self was a sad fact. The author's note at the end cleared some things up for us. The book covers numerous hard topics and all you want to do is hope that Libertad is able to be who she is.
August 25, 2024
Set in Honduras in 2017, this queer coming of age story is heavy in emotion and politics. A political election looms over Honduras as we follow Libertad, a young girl who uses poetry to speak her truth as she navigates her sexuality, family and friendship issues and the overall political turmoil that leads to devastation.
The author is so talented in drawing you into the story and letting you get attached to the characters by feeling every emotion with them. They feel like your friends, your neighbors, your family. And then your heart gets ripped out…
This book definitely doesn’t shy away from Spanish either which was really unique to read. I definitely had to use google translate a few times, but it makes the story that much more raw and authentic. This is such a sad and powerful story and touches on some pretty heavy topics so definitely make sure you read the trigger warning label at the begging before you dive into it. Definitely a relevant and important book.
Thank you Penguin Teen for an ARC copy of this book!
The author is so talented in drawing you into the story and letting you get attached to the characters by feeling every emotion with them. They feel like your friends, your neighbors, your family. And then your heart gets ripped out…
This book definitely doesn’t shy away from Spanish either which was really unique to read. I definitely had to use google translate a few times, but it makes the story that much more raw and authentic. This is such a sad and powerful story and touches on some pretty heavy topics so definitely make sure you read the trigger warning label at the begging before you dive into it. Definitely a relevant and important book.
Thank you Penguin Teen for an ARC copy of this book!
September 23, 2024
This was a beautiful story. We meet Libertad, who is trying to figure out who she is and understand why there's so much chaos around her. The story is told mostly in the present, though it does switch to the past to help the reader understand the current situation. This switching back and forth helps us understand the characters better and why they are reacting the way they are in present difficult situations. You can understand the character's frustration with the political situation in Honduras as it is being told in the story. When Maynor was explaining to Libertad why he was participating in protests, and he let out all his frustrations and hopes for a better future, it made me quite emotional to think about how he must be feeling.
This book made me laugh and cry quite a few times, especially near the end. I love it when I read a story, and it makes me experience strong emotions. I encourage everyone to read this wonderful story.
Thanks to Bookish First and the publisher for the book!
This book made me laugh and cry quite a few times, especially near the end. I love it when I read a story, and it makes me experience strong emotions. I encourage everyone to read this wonderful story.
Thanks to Bookish First and the publisher for the book!
August 15, 2024
I am amazed that this is a debut novel. The characters all felt like real people with their own personalities and quirks. I fell in love with Libertad and her family.
The setting of Honduras is new to me and it was described with every sense that made it feel authentic. I now know more about the culture there as well as the delicious foods I need to try for myself.
This novel is set during a time of political unrest when the November elections are upcoming and Libertad is going to be eligible to vote for the first time. She and her family know how important it is to cast their votes to use their voices, but she also knows the current officials in power may not listen to the citizens and invalidate the election results. So much corruption exists in all levels of government; bribes, murders, and nepotism run rampant and readers are shown many results of these crimes, making this a tough read at times but also one that creates empathy for people living under these conditions.
The setting of Honduras is new to me and it was described with every sense that made it feel authentic. I now know more about the culture there as well as the delicious foods I need to try for myself.
This novel is set during a time of political unrest when the November elections are upcoming and Libertad is going to be eligible to vote for the first time. She and her family know how important it is to cast their votes to use their voices, but she also knows the current officials in power may not listen to the citizens and invalidate the election results. So much corruption exists in all levels of government; bribes, murders, and nepotism run rampant and readers are shown many results of these crimes, making this a tough read at times but also one that creates empathy for people living under these conditions.
August 28, 2024
Overall this is a strong and important read. This story is a queer coming-of-age story that focuses on the political turmoil that swept across the country of Honduras in the early 2000s.
I'll be honest that when I first picked it up, I was a bit intimidated by how long it was, and by the topic matter if I'm honest. But after reading it, I can confidently say that this book is an important one, and gets its message across well.
I went into this knowing very little about the topics explored--the rigged political election, an unconstitutional presidential stay, the charged protests, what took place on the streets and online--so this book was definitely an eye opener in that sense.
One thing I love is that this book included Spanish, and didn't shy away from it. Spanish was included in a way that the story flowed well, and it was beautiful and authentic.
I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who finds the topic intriguing!
I'll be honest that when I first picked it up, I was a bit intimidated by how long it was, and by the topic matter if I'm honest. But after reading it, I can confidently say that this book is an important one, and gets its message across well.
I went into this knowing very little about the topics explored--the rigged political election, an unconstitutional presidential stay, the charged protests, what took place on the streets and online--so this book was definitely an eye opener in that sense.
One thing I love is that this book included Spanish, and didn't shy away from it. Spanish was included in a way that the story flowed well, and it was beautiful and authentic.
I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who finds the topic intriguing!
September 1, 2024
It’s not often that I’m left wanting so much to stay with the characters, but hitting the end of this book, I wished deeply that I could see what they would make of the last few years.
The story ends looking forward to the future with a mix of hope and grief. It strikes a good balance of letting Libertad grow into herself while allowing her uncertainty. No matter where or when the story left Libertad I think it would have had to end like this, bittersweet, raw, and human.
Libertad pulls apart the struggles of being tied to and loving a place that has hurt and repressed you, the choice of when to stay or when to go, when to compromise or to hold to convictions, when and how to protect yourself or to fight. And there were no simple answers and no choices that wouldn’t take as much as they could give.
I loved the characters and how they all opened up different perspectives on these themes while still feeling wholly human and fully realized.
The story ends looking forward to the future with a mix of hope and grief. It strikes a good balance of letting Libertad grow into herself while allowing her uncertainty. No matter where or when the story left Libertad I think it would have had to end like this, bittersweet, raw, and human.
Libertad pulls apart the struggles of being tied to and loving a place that has hurt and repressed you, the choice of when to stay or when to go, when to compromise or to hold to convictions, when and how to protect yourself or to fight. And there were no simple answers and no choices that wouldn’t take as much as they could give.
I loved the characters and how they all opened up different perspectives on these themes while still feeling wholly human and fully realized.
September 1, 2024
this novel takes place during the 2018 election in Honduras that was rigged. honduras is under a right wing government and has been for a very long time, “through unconstitutional and anti-democratic means that resulted in death and destruction.” in february of 2022 that changed for Honduras a lot happened in order to rectify this situation.
following libertad and her quest of understanding who she is in a drowning country, it’s an amazing read. i knew after the first chapter that i was going to fall in love with it. it gives you such warmth around culture, family and the family outside of your family. it is also heartbreaking because yes, Libertad is adjusting to understanding her queerness. but there’s also civil unrest, tons of protests and uncomfortable situations.
there was a part in the novel that made me so emotional i just had to put it down.
so please pick this up. i can’t even begin to encompass how important and lovely this novel is.
following libertad and her quest of understanding who she is in a drowning country, it’s an amazing read. i knew after the first chapter that i was going to fall in love with it. it gives you such warmth around culture, family and the family outside of your family. it is also heartbreaking because yes, Libertad is adjusting to understanding her queerness. but there’s also civil unrest, tons of protests and uncomfortable situations.
there was a part in the novel that made me so emotional i just had to put it down.
so please pick this up. i can’t even begin to encompass how important and lovely this novel is.
September 30, 2024
I really love the cover and, although I didn't really resonate with the premise, the writing is beautiful. In this story, Libertad, a queer high school senior during an emotionally-fraught election in Honduras, is writing political poetry on an anonymous account, and she is trying to navigate both the life of a normal high-schooler who happens to be queer in an unwelcoming country, and a political activist at a time when that can be a damning label. Her mom finds out about her sexuality, as well as her brother's protesting, and then tragedy strikes the family.
The characters and their relationships with each other, as well as their individual motives for protest, or lack thereof, are explored beautifully by Zaldivar; I think Maynor is a particularly powerful character and influence on Libertad.
The hopeful resolution is a beautiful touch. I like to think the characters are still out there, fighting for what they believe in.
The characters and their relationships with each other, as well as their individual motives for protest, or lack thereof, are explored beautifully by Zaldivar; I think Maynor is a particularly powerful character and influence on Libertad.
The hopeful resolution is a beautiful touch. I like to think the characters are still out there, fighting for what they believe in.
September 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar is a beautiful queer coming of age story set in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Libertad is a high school student who is thinking about her future there are protests in a lot of areas due to the presidential election. She’s figuring out her stance on politics comparing what her family believes versus what the young people of Tegucigalpa are fighting for. One of them being her older brother. Libertad is finding her voice through poetry and is on the verge of a budding romance which all comes crashing down when her mother discovers some texts between her and a girl, a girl she shared a kiss with. She understands that being queer and living in Honduras is not going to be the easy. “What do you do when the country you love, doesn’t love you back?” This was such a wonderful surprise for me I think we have all had that moment when we become disheartened but out country and government. The injustices that happen not only to us but people everywhere. Libertad is going through a lot and as I said she’s finding her voice and place in it all. This book was heartbreaking but so hopeful. I found Libertad so relatable and honest and I’m so happy (especially at this time) that this book exists in the world. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I definitely recommend picking this up. 5⭐️
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar is a beautiful queer coming of age story set in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Libertad is a high school student who is thinking about her future there are protests in a lot of areas due to the presidential election. She’s figuring out her stance on politics comparing what her family believes versus what the young people of Tegucigalpa are fighting for. One of them being her older brother. Libertad is finding her voice through poetry and is on the verge of a budding romance which all comes crashing down when her mother discovers some texts between her and a girl, a girl she shared a kiss with. She understands that being queer and living in Honduras is not going to be the easy. “What do you do when the country you love, doesn’t love you back?” This was such a wonderful surprise for me I think we have all had that moment when we become disheartened but out country and government. The injustices that happen not only to us but people everywhere. Libertad is going through a lot and as I said she’s finding her voice and place in it all. This book was heartbreaking but so hopeful. I found Libertad so relatable and honest and I’m so happy (especially at this time) that this book exists in the world. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I definitely recommend picking this up. 5⭐️
August 31, 2024
This is a coming of age story about a high school student who lives in Tegucigalpa, Honduras 🇭🇳. She is gay and trying to work out her feelings about it. It is not acceptable in her country so this further adds to the difficulty of her sexuality and existence in the world. It explores her relationships with her high school classmates and her best friend. It also touches on navigating family relationships while being gay/queer before coming out of the closet. Another huge part of the story is how the government there is corrupted and how the character and her friends and family are impacted by it and how the entire country is affected. It does a great job of explaining how the political issues there have affected the people. The book is very well written! It is over 400 pages long but it was easy to read and kept me interested in the story. Very good!
May 13, 2024
A few weeks ago, I received an ARC from the author... As a Honduran who is also abroad, reading Libertad was like a heartfelt journey back home. The vivid details depicting a day in the life of a young strong-minded woman navigating through a conservative, corrupt, narco-dictatorship society, force you to develop a deep connection with the protagonist and her story. The narrative is beautifully written and captures a glimpse of the essence that makes Honduras and its people more than the sensationalist press headlines. Libertad highlights the ongoing efforts of a society whose voice will never be shut mixing in an exciting amount of love, making it difficult to put the book down. Great read!!
July 27, 2024
This is an important book with a lot of parallels to the political climate in the US despite taking place in Honduras which is very different.
The story took nearly 40% of the book to really get going and give me more than a little bit to get invested in, and I think it could have set up the story with less that was *just* setting up, but once it got going it introduced such a tumultuous time in recent history. Intense elections, other major political events that people think might be staged as distractions from other major political events, an anti-queer government and a queer girl’s story in the middle of it.
The story took nearly 40% of the book to really get going and give me more than a little bit to get invested in, and I think it could have set up the story with less that was *just* setting up, but once it got going it introduced such a tumultuous time in recent history. Intense elections, other major political events that people think might be staged as distractions from other major political events, an anti-queer government and a queer girl’s story in the middle of it.
September 9, 2024
this book did an amazing job at explaining the political turmoil in honduras in the 21st century and how it impacted the every day lives of honduran people. i LOVED this book! libi was such a great character and amazing narrator through this process. through these years you watch her grow into such a fearless protagonist.
October 3, 2024
4.5
This is the book I would’ve loved to read as an adolescent growing up. Being Honduran American, I never felt represented. This was a heartbreaking story about a queer teenager. It was engaging and relatable. It felt a tad long. Other than that, I loved all the characters, the poetry, the Honduran slang and history. Just amazing. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is the book I would’ve loved to read as an adolescent growing up. Being Honduran American, I never felt represented. This was a heartbreaking story about a queer teenager. It was engaging and relatable. It felt a tad long. Other than that, I loved all the characters, the poetry, the Honduran slang and history. Just amazing. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 27, 2024
I wish I had this book when I was younger. It is SO good and had me bawlingggg at the end.
July 31, 2024
I loved this book definitely a part of my favorite read of all time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews