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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great summer story, October 1, 2008
This review is from: Amor and Summer Secrets (Mass Market Paperback)
It's the summer after her first year in high school, and all Mariana Ruíz can think about is her best friend Madison's upcoming Sweet Sixteen. It's going to be the event of the summer with every perfect detail catered to Madison's expensive needs. But then Mariana's parents force her to accompany her brother Vince on a summer-long vacation to Puerto Rico. Mariana is outraged and devastated; she doesn't understand why she has to miss her friend's birthday blowout to spent time with Puerto Rican relatives she's never met before and frankly has no desire to meet. But she has to go, against her will, and at first, Puerto Rice is everything Mariana has dreaded: conversational limitations due to the language barrier, cramped quarters she has to share, and muggy weather. But gradually, Mariana realizes she can't spend the summer pining for her hometown and its luxuries and stars to embrace her family and her ethnicity. And she just might get some new friends in the bargain.
Amor and Summer Secrets was a cute and well-written story. I really liked Mariana's character; sure, she was spoiled and annoying at times, but she knew her flaws and genuinely tried to be a good person. I could easily relate to her struggles, especially the ones involving her family, friends, and boys. The problems Mariana deals with may see a little generic, but Wallach presents them in a realistic way that makes them appear fresh. I would've liked more development of the minor characters, particularly Lilly and Vince, because they were hard to understand at times, but their characterization was in the end adequate. I also liked how Mariana grew to accept and love her cultural identity. And of course, there's enough romance, drama, and secrets to keep the plot interesting.
I definitely recommend Amor and Summer Secrets and can't wait for the sequel, Amigas and School Scandals. Fans of Cruel Summer by Alyson Noël and Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs will also enjoy this novel with similar themes.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recommended Read, September 21, 2008
This review is from: Amor and Summer Secrets (Mass Market Paperback)
For fifteen-year-old Mariana Ruiz, it's not so much an unexpected vacation as a literal "guilt trip"--her father's way of atoning for ignoring his Puerto Rican roots. But freedom from her parents is little compensation for being forced to spend two months with complete strangers rather than with her best friends in Philadelphia.
Once on "vacation," her worst fears come true. The heat is merciless, the food is spicy, and her great aunt and uncle's mountain house teems with relatives, only one of whom--her distant cousin Lilly--speaks English. Bored, and hoping to make up for missing her best friend's star-studded Sweet 16, Mariana offers to help in the planning of Lilly's Quinceañera. Soon, despite herself, Mariana clicks with new friends who open doors to romance and long-hidden secrets. Suddenly the summer she dreaded is ending way too quickly. It might turn out that the last place she ever wanted to go is the one place she truly finds herself.
Amor and Summer Secrets was a wonderful book. Mariana is like most teenage girls, who when on vacation,are scared that their friends will forget them. The book had romance, secrets, some drama, and even its funny moments but it didn't feel like it was too much, it was just perfect. Although the romance didn't happen until halfway through the book you still want Mariana to stay with him. The are some times when the reader just wants to shake Mariana and tell her to open up and live a little instead of sulking around. Readers will enjoy reading this book and will devour the book cover from cover; it really does capture your attention. The author's writing and fast-paced storyline pulls you in from the start,add Mariana's strong, easy to relate to character, you will find an excuse to put everything off and finish the book. Being the first in the series, readers will eagerly await the sequel due November 2008.
-Carol
[...]
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Tale for Women of All Ages, September 19, 2008
This review is from: Amor and Summer Secrets (Mass Market Paperback)
Fifteen year old Mariana Ruiz has her whole summer planned out. She is going to spend it with her two favorite friends. One is having a Sweet 16 birthday party that will rival all Sweet 16 parties. The birthday girl has even hired an event planner! Mariana cannot wait. Mariana was raised by her Puerto Rican father and her white mother who is of Polish descent. Her father gave up much of his heritage, including his accent, years ago. He is now a very successful businessman. Having met very few of her Hispanic relatives, Mariana doesn't really relate to her Hispanic heritage. Her friends find it humorous to call her "Spic."
Mariana's brother, Vince, has made some poor choices regarding drinking and partying. He is experiencing the consequences of his behavior as his dad is denying him a trip to Europe with his friends. When Mariana discovers that her father has made plans for her to go to Puerto Rico with Vince, for the whole summer, she is angry. She thinks that she is being sent to babysit her older brother. She will also miss the Sweet 16 party and have to spend her vacation with people that she has never met, that speak a language that she doesn't.
"Amor and Summer Secrets" is a coming of age story about a teenager who learns about her heritage while discovering the importance of family. As she learns about herself, she also discovers that her family holds some very serious, painful secrets. Part of her growing up experience involves her learning to make the right choices and decide what is right. This is a tough for a teenager; however, Mariana seems to carry a great deal of wisdom within. While learning to overcome her need for her vapid, materialistic friends, Mariana spends her summer growing up and falling in love for the first time.
I loved this book! "Amor and Summer Secrets" is a story that will be enjoyed by women of all ages. Diana Rodriguez Wallach has written a tale that teenagers will be able to relate to and enjoy, however, she also gives it a depth that allows it to reach out to older women. I found myself reminiscing about my own teen angst years. I also think that the aspect of the story that involved the heroine learning to accept an important part of her heritage is extremely important for teens today. They need to be proud of who they are. That is so much more important than how much they have. I highly recommend this book!
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