Although the cover is really beautiful, it was the synopsis that really lead me into buying this book. I was a literary writer in college so I wrote a lot of poems. Reading the the book's synopsis, I was just so intrigued and excited to read a story that involves poetry. 

The writing
Okay, imagine my surprise when I open the book for the first time, and see that the whole book is actually written and told in poem form! That was truly exciting to me! I want to know just how the author will tell the story in verses, how she will take it to different levels.

When I finally read the book, I was not disappointed. At all. There is beauty in poetry, I know that. But in this book, this is where I truly felt the power in poetry, as if I could almost feel it in my very hands. I felt like power is something tangible, and Acevedo's writing and poems are the ones that are handing it to me. It felt amazing.

Every poem was laced with emotions—anger, love, confusion, determination, passion. There were also lines that made feel winded and breathless because of how beautiful the writing and the message is. The author is truly brilliant, her poems weaved a very beautiful story, and I was amazed from the first page until the very last.

The characters
The characters were also really good, especially the protagonist Xiomara. Her personality shone bright in this book; she was passionate, she was loving, she was fierce and protective. I loved reading the story through her perspective.

I liked the other characters as well, and I have to give kudos to the author again because she was able to project great characterization through the different poems. Even though Xiomara is the protagonist and the story is told through her perspective, the other characters were not definitely not neglected. They had their own moments in different poems and I really loved that. 

The plot
The plot was also amazing! I love how this book did not just focus on one thing, it had other subplots with other themes that truly added more impact on the story. There was something about family, about friends, about religion and Xiomara's own faith. There were also feminist themes, issues about love, and problems within the society. 

I guess the only thing I did not like about the plot was how the subplot regarding Twin did not have a definite ending. I wanted to know more about what will happen to him and his own battle, but there weren't any more details at the end of the book. I craved for more  of his story. Apart from that, everything else is great!

Five stars for this incredible book! Can't wait to read more of Elizabeth Acevedo's future works!

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This review was first published on my blog! Find it here!