by Francisco X. Stork
Marcelo (mar-sel-lo) is such an endearing and deeply moral character that this read was almost like a religious experience for me: that I was reading about the life of a saint, instead of a real human being. And Jasmine is even more unbelievably idealized. I really really enjoyed the book and thought that Marcelo’s thoughts on life and religion and love are going to be so intriguing to young adult readers when they themselves are sorting out what life and love and family and work and faith all mean. But, now I think back on the book – I feel that the two main characters are almost too impossibly perfect (even with Marcelo’s illness and Jasmine’s temper.)
Still, this is a truly strong and moving book.
Fairrosa Cyber Library 