The Absolutely (Almost) True Adventures Of Max Rodriguez

by Frederick Luis Aldama

Max Rodriguez (née Maxine) could read before they could talk, devouring comics, novels, and books on philosophy. This helps them later to navigate the topsy-turvy life as a 9th grader in Nowheresville, California. Max's adventures include encounters with their spirited abuelita (aka Tatabuela), who drives a Hulk-green muscle car and grows marijuana in her attic; an estranged, self-styled John-Wayne-strutting Irish American grandpa, Logan; a fair-weather papá named Carlos; Mamá, a fiercely independent, bilingual elementary school teacher; and a taciturn older brother, Che, about to head to college. Others in Max's orbit include a compassionate tío, Jorge, who fears the loss of loved ones to a rising AIDS epidemic, activist prima, Lara, as well as wild and zany best friends, Rudy and Miguel. Tears, laughter, courage, and unyielding love shape Max's journey of self-discovery.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Anjana Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the way it beautifully conveys the joys and trials of growing up. It pays homage to the importance of family, friends, and just learning to accept who you truly are. Max’s adventures as a young teen alongside their struggles to adapt to a new phase of their life is something I feel is relatable to many people and highlights the journey of just growing up. It really was such a fun read and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to delve into a rollercoaster of memories, emotions, and experiences!

[Anna Cho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I was entranced by the creativity of Aldama's storytelling. The intricate details, the atmospheric setting, and the complex characters left a lasting impression on me. The way he handles the themes of adventure and self-discovery is particularly compelling, leaving room for contemplation long after finishing the book.

[Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel that *really* shines on the strength of its protagonist-narrator's voice. Max is not only larger-than-life as a person, but they describe their friends and family with a degree of tenderness, care, and love that is infectious. Aldama's choice to put a genderqueer protagonist with a (mostly) self-assured voice in the 1980s brings a refreshing, nostalgic sensibility to the story. There's a lot of sweetness and intelligence in this novel, and I think anyone who wants a story that embraces warmth without losing an eye on the broader sociopolitical/cultural stakes of Max's setting would get a lot out of this! :)

[marianna rooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved reading this! With his skillful storytelling, Aldama invites others to dive into the electrifying world of 14-year-old Max Rodriguez, and to watch as that world gets a little bigger with each new chapter. Supported by a cast of dynamic characters and a slew of vibrant illustrations, it is a beacon of hope for the misfits, historically misaligned, and unapologetic originals of the world. I am grateful to see stories like this out in the world, and I hope to see more like it in the future!

[Literary Translator · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved meeting endearing Max and his colorful family and rambunctious friends.

"Max Rodriguez (née Maxine) could read before they could talk, devouring comics, novels, and books on philosophy. This helps them later to navigate the topsy-turvy life as a 9th grader in Nowheresville, California. Max's adventures include encounters with their spirited abuelita (aka Tatabuela), who drives a Hulk-green muscle car and grows marijuana in her attic; an estranged, self-styled John-Wayne-strutting Irish American grandpa, Logan; a fair-weather papá named Carlos; Mamá, a fiercely independent, bilingual elementary school teacher; and a taciturn older brother, Che, about to head to college. Others in Max's orbit include a compassionate tío, Jorge, who fears the loss of loved ones to a rising AIDS epidemic, activist prima, Lara, as well as wild and zany best friends, Rudy and Miguel. Tears, laughter, courage, and unyielding love shape Max's journey of self-discovery." From the publisher.

[Ralph V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some say that being a teenager is a tough period. Not only is there the pressures of school and finding friends, but the pressures of the family and self. Aldama manages to capture all of these in this wonderful book, these almost too true snippets from the life of Max(ine) Rodriguez, supported by the art of Camilo Esquivel.
This is a book that focuses on Max, sure, but it is much, much more. Aldama's story weaves in the importance that books, family, discussion, comradeship, and sharing can have in the education of us all. More importantly, the remembrance of alternate ways of learning and understanding that can help shape what we know about ourselves and everything around us. Pick up or download a copy today and join Max and Los Muties on their aventuras!

[Cruz Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you what you want from a young adult book--a main character who's something of an outsider, likes comics, has an interesting home life--while at the same time introducing the reader to a main character who is working through expectations about their gender that society has, and that young people begin to feel more intensely, while not limiting the story to an interior world. Max reads comics, watches movies, goes on spiritual journeys, and runs errands with a grandmother who has a rebellious streak. This story is full of characters who are independent thinkers while being grounded in reality in ways that make them relatable, making them sympathetic to readers.

[Eliamaria Madrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was in my teens. It’s refreshing to read a teen-based novel that isn’t the typical teen-life literature, but instead a raw and realistic telling of Max’s story (complete with illustrations by “Max” – shoutout to the illustrator for great work depicting this) from Max’s view that showcases the non-traditional, but unproblematic, family life of a Latine teen figuring themselves out and in good company. Recommending to everyone, even non-teens, for a fun insightful read!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This is not your typical YA novel. Clever, funny, beautifully illustrated, and layered with literary and cultural references, this book has something for everyone. Aldama humorously and poignantly draws us into the world of Max, the so-called misfit, and their family and teaches us about love, honor, and belonging in a way that leaves you laughing and crying. Highly recommended!

[Tallulah May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just spent the whole weekend reading this charming and inspiring novel and was really impressed. Max's journey and his relationships with those in his circle are so relatable to a large community and keep readers enthralled in the story. The beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the beautiful story, overall a must-read!

[Juan Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling, engaging, fun novel that helps us navigate the complex and diverse experiences of the Latino community. It is a humorous, compassionate and insightful journey by one of the greatest Latino writers of our time. This is magical realism and contemporary pop culture at its best. Highly recommended!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exploration of a non-traditional family combined with the nostalgia from the 80s was a treat! Aldama's vivid and fun writing style perfectly complemented Max's lovable character, and Esquivel's illustrations throughout were a great touch to this already amazing novel.