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The Same Blood
Twin sisters Elena and Marianella couldn't be more different. Marianella goes out of her way to actively participate in their Puerto Rican culture, whereas Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella is also fighting a very private battle with mental illness, and takes her own life not long after their fifteenth birthday. As Elena mourns her sister, she tries to live her life without the limitations and rules Marianella set for her. When her life spirals out of control, Elena realizes the depth of her roots and the guilt of not helping her sister before it was too late.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2018
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 12, 2018
The premise of this book is what drew me to read it, little did I know that the entire book was written in verse form...
I'm not a person who reads poetry. I think that it is unnecessarily confusing, and I cannot decipher all the hidden meanings. I didn't rate this book highly because I am not a poetry reader.
However, the plot and premise were really well done. This book is a lot about identity, and the storyline was quite impactful.
The perspective was also quite clever. It was in third person, but as though Elena was writing to herself almost, which was really well done.
I'm not a poetry person, but tis book was quite good for what it was.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
I'm not a person who reads poetry. I think that it is unnecessarily confusing, and I cannot decipher all the hidden meanings. I didn't rate this book highly because I am not a poetry reader.
However, the plot and premise were really well done. This book is a lot about identity, and the storyline was quite impactful.
The perspective was also quite clever. It was in third person, but as though Elena was writing to herself almost, which was really well done.
I'm not a poetry person, but tis book was quite good for what it was.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2019
When I read the premise of this book on Netgalley, I was instantly sold. I didn’t realise that the story was told in verse though. Not that this impacts the story negatively, if anything, it added to the atmosphere of the book.
Twin sisters Elena and Marianella couldn’t be more different. Marianella goes out of her way to actively participate in their Puerto Rican culture, whereas Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella is also fighting a very private battle with mental illness and takes her own life not long after their fifteenth birthday. As Elena mourns her sister, she tries to live her life without the limitations and rules Marianella set for her. When her life spirals out of control, Elena realizes the depth of her roots and the guilt of not helping her sister before it was too late.
It’s always interesting to read a story in verse, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this before. I know that there are quite a few authors who have been doing it over the past couple of years, but for some reason, I’ve never picked one up – up until now. Based on the blurb on NetGalley, I was expecting prose, but no! Like I said before, just because this story wasn’t in prose, it doesn’t mean that it was any less effective in the story that M. Azmitia was telling. I think that telling the story in verse was actually a lot MORE effective because it added impact to the emotions that the characters were feeling.
The Same Blood follows the life of a teenage girl who is struggling with her twin's suicide. What's so clever about this book is that M. Azmitia also conveys how the family deals with the death of their daughter as well. Intertwined within this book is the feeling of not being proud of your heritage. The main character - Elena - is embarrassed about being Puerto Rican and does everything in her power to change the way that she looks so that she doesn't feel like she lesser than everyone else. However, throughout the novel, Elena realises how wrong she had been in her life, and many her actions had harmed her sister, and also how she realised what was going on with her sister but didn't say anything.
For those of you who have read/watched Thirteen Reasons Why you're probably thinking that it has a similar message of being wary of how you treat people because of how your actions have consequences. But for those of you who are regular readers of my website, you will know that I HATE Thirteen Reasons Why. The Same Blood has a similar message but goes about sending that message in a much better way.
I don't know whether it would have been better being told in prose form... I'm not sure... But being told in verse was definitely powerful.
Overall, I'm very glad that I requested this book off of NetGalley, and it was a very quick read. It was a powerful story and one that I recommend everyone reading.
Trigger Warnings: suicide, depression
Disclaimer: this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Twin sisters Elena and Marianella couldn’t be more different. Marianella goes out of her way to actively participate in their Puerto Rican culture, whereas Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella is also fighting a very private battle with mental illness and takes her own life not long after their fifteenth birthday. As Elena mourns her sister, she tries to live her life without the limitations and rules Marianella set for her. When her life spirals out of control, Elena realizes the depth of her roots and the guilt of not helping her sister before it was too late.
It’s always interesting to read a story in verse, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this before. I know that there are quite a few authors who have been doing it over the past couple of years, but for some reason, I’ve never picked one up – up until now. Based on the blurb on NetGalley, I was expecting prose, but no! Like I said before, just because this story wasn’t in prose, it doesn’t mean that it was any less effective in the story that M. Azmitia was telling. I think that telling the story in verse was actually a lot MORE effective because it added impact to the emotions that the characters were feeling.
The Same Blood follows the life of a teenage girl who is struggling with her twin's suicide. What's so clever about this book is that M. Azmitia also conveys how the family deals with the death of their daughter as well. Intertwined within this book is the feeling of not being proud of your heritage. The main character - Elena - is embarrassed about being Puerto Rican and does everything in her power to change the way that she looks so that she doesn't feel like she lesser than everyone else. However, throughout the novel, Elena realises how wrong she had been in her life, and many her actions had harmed her sister, and also how she realised what was going on with her sister but didn't say anything.
For those of you who have read/watched Thirteen Reasons Why you're probably thinking that it has a similar message of being wary of how you treat people because of how your actions have consequences. But for those of you who are regular readers of my website, you will know that I HATE Thirteen Reasons Why. The Same Blood has a similar message but goes about sending that message in a much better way.
I don't know whether it would have been better being told in prose form... I'm not sure... But being told in verse was definitely powerful.
Overall, I'm very glad that I requested this book off of NetGalley, and it was a very quick read. It was a powerful story and one that I recommend everyone reading.
Trigger Warnings: suicide, depression
Disclaimer: this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 30, 2018
Story In Poetry Form! I was expecting a novel based on the description of this book, and instead wound up reading long form poetry. Which overall turned out to tell an interesting tale of a teenage girl struggling with her twin's suicide and spiraled into how her family dealt with it as well. And all of that part of it was truly solid. I personally would have preferred it in novel form, and think it could have been even stronger as such. But for what this book is, it really is quite good. (Well, unless there is any hidden meaning here that my HS English teachers always insisted was present in any poetry, but which I've never been good at detecting - if that is here, I completely missed it and cannot speak to it.) But for the visible story, an interesting take that I wouldn't normally have read. So do yourself a favor and read this long form poem, even if you normally prefer novels. If nothing else, it will be a quick read. :D
July 14, 2020
TW: suicide, depression, mental illness, addiction
The Same Blood is about two Puerto Rican sisters, Elena and Marianella, the latter of which embraces her culture and struggles unnoticed with mental illness while her sister tries to erase traces of her heritage from her life.
The book is written in second person but reads as if Elena is writing to herself as she grapples with her sister’s death, a twist on perspective that I enjoyed and found as compelling as it was engaging for me as a reader.
Azmitia verse is not complex, but does offer a fully fleshed-out story that skillfully addresses issues like mental health stigma, alcoholism, culture erasure, and more.
I recommend the book for people who enjoy emotional YA contemporary books and narrative verse, as I think The Same Blood is a great book within those genres/subcategories.
The Same Blood is about two Puerto Rican sisters, Elena and Marianella, the latter of which embraces her culture and struggles unnoticed with mental illness while her sister tries to erase traces of her heritage from her life.
The book is written in second person but reads as if Elena is writing to herself as she grapples with her sister’s death, a twist on perspective that I enjoyed and found as compelling as it was engaging for me as a reader.
Azmitia verse is not complex, but does offer a fully fleshed-out story that skillfully addresses issues like mental health stigma, alcoholism, culture erasure, and more.
I recommend the book for people who enjoy emotional YA contemporary books and narrative verse, as I think The Same Blood is a great book within those genres/subcategories.
July 13, 2018
A YA book written in verse. Interesting choice to write it in this way, but it works. The visual layout of the pages helps to infuse the words with emotion and feelings. And to top it off, it is written in second person, as though the author is recounting the actions of Elena to Elena.
Elena is the twin sister of Marianella, Mel for short and only Elena can get away with the shortening of her name. Mel is much more rooted and embracing of their Puerto Rican roots, and Elena not so much. When Mel takes her own life, Elena feels a sense of guilt for not acting on the obvious signs she witnessed long before it got to the point of no return.
In processing through her grief and guilt she begins to find her self and purpose. At the base of this quick read are family dynamics and relations. Readers will be thrilled, and saddened at turns but the verse device in second person keeps things popping. Kudos to M. Azmitia for pulling this off in such a nonconvential manner. Thanks to Netgalley and West 44books for an advanced DRC. Book will be available Aug. 1, 2018. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Elena is the twin sister of Marianella, Mel for short and only Elena can get away with the shortening of her name. Mel is much more rooted and embracing of their Puerto Rican roots, and Elena not so much. When Mel takes her own life, Elena feels a sense of guilt for not acting on the obvious signs she witnessed long before it got to the point of no return.
In processing through her grief and guilt she begins to find her self and purpose. At the base of this quick read are family dynamics and relations. Readers will be thrilled, and saddened at turns but the verse device in second person keeps things popping. Kudos to M. Azmitia for pulling this off in such a nonconvential manner. Thanks to Netgalley and West 44books for an advanced DRC. Book will be available Aug. 1, 2018. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
September 3, 2018
Review originally posted on my blog: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...
*I was provided with an ARC of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book really blew me away! I read it so quickly, as I just wanted to devour more of the authors words. I absolutely adored the writing, despite there not being very many words (as it was written in verse), it had such a powerful affect, it was so punchy, emotive and honest. I can’t praise the writing enough, I was completely immersed, the direct address of the reader was so clever, it made you actively take part in the story. I felt Elena’s shame, and her guilt, it was a gut wrenching experience.
A story such as this is just so, for lack of a better word, sad! It made me get choked up on a number of occasions. I felt so much for both of the girls and to be a fly on the wall, observing how they both dealt with things, thinking that they were completely alone was heart breaking. I’m astounded that I could clearly see in my head almost everything that the author described, even though there were no real descriptions of the characters appearances.
I don’t know how the author managed to successfully cover such complex issues such as depression and how POC (specifically Puerto Ricans) view themselves in America, in such a short text. I don’t think that anything more could of been done to tackle these subjects any better, the author was able to fully portray what depression is like and Elena’s struggle with her identity was so clear. There are books that are much longer than this one, that won’t ever capture depression, guilt, loss and how it feels to be a POC as well as The Same Blood.
I urge you to pick it up, it’s phenomenal and a very important piece of literature, given the very relevant topics that it so bravely tackled. The authors intentions for this book was to start a conversation about mental health in communities of colour. If ever there was a catalyst to spark this desperately essential conversation, it’s this book. The author should be immensely proud!
*I was provided with an ARC of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book really blew me away! I read it so quickly, as I just wanted to devour more of the authors words. I absolutely adored the writing, despite there not being very many words (as it was written in verse), it had such a powerful affect, it was so punchy, emotive and honest. I can’t praise the writing enough, I was completely immersed, the direct address of the reader was so clever, it made you actively take part in the story. I felt Elena’s shame, and her guilt, it was a gut wrenching experience.
A story such as this is just so, for lack of a better word, sad! It made me get choked up on a number of occasions. I felt so much for both of the girls and to be a fly on the wall, observing how they both dealt with things, thinking that they were completely alone was heart breaking. I’m astounded that I could clearly see in my head almost everything that the author described, even though there were no real descriptions of the characters appearances.
I don’t know how the author managed to successfully cover such complex issues such as depression and how POC (specifically Puerto Ricans) view themselves in America, in such a short text. I don’t think that anything more could of been done to tackle these subjects any better, the author was able to fully portray what depression is like and Elena’s struggle with her identity was so clear. There are books that are much longer than this one, that won’t ever capture depression, guilt, loss and how it feels to be a POC as well as The Same Blood.
I urge you to pick it up, it’s phenomenal and a very important piece of literature, given the very relevant topics that it so bravely tackled. The authors intentions for this book was to start a conversation about mental health in communities of colour. If ever there was a catalyst to spark this desperately essential conversation, it’s this book. The author should be immensely proud!
June 14, 2018
“You’re just a girl
who happens to
be Puerto Rican.
“It doesn’t mean as much
to you
as it did to her.
“Isn’t such a vital part
of who you are.”
Elena and Marianella are Puerto Rican twins. Marianella identifies with their heritage, but Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella struggles with her mental health and, shortly after their shared quinceñera celebration, takes her own life. After her sister’s death, Elena must come to terms with herself and her identity in a world without her sister’s guidance.
WOW. This is a really powerful book. It grapples with complicated issues like mental health, addiction, and cultural identity without judgment. At times it’s tough to read, but I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is written in verse, and it makes the reading experience very enjoyable. Azmitia’s writing style is unique and truly wonderful. Also, this book is incredibly timely. Hurricane Maria plays a significant role in the book. With Puerto Rican recovery still in the news, readers are sure to appreciate and learn from this part of the story.
Overall, this is an incredible, powerful book. You won’t be able to put it down. I highly recommend it.
who happens to
be Puerto Rican.
“It doesn’t mean as much
to you
as it did to her.
“Isn’t such a vital part
of who you are.”
Elena and Marianella are Puerto Rican twins. Marianella identifies with their heritage, but Elena is embarrassed by their traditions. Marianella struggles with her mental health and, shortly after their shared quinceñera celebration, takes her own life. After her sister’s death, Elena must come to terms with herself and her identity in a world without her sister’s guidance.
WOW. This is a really powerful book. It grapples with complicated issues like mental health, addiction, and cultural identity without judgment. At times it’s tough to read, but I couldn’t put the book down.
This book is written in verse, and it makes the reading experience very enjoyable. Azmitia’s writing style is unique and truly wonderful. Also, this book is incredibly timely. Hurricane Maria plays a significant role in the book. With Puerto Rican recovery still in the news, readers are sure to appreciate and learn from this part of the story.
Overall, this is an incredible, powerful book. You won’t be able to put it down. I highly recommend it.
March 23, 2019
i loved the RAW honesty of this book.
a tale of two sisters: one full of pride, the other trying to hide.
Written in second person, it feels like the author is talking TO YOU. like the things happening are happening to you and it makes your heart ache. it makes me want to be more proud of my heritage and where i came from. never take for granted the life you come from. this is definitely one of my favorite books so far.
a tale of two sisters: one full of pride, the other trying to hide.
Written in second person, it feels like the author is talking TO YOU. like the things happening are happening to you and it makes your heart ache. it makes me want to be more proud of my heritage and where i came from. never take for granted the life you come from. this is definitely one of my favorite books so far.
September 28, 2018
First and foremost thank you so so much to West 44 Books & of course Netgalley for allowing me to read the e-book copy of this story.
This YA book is told in verse which is usually quite risky but it really paid off in this case! Poetry is really not my cup of tea but I took a chance on a beautiful cover, a captivating synopsis and a “new-to-me” writer and I’m so glad that I did! This is a short story but boy oh boy does it pack a punch! I found myself relating to the subject in many more ways than I ever could of imagined. The use of the word YOU when the author is talking about Elena makes it feel as if the reader is involved in the story, that you are the one with the questions; the person who is hurting. How articulate the author was when she decided to do so! Every word flowed so brilliantly. Emotions were so real.
This book tells the tale of twin sisters, Mel and Elena who , “shared a face and not much else.” While both teens are struggling to find their separate identities in this world, Mel’s life is cut just a little too short when she commits suicide at the mere age of 15. Although Elena did not find many similarities to her twin, rationalizing that “ [ Mel ] was a Puerto Rican girl, whereas [I ] was just a girl who happens to be Puerto Rican,” and often found herself high on the totem pole of popularity versus her sister who seeemed to get the short end of the stick...Elena feels this overwhelming sense of guilt for not being able to save her. She has such an internal struggle, thinking that she should tell her mother “ ...you know exactly who to blame. You don’t tell her that your indifference killed your sister” and thinking to herself “...of how you would’ve been better to her if you’d known.” Elena turns to alcohol to help to ease the guilt and the pain, she’s found her coping mechanism.
When talking about grief and the aftermath of losing a loved one I found myself relating to lines such as ,” The fridge is stacked full of containers with more food than YOUR shrinking family will ever needs, and “ this is how you mourn: you don’t.” It’s hard-hitting and yet absolutely the truth. Who wants to eat when you are trying to comprehend the loss of a loved one, eating is the last thing that you want to think about—but people need to feel like they are helping.
The depth of how the author went into such sorrowful detail of Mel’s depression is so impressive. She MUST have had some experience with this crippling diagnosis in some aspect of her life, if not her own because I have depression and some of her words had my heart feeling so heavy with nothing but empathy.
Here are just a few lines that hit me straight in the gut...
-“ ...Not weighed down by this, she’d said, pointing to her chest. “
_ “ She was running away from herself. Always for reasons she couldn’t explain.”
_ “ ...Because of the feeling of pure dread, like something horrible was waiting for her outside the door.”
_ “ Tired of existing in a life that she didn’t want. A life she would never learn to want.”
_ “ ...that you didn’t know that she tried to drown it out with loud music.”
_ “ ...Pressing her for answers that she never had.”
Towards the end you will find out the reason behind the title “ The same blood” and that’s equally sad.
Brilliantly done— 5 stars 👌🏻⭐️
This YA book is told in verse which is usually quite risky but it really paid off in this case! Poetry is really not my cup of tea but I took a chance on a beautiful cover, a captivating synopsis and a “new-to-me” writer and I’m so glad that I did! This is a short story but boy oh boy does it pack a punch! I found myself relating to the subject in many more ways than I ever could of imagined. The use of the word YOU when the author is talking about Elena makes it feel as if the reader is involved in the story, that you are the one with the questions; the person who is hurting. How articulate the author was when she decided to do so! Every word flowed so brilliantly. Emotions were so real.
This book tells the tale of twin sisters, Mel and Elena who , “shared a face and not much else.” While both teens are struggling to find their separate identities in this world, Mel’s life is cut just a little too short when she commits suicide at the mere age of 15. Although Elena did not find many similarities to her twin, rationalizing that “ [ Mel ] was a Puerto Rican girl, whereas [I ] was just a girl who happens to be Puerto Rican,” and often found herself high on the totem pole of popularity versus her sister who seeemed to get the short end of the stick...Elena feels this overwhelming sense of guilt for not being able to save her. She has such an internal struggle, thinking that she should tell her mother “ ...you know exactly who to blame. You don’t tell her that your indifference killed your sister” and thinking to herself “...of how you would’ve been better to her if you’d known.” Elena turns to alcohol to help to ease the guilt and the pain, she’s found her coping mechanism.
When talking about grief and the aftermath of losing a loved one I found myself relating to lines such as ,” The fridge is stacked full of containers with more food than YOUR shrinking family will ever needs, and “ this is how you mourn: you don’t.” It’s hard-hitting and yet absolutely the truth. Who wants to eat when you are trying to comprehend the loss of a loved one, eating is the last thing that you want to think about—but people need to feel like they are helping.
The depth of how the author went into such sorrowful detail of Mel’s depression is so impressive. She MUST have had some experience with this crippling diagnosis in some aspect of her life, if not her own because I have depression and some of her words had my heart feeling so heavy with nothing but empathy.
Here are just a few lines that hit me straight in the gut...
-“ ...Not weighed down by this, she’d said, pointing to her chest. “
_ “ She was running away from herself. Always for reasons she couldn’t explain.”
_ “ ...Because of the feeling of pure dread, like something horrible was waiting for her outside the door.”
_ “ Tired of existing in a life that she didn’t want. A life she would never learn to want.”
_ “ ...that you didn’t know that she tried to drown it out with loud music.”
_ “ ...Pressing her for answers that she never had.”
Towards the end you will find out the reason behind the title “ The same blood” and that’s equally sad.
Brilliantly done— 5 stars 👌🏻⭐️
November 13, 2021
1.5 stars, leaning towards 2, teetering on the border of meh to okay
it starts out meh, bridges into some damn good prose, falters back into okay.
second person pov verse poetry.
certainly something i expected considering i flipped through the book before checking it out at my library, but the plot was… alright. passable.
the author really plays around with this kind of style. that i appreciate. it adds a flair and makes the journey much easier to enjoy.
characters are flat, 2-dimensional. don’t really know what’s what or who’s who unless i sit down and dissect everything one by one, and imo, if 192 pages aren’t enough to establish characterization other than “motherly mother”, “fatherly father (with a twist! he also suffered loss)”, “best friend i do not let go of” and “generic mourning protagonist that slips into bad habits to cope”, something is wrong.
the mourning protagonist archetype was written fairly well. just… everything else is weak.
story is relatively good but, ironically, only strong in the middle (the bad friends, alcoholism, arrest, yeesh talk about a ride).
1.5/5 stars
mediocre at best. average plot that i swear i’ve read on wattpad before. not recommended nor rereadable
it starts out meh, bridges into some damn good prose, falters back into okay.
second person pov verse poetry.
certainly something i expected considering i flipped through the book before checking it out at my library, but the plot was… alright. passable.
the author really plays around with this kind of style. that i appreciate. it adds a flair and makes the journey much easier to enjoy.
characters are flat, 2-dimensional. don’t really know what’s what or who’s who unless i sit down and dissect everything one by one, and imo, if 192 pages aren’t enough to establish characterization other than “motherly mother”, “fatherly father (with a twist! he also suffered loss)”, “best friend i do not let go of” and “generic mourning protagonist that slips into bad habits to cope”, something is wrong.
the mourning protagonist archetype was written fairly well. just… everything else is weak.
story is relatively good but, ironically, only strong in the middle (the bad friends, alcoholism, arrest, yeesh talk about a ride).
1.5/5 stars
mediocre at best. average plot that i swear i’ve read on wattpad before. not recommended nor rereadable
July 10, 2018
It was another good read from West44 Books! RATING: 4.5/5
As I said in a previous review of a book with a similar format, I am a huge fan of both poetry and reading so it clearly makes sense that I really had a great time with this book.
The Same Blood by M. Azmitia is another obra maestra that tackles diverse topics in less than 200 pages. From coping up with your personal and family problems up to more sensitive issues such as mental illnesses (e.g. depression), this coming-of-age book tells the story of Puerto Rican twins, Marianella and Elena, who, due to some hereditary glitches and culture pressure, were pushed to go beyond the limits. In line with the trending issure of anxiety and depression, this book also shows either how strong or how vulnerable a person can handle various circumstances and what we can do when we see someone who has been struggling with both their mental and emotional aspects.
Actually, the cover is what really pushed me to hit the REQUEST button in NetGalley but the content of this book did not disappoint as well. Can't wait to have a physical copy of this book.
As I said in a previous review of a book with a similar format, I am a huge fan of both poetry and reading so it clearly makes sense that I really had a great time with this book.
The Same Blood by M. Azmitia is another obra maestra that tackles diverse topics in less than 200 pages. From coping up with your personal and family problems up to more sensitive issues such as mental illnesses (e.g. depression), this coming-of-age book tells the story of Puerto Rican twins, Marianella and Elena, who, due to some hereditary glitches and culture pressure, were pushed to go beyond the limits. In line with the trending issure of anxiety and depression, this book also shows either how strong or how vulnerable a person can handle various circumstances and what we can do when we see someone who has been struggling with both their mental and emotional aspects.
Actually, the cover is what really pushed me to hit the REQUEST button in NetGalley but the content of this book did not disappoint as well. Can't wait to have a physical copy of this book.
July 11, 2018
My full review can be found on the Epilie Aspie Chick blog!
Thank you to West 44 Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The words and the way they're put together paints a very specific picture that even someone like me can't ignore. I've never been one to like prose or poetry, but the way its written here is different and vibrant in the way that it paints a picture of the world these sisters lived in. The only problem is that as soon as you start to get into it, the whole book ends and you're going "that's it?!?!" Due to the style of the book, there is very little story given here and it is expanded out over a lot of pages to look much better. I would've much more preferred the book to have been expanded out more to be longer, tell us more about the extended family, and give far greater detail about Elena's time in therapy.
Thank you to West 44 Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The words and the way they're put together paints a very specific picture that even someone like me can't ignore. I've never been one to like prose or poetry, but the way its written here is different and vibrant in the way that it paints a picture of the world these sisters lived in. The only problem is that as soon as you start to get into it, the whole book ends and you're going "that's it?!?!" Due to the style of the book, there is very little story given here and it is expanded out over a lot of pages to look much better. I would've much more preferred the book to have been expanded out more to be longer, tell us more about the extended family, and give far greater detail about Elena's time in therapy.
August 29, 2018
Accessible, emotional poetry about a Puerto Rican girl who is embarrassed by her culture until her twin sister, suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, commits suicide. Her twin embraced her heritage and longed to return to Puerto Rico, but she avoids, denies, and mocks references to their ties to the island. She turns to alcohol and empty companionship to deal with her guilt, and lands in rehab, where her father, who used to drink, admits that his family has had trouble with mental illness in spades. Accepting responsibility for her actions both before and after her sister's death leads to atonement and an opportunity to return to her roots.
July 5, 2018
A very powerful book wrote in verse about Puerto Rican twins Elena and Marianella who now live in the United States. They are very different as Mel embraces the country she is from while Elena is more Americanized. Mel is suffering with mental illness and after they celebrate their Quincenera together (which Mel relishes while Elena kind of mocks the tradition and thinks it is silly), Mel sadly commits suicide. Elena is then forced to reconcile herself and her feelings for her sister and her country steeped in tradition. Beautifully written, short but delivers a strong message.
March 9, 2019
The only real weakness in this heartfelt book is that it's too short for what it wants to do. It means that Elena's struggles are somewhat abbreviated, even if they're still realistically described. Overall, a good book that does a good job of discussing the effects of suicide, addiction, mental illness, and finding pride in your heritage. It just needed another 50-100 pages to more fully explore these issues.
October 24, 2023
A poignant novel in verse about two sisters who are stuck between cultures - one wants to embrace her Puerto Rican heritage, and one wants to leave it behind. When tragedy strikes, everything must be reexamined. A great choice for striving readers, readers wanting to see a Puerto Rican character, or readers dealing with a family tragedy.
February 12, 2019
I really like this book. I got this book from the library today and I had no idea what the book was about. I read one page and I wanted to read more. I finish reading this book in one day. A story told in poetry form.
May 21, 2024
The reason I gave it 4 star was because I was a little disappointed to the end like I thought something big was going to happen and leave the reader wanting more but overall the book was amazing it was so good and easy to get into the story and the plot
March 1, 2019
YA recommend - culture and identity, sisters, twins, (books in verse!); loss, grief and suicide. Read in one sitting. Puerto Rico traditions, family explored here.
October 12, 2019
Love it. Its so related to so many people have lived a life like the one in the book.
May 11, 2021
Was hoping/expecting more about Puerto Rican culture, but still a good read. Novel in verse dealing with the loss of a sibling, guilt, alcohol abuse and healing. There's a lot packed in here!
October 15, 2021
Beautifully written, amazing story, read in one day, I could not put this down
August 1, 2018
Reading this book left me wrecked with many emotions. It left me with chills and wishing there was more. It's not easy to write about tough topics such as suicide and addiction, but The Same Blood had all the right words from start to finish.
Read
July 2, 2018DNF or start due to downloading issues. I notified NetGalley and the publisher.
July 7, 2018
This was an amazing poetry book. I loved the way it was visually structured. The line breaks work perfectly to enhance the emotion the narrator feels. The themes throughout this poetry novel are loss, suicide, addiction, self-identity (specifically with race) and family.
The poems are hard-hitting. Each one reads and flows wonderfully, creating a masterpiece full of emotion. It's easy to read in one sitting but stays with you for much longer than that.
As a teacher, I would recommend this novel to my students. There's a lot to take from this book and would be worth discussing with at length.
The poems are hard-hitting. Each one reads and flows wonderfully, creating a masterpiece full of emotion. It's easy to read in one sitting but stays with you for much longer than that.
As a teacher, I would recommend this novel to my students. There's a lot to take from this book and would be worth discussing with at length.
July 26, 2018
While writing a young adult book in verse may not be the obvious choice, in this case it is certainly the inspired one. The simplicity of the writing style and the sparse layout on the page really focuses the attention of the reader on the story being told,and more importantly on the emotions that drive the piece. Elena and Marianella are twins of Puerto Rican descent , and despite the similarity of their appearance they could not be more different. Elena is strong, tough and determined to leave her Hispanic heritage behind, she's the daughter her family doesn't have to worry about. Marianella loves her heritage and feels most at home in Puerto Rico, but she is struggling with a weight that seems more than she can bear. When Marianella kills herself, Elena really struggles with her feelings of guilt and loneliness and soon starts on a downward spiral which sees her ending up in rehab, where a breakthrough comes from an unlikely source.
The depiction of grief and survivors guilt in this book is one of the best I have come across. Despite the brevity of the book, it feels like we really do get to know the girls ,and see how they depend on each other, and it is this connection that makes the rest of the book such a heart breaking but glorious read. The author is really able to paint a mood using just a few words, and I really feel that this book will stay with me long after I finish reading it.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own
The depiction of grief and survivors guilt in this book is one of the best I have come across. Despite the brevity of the book, it feels like we really do get to know the girls ,and see how they depend on each other, and it is this connection that makes the rest of the book such a heart breaking but glorious read. The author is really able to paint a mood using just a few words, and I really feel that this book will stay with me long after I finish reading it.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own
August 1, 2018
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. A heart breaking story about how mental illness can effect everyone, no matter what age. The guilt and sorrow of a young girl whose twin sister committed suicide is clearly portrayed. I would recommend for mature young adults.
January 4, 2019
Made me angry but perfectly nailed issues that plague a lit of Hispanic families and the stigmas associated with mental illness
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