I loved the movie when it came out and reading this book was nice to relive the story.
That said, my biggest caveat with it I was the overused Spanish in the majority of it, it was forced and jarring at times, it took me out a lot during both the mundane and emotional scenes. To name a few examples:
• “Time to head back to la Casa.”
• Mirabel’s eyes are pleading as she looks at Abuela.*
Abuela* sighs.
“Abuela*, I promise. I—”
“That’s enough.” Abuela’s* voice is low and stern.
• “The magic is strong! Please! Return to the fiesta. Eat! Drink! Disfrutan!*" (instead of "Disfruten" when adressing a group of people)
• “Uno, dos, tres*, four, five, six,” he repeats.
• I’ve got to say this: he seems quite loco.*
• Sparkly light glitters like thousands of luciérnagas* flitting through the air.
• “There’s nothing you can’t do, hermana*.”
I may be biased since she's my favorite, but Luisa had the best, and fewest, chapters, her insight added a little more from what we see from her in the movie. I also enjoyed a few moments that gave a little more of color to the sisters' relationship, small details that made a bigger picture.
• Isabela about Mirabel: "I would go over and ask her if I can help, but there’s no point. She probably wouldn’t accept my assistance even if I offered it. She always wants stuff done her own way".
• Luisa: "I remember how alone I felt. My big sister, Isabela, had made me a crown of flowers, and that helped me feel brave, knowing she was there for me".
• Luisa: "And then Mirabel steps out from the shadow. She takes his little hand and leads him forward. She’s holding her head high. Physically I am strong, but I don’t think I could ever be that strong".
It was interesting to see how the songs were adapted, though the execution felt very heavy in dialogue, which is understandable since it's different medias and hard to translate frkm one another, but it was still awkward to read at times.
Overall most of my enjoyment came from remembering the movie, even though some beats in the story did not fully align with the events from Encanto, like the iconic golden butterfly being described as "small and blue with iridescent wings".
I did start this book thinking it was an original story aside from the movie, which may have affected my reading experience a little, but overall I had a sort of good time.