Only Pieces

by Edd Tello

Edgar wants nothing more than to live his life out loud. But telling the truth about his sexuality isn’t so easy in his traditional Mexican-American family, and his Amá has made it clear she won’t accept who he is. Things get even harder when Edgar’s macho father returns home after months away, and the house erupts into fighting and simmering tension. Edgar worries what would happen if he told his father the truth about who he is, and feels he’ll never fit in anywhere. Then Edgar runs into Alex, a popular football player at school. With Alex, Edgar feels happy and free, believing he might finally pick up all the broken pieces of his heart. But falling in love is more complicated than Edgar can ever imagine--and coming out might destroy the only life he’s ever known.

Genres: Young Adult, Poetry, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Gay

183 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2022

Reviews

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indivisible meets A Million Quiet Revolutions in this tender and heartfelt story about a vulnerable queer teen who’s part of an undocumented Mexican-American family.

I love books written in verse. I’ve said it before, a book in verse is like a stream; it bends and accelerates and then slows down again as you absorb the turn of the words and phrases. It never gets boring because after each turn you’ll find another beautiful view.

Only Pieces is a hi-lo book which means it’s written for struggling readers like dyslectic teens. So the words and sentences are simple. Therefore, I thought this would be a fast and easy read, but this story triggered something in my mind that left me staring after every few pages. I took a lot of notes, an enormous amount, for such a short story because even though Only Pieces is stripped of all frills, it still shows us the life of a vulnerable Mexican-American queer teen so vividly. So few words stirred up so many emotions in me, left my heart broken in pieces, and mended it back together in one piece in the end.

The title is just perfect, and those poems Edgar wrote are mesmerizing. Edd, you did an amazing job with this precious gem of a story!

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from West 44 Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[natsuki jam #1 fan • wari · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book explores longing, the struggles queer people have to go through, and has bipoc representation as well. the only reason i didn’t give it 5 stars is because i think there could have been a bit more to the story - there seems like a few things were left unsaid. that being said though, it’s a great quick read that will definitely help you get out of a reading slump, so i do recommend it! this is another book that’s written in verse, and the author did a good job of giving the characters depth and element in the amount of pages that were written. thank you to netgalley and west 44 books for the arc!

playlist for this book ;
• prom dress - mxmtoon
• lemon boy - cavetown
• born this way - lady gaga
• this is home - cavetown
• peace - taylor swift
• frost - txt
• the story of us - taylor swift
• boyfriend - issues
• dying on the inside - nessa barrett
• the idea of you - mxmtoon
• i knew you were trouble - taylor swift
• super trouper - abba
• lose yourself - eminem
• gay for a day - flavia
• heather - conan gray
• for your entertainment - adam lambert
• take me to church - hozier
• bon iver - mxmtoon
• stutter - marianas trench
• ride - rocket punch

triggers ;
homophobia
bullying
racism (briefly seen through stereotypes the white characters went off)
alcohol

representation in this book ;
mexican american mc
mexican american side character
mexican american female side character
gay mc
questioning / possibly bi side character

[mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Pieces is a novel written in verse, and it tells the story of Edgar, a Mexican-American teenager who is trying to bridge the gap between who he is and who his family wants him to be. He is trying to tell his parents things about himself - that he is gay, that he wants to study literature, all while knowing they won't approve in the slightest. His Apá is a "macho man" and when he comes home after being away because of work, Edgar has to hide even more, he has to at least pretend he wants to be what his dad expects his son to be. All while, he worries about unpaid bills, the immigration deporting his parents, and is dealing with his crush on a popular boy, Alex.

I don't read many books written in verse, and this is perhaps my sign to do so more, but there is a way these stories pack a punch in not so many words that just leaves me astounded. This novel feels like it's much longer, and that's not saying it drags, not at all - but the way it conveys emotion, and these characters' lives and thoughts offers so much to the reader. The format worked perfectly for the main character Edgar, the way he tells his story feels raw and there is something urgent about him. You can feel how much he needs his parents to know him, how much he needs to be free to create and be seen. I loved the complicated and real portrayal of family, how Edgar's parents react to him coming out, and in general how their relationships are presented. I enjoyed the side characters, and I especially liked Alex, who Edgar has a crush on. I think their friendship was really sweet and I enjoyed reading about it. All of this is intertwined with the reality of Edgar's parents being immigrants without papers and how scary that can be, and how that makes the tension in their household even worse.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was short and to the point, but the format and the writing really made the story feel tangible and the characters seem real. If you're interested in the book, and/or enjoy books written in verse, I would highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing m with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really do hope
that Only Pieces is
the first book
of many
penned by Edd Tello. 

His voice
is one
worthy of 
being

heard. 


"Only Pieces" tells the story of Mexican-American teen Edgar Jiménez, whose heart is bigger than his body - and kinder than the world around him. Since his Apá returned home, Edgar's home has been on edge. He and Amá fight all the time over unpaid bills and empty fridges, while Edgar quietly holds his truths to his chest: Amá, Apá, I want to study Literature. Amá, Apá, I'm afraid that you'll get deported anytime if migra knocks on our door. Amá, Apá…, I'm gay. So he takes shelter in his poetry journal, where he's free to just be. When his neighbour and crush Alex sees him writing, though, he asks to read some of Edgar's verses, and the timid bond they slowly form turns Edgar's world upside down. 

As my first-ever experience with novels written in verse, "Only Pieces" was phenomenal enough that I can't wait to read more stories done this way. Tello's verses are easy enough for any reader to follow, yet also deep enough to pierce their heart. In fifteen verses, he conveys the crude reality faced by many migrants who find themselves trying to build a life from scratch in a foreign country, and in less than two, he portrays the anguish of being a closeted teen in a traditional family. Somehow the simplicity of Tello's quill helps him convey the most complex feelings and situations. In this sense, the book reads a little like Benjamín Alire Sáenz or Shaun David Hutchinson's works - with a lingering, vague sense of hopeful nostalgia. 

In Edgar Jiménez we find a young man who's facing many different struggles all on his own. Not only does he live in fear of his parents being deported; he also lives in confusion as to why his Apá doesn't talk. Not only does he live in hiding regarding his sexuality; he also lives in shyness about his dream of becoming a Literature graduate one day. His voice is authentic, timid yet also courageous. One thing I loved about Edgar was how quietly resilient he was - despite other people's disapproval of his dreams and his identity, he silently carries on. He knows it's useless to try to argue, but in his head that doesn't equal his dreams being unworthy. He knows it's going to be hard to get into uni, or to get his parents to approve of who he is, but he doesn't let it shackle him to living the lie his parents have built in their heads about their son's future. All in all, Edgar felt real and vulnerable, just like real teens do. 

Despite there not being a grandiose, pretentious plot trying to do something revolutionary, this book still feels like a breath of fresh air. Maybe it's because of Tello's voice; maybe it's because of Edgar; maybe it's because of the intersectionality of all the different issues we're so used to hearing about as neatly separated topics that don't correlate to one another. Whatever it is, this book is quite close to magic, and it definitely should be really high on everybody's TBR lists for 2022.


***
Thank you, NetGalley and West 44 Books, for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! 

[Drakoulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is out now!

A very sweet and emotional book (it's more like a novella, quite short) about coming-out in a financially struggling Mexican-American family.

I was expecting a YA romance, but the romance is a subplot and doesn't even reach a conclusive ending, the book is instead centered on Edgar's inner world and his relationship with his family.

Edd's debut is a promising and artistic story, and I'll be waiting for his next books with anticipation!

Thank you NetGalley and West 44 Books for the ARC!

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONLY PIECES is a story of self-realization and longing, written in verse. Edgar's parents are undocumented immigrants fighting poverty. His father's unemployment becomes a source of simmering tension at home. On top of that, his mother has reacted to her son's coming-out with untempered disdain. But when Edgar runs into his schoolmate Alex outside his home one night, he finds something hopeful to cling to.

The story is intended for a younger audience, and as such thrives on that unique blend of purity and anticipation. Despite his innocence, though, Edgar comes across as a fully-fledged adolescent, revealing both a restless temperament and a muted longing for connection; both familial and romantic. Most notably, he cultivates his desires despite others' disregard; or worse, disinterest.

The writing feeds this impression, maintaining a steady rhythm that twists and unbends the narrative at will. It braces the words with a sense of determination, allowing this stability to contrast against the havoc in Edgar's life. There's also something decidedly reminiscent of Benjamin Alire Sáenz's Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe about ONLY PIECES, be it the artful minimalism or the charming protagonist.

Tello creates a playful layout for his tale, allowing the verses to roll and slip in tandem with Edgar's emotions. The author also uses code-switching, in this case alternating between English and Spanish, to add a layer of musicality and authenticity to a world already on the edge of fiction and reality. This process is never alienating, though, as each new word is decoded in a seamless, natural fashion; usually through repetition.

The end result is exhilarating. Again, we see the splinter dividing Edgar's inner world from his home life, the somberness of which naturally demands a sort of duality of being. What's truly remarkable about ONLY PIECES is that every single character is fleshed-out and self-aware, and uses this corporeality to slip under the reader's skin. This proves no small feat when we take into consideration the length of the work.

Edgar's worries exceed those of a typical boy his age, as the thought of one day losing his parents to deportation becomes a nagging presence in his mind. His tenderness and romantic inclinations, which find refuge in his poetry, squirm under the weight of reality. Alex is similarly imbued with complexity. His father's exile from home, and the boy's resulting need to look after his younger siblings while his mother crumbles, is an emotional obligation that far outweighs his years.

If that weren't enough, Edgar faces two-fold homophobia, at school and at home, which evolves into the main villain in ONLY PIECES. And yet, the work is suffused with a ruminative, hopeful ambiance. It's decidedly more about Edgar finding his emotional footing and identifying his needs than his hunt for approval. His best friend is equally compelled to prioritize self-worth over short-term gratification. This imprints a pleasantly mature message on the framework of the narrative.

Surprisingly, romance remains a smudge in the background throughout. That's because the ambiguity that defines Edgar and Alex's relationship cultivates an air of endless possibility. Alex is encouraged to keep stumbling down the untrodden cave of his being. In the end, his self-concept may or may not be linked to a sexual plane. That's not for us - or Edgar - to determine.

Here, Tello subverts every known trope. He allows the density of his world to reflect the emotional opaqueness of friendship. Nothing is firmly defined, thereby freeing sentiment from compression. The author's choice to go down the path of self-liberation, rather than heed the sharp itch of desire, is as tantalizing as it is wholly unexpected.

And so, when reduced to its bare bones, ONLY PIECES emerges as a token of compassion and self-respect; one forged in a world of few words, but countless sensations.

[Medhat The Fanatic Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching & sweet story told in beautiful verse that has so much to say about belonging, identity, family, and desire.

Even though the book is told in verse, Edd's writing contains so many emotions & internal thoughts that queer kids seeking their parents' love & the world's approval are more likely to feel in real life.

I cannot wait to see what Edd is going to come out with next; an indication that even if you don't express too much, the right words, or pieces, will say them all.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This novel-in-verse perfectly captures adolescence and the stressors that comes with it, such as juggling parental expectations, trying to fit in, acceptance and identity. It also sheds light on important topics such as the immigrant experience and coming out.

Edgar is a protagonist that many will be able to resonate with. Having grown up in a strict household myself, I could relate to many instances in the book but I also liked the perspective it provides about how Edgar's parents simply want the best for him.

Thank you to West 44 Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

[Ria Elle M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Second read (April 11, 2022):

Rating: Upgraded to 5 stars

A poem written in verse. This second read made me more sympathetic toward Edgar and understanding toward her mother. This has been on my mind these past few weeks. I want a book 2 😭

First read (March 30, 2022):

Rating: 4.5

I enjoyed reading this. Though, to those who are used to poems that are not in a way of telling a story, a literal story, this is not for you. This is in a form of a poem, but a story is told page by page with dialogues. I don't like poems like those, but this is an exception because I really enjoyed reading this: it's about someone who knows he's gay but had trouble coming out even though his parents know; they just don't want to talk about it.

This was a breath of fresh air because it made me like a new form of poem unlike the others I've read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I want to thank Net Galley and West 44 Books for letting me have an ARC to review! This book is being published on June 1, 2022

It's hard to put a review into words when you have a piece like this. This book feels like I'm reading someone's diary. Someone who is bearing their soul to the reader and allowing us to view a peek at their inner world.

I want to say first off, that I have absolutely no cons about this book (for me personally). Normally, when I want to review a book I have at least one thing that was overall not for me, but this is not one of those times.

Only Pieces is a Middle Grade/YA book that is written in verse. Not only does this make it a quick read, but one that feels extremely intimate. There are even examples of the protagonist's own poetry in the pages, which I thought was a beautiful touch.

This book covers a multitude of topics, but I'm going to list a few:
Growing up in an undocumented family
Family Struggles/divorce
Self-exploration and understanding
Friendship
Poverty

Our main character, Edgar, is growing up in a home with two undocumented parents. He is struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is gay, and has a crush on another boy at school. On top of that, he is worried about his parents accepting him for who he is while living in unstable and undesirable conditions.

I read this story in just a few hours, but after reading its pages I felt emotionally depleted-- in a good way. If that's even possible. I felt like a close friend opened up to me all the things they had been holding inside them for too long. I felt like Edgar's struggles became my own in their own way. I didn't want to put it down!

I can't say enough good things about this book. Please, consider reading it when it is published. I hope those in similar situations as Edgar's can find strength and comradery within these pages. You are not alone.

[Lily Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Only Pieces' is a beautiful coming-of-age novel written in verse, telling the story of teen Edgar, who is out to his mother but not to his father, at her encouragement. With both parents undocumented, Edgar struggles with the anxiety of never being able to release the tension simmering in his household, combined with the secret he carries about his sexuality. But meeting Alex might provide a breath of fresh air and hope for the future.

Tender yet grounded firmly in daily realism, the novel is an immersive experience of life as a teenager holding too much to carry alone. The clarity of the prose in 'Only Pieces' allows for an immediate dive into Edgar's psychological experience and his swirling emotional life. Each word carefully chosen, Edd Tello weaves a heartfelt tale of self-acceptance and finding your own strength. Although I found the ending a little abrupt for my personal tastes, I would highly recommend this read to anyone looking for a touching novel in verse, or fans of 'A Million Quiet Revolutions' or 'Ari and Dante'. I look forward to reading more by this author!

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of 'Only Pieces'. These opinions are based on my own experience of the book as an individual reader.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute quick read! It is written in verse which sometimes made it difficult to follow along personally.

I feel this is the perfect book for any queer Latinx/Hispanic looking for a coming out story they can relate with! Edd Tello encapsulates what it is like for us sometimes when faced with coming out.

Thank you NetGalley and West 44 Books for this eARC!

Only Pieces releases June 1, 2022! Just in time for Pride 🥳

[des · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.

I thought this was a wonderul novel written in verse about Edgar as he struggles wether or not to come out to his father as gay. We navigate his thoughts abou9t that, his family, his crush etc and I thought it was wonderful. The poems Edgar writes are also beautiful and really made the story that more powerful.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar Jimenez is many things: a gay teen, fast food enthusiast, a poet and aspiring writer, and the son of Mexican immigrants. Edd Tello’s debut Only Pieces follows Edgar’s challenging path of coming out, falling in love, and boldly navigating what it means to follow your dreams in spite of your parents’ expectations for you.

I have never read a YA novel written in verse, and I'm so grateful this was my first one. Edgar is such an easily likable character who is so unflinchingly himself in spite of the lack of acceptance from his family and peers. This is definitely a story of overcoming adversity and embracing one’s true identity.

Although Edgar’s journey is a challenging one, he stays true to his roots and proves that you can live authentically without sacrificing other pieces of your identity. This was an inspiring read that I immediately pre-ordered the second that I finished reading it, and I would suggest that you do the same!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ferddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

• WHAT I USED TO LOVE IS HOW APÁ WATCHED ME GROW THROUGH THOSE THOUSAND PIECES
• I really felt Edgar's disdain towards his father's macho attitude
• It was painful when Edgar's mother told him that he's just confused, and not to tell his father that he's gay. 😭
• I COULDN'T IGNORE HIS BROWN HAZEL EYES AND THE DIMPLES THAT CAME OUT EVERYTIME HE SMILED
• Edgar's The Moon and the Sun
• I WONDER IF I'M GOOD ENOUGH
• Edgar telling himself to act normal around Alex was so cute. My man nearly had a breakdown 🤣
• "MEET BACK HERE TOMORROW?" - omg Alexxxxxx
• Edgar's frustration when buying clothes was so relatable as a skinny person.
• Edgar and Alex's first date was cute. But, is it really a date tho or was it just Edgar's assumption??
• not Edgar using Ali as a beard 🤣
• omg poor Edgar. That was tough being humiliated and outed like that. 😭
• What Ali did was wrong, and being drunk do not excuse it. Kudos to Edgar for forgiving her just like that.
• Daniela was the sweetest. Loved that
• BUT YOU ALWAYS NEED TO REMIND YOURSELF HOW SPECIAL YOU ARE. NEVER BE ASHAMED OF THAT.
• Dude always lock your phone 😁
• Alex and Edgar's conversation was rough esp when Edgar realized that Alex didn't feel the same way.
• THE PROBLEM IS YOU THINK BEING GAY IS A PROBLEM
• The moment when Edgar's mother consoled him after he came out to his father got me so emotional. She may not fully understand Edgar yet, but she still loved him and wanted the best for him.
• Alex calling Edgar "Moon" ughhhh
• Edgar calling Alex "Rabbit" ughh
• FROM THIS PLACE WHERE I CAN FEEL A THOUSAND LUCIÉRNAGAS FLYING INSIDE MY HEART, FREE FROM HURT.

[Jonathan Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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An e-copy of the book has been provided by the publisher, Emergent Realms, in exchange for an honest review.

“The only thing we had in common was our skin colour.”

It is challenging to write a review for a book — especially if you have such strong love for the book. Then the difficulty of writing a decent review skyrockets to being relatively non-existent. Well… at least for myself.

The weird thing about this story, despite its relatively gloomy theme, is that I felt refreshed from reading it. I believe that the melancholy of the book is achingly realistic that it crafted a powerful connection between myself and the story. Add the choice of formatting that the author utilized and a certain intimacy has been fulfilled.

Being a hi-lo novel, in tandem with its verse structure, expect an overly simplistic approach in writing; however, it did not take even an ounce of depth from what lies beneath the beautiful message the story wants to convey. The beautiful placement of poetry within the story gave a stimulating melody not only for the book but also for the profundity of the character.

Edgar was everything I was when I was young — afraid and lost. And that connection really dragged me into the mesmerizing way Edd Tello told his story. It was heartfelt and there was an obvious pain in the reality of this fictional story.

I do not want to lengthen my review any longer than this. Only Pieces wasn’t perfect, but it was real. It was elegant in projecting itself to its readers not just as a story but as a friend. And, as much as I am not particular to reading the same book again, I see myself picking this book up as a go-to book if I need a friend.

See this and other reviews in my blog.

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC via netgalley provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars.

I cried on the last page.

This was so amazing.

I’ve always loved poetry, but reading stories in verse is so different from poems that have no correlations to each other.

I loved the feelings this gave me, the writing, the plot, as well as the characters.

You don’t always get to read stories about gay teens that are just trying to get through life, especially gay Mexican teens, but when you do, oh my they are amazing.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest I was a bit unsure about the cover and how it fitted the book until I had finished reading it and thought about it a little more. I think the pieces are the way that Edgar’s family have been split apart, or perhaps what he fears may happen if his parent’s divorce.
The genres listed for the book are LGBTQIA, Poetry, Teens & YA, though I would also add “coming of age” to that list.

The main character in the book is called Edgar and he is struggling with a few things in his life. Edgar knows he is in his words gay, he likes males and he has broached the subject with his mother or Ama on more than one occasion, though she always seems to swiftly change the subject. Edgar’s Ama, Lidia is constantly worried about money and is living in a different place to Edgar’s Apa, Pedro as there is no work for her there. Lidia’s sister, Rosario has helped her get a job and is helping to look out for jobs for Pedro. Pedro is currently working on a construction site until the end of his contract. It is extra difficult for Pedro and Lidia to find jobs as they are both undocumented. They also have to be extra careful not to get into any trouble to attract the attention of the authorities.

When Edgar hears his Ama crying after speaking to someone on the phone, he presumes she has been on the phone with his Abuela as they have not seen her for a long time. However, Edgar is surprised when his Ama tells him that his Apa is finally coming to live with them. Pedro’s construction site contract has ended and there is no more work available for him there. Pedro will soon be home and living with the rest of his family, looking for work locally.
Naturally Edgar is nervous to tell his father about his sexuality but wants to do it, but his mother keeps dissuading him from doing so. There are arguments going on regularly between his parents so much so Edgar begins to wonder if they will geta divorce. He sneaks out of their apartment and spots Alex Cisneros, a guy he recognises from school, whom he has a bit of a secret crush on. Edgar begins to hang out with Alex when he comes over to visit his dad. Edgar finally has another friend to talk to and hang out with. Edgar thinks that life may be turning for the better despite the arguments at home. When Edgar is talked into attending a party held at Tylers house he hesitates but then agrees only to find out that somehow Tyler knows all of his secrets.

My immediate thoughts when I finished reading the book were that I really liked the characters, and the plot being centred around Edgar, both his coming of age and the fact he is determined to come out to his family and friends. I enjoyed the fact the book was told in verse, it made it a really fast read.

Summing up, I enjoyed reading the book and it certainly fits within the parameters of a Hi Lo book. It deals with some pretty tough subjects, sexuality, coming of age, and undocumented people being amongst them.

[⋆｡˚꒰ঌ lexi ໒꒱˚｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for providing me with an ARC of this book. And of course thank you to the author for writing such a beautiful piece of work.

It’s my first time reading this type of work, as it is a novel written in verse, and is visually very appealing and engaging.

I thought that maybe telling a whole story in verse wouldn’t be the best way, as there could be feelings lost in the lack of narration of the events, but oh boy I was so wrong. Feelings are there, and the poems written by the author can transmit so many things at once. I ended up loving it.

Our main character throughout this journey is Edgar, a Mexican-American gay boy who is living with his parents. The story includes triggering topics such as homophobia, mention of racism and bullying. Struggles are present in Edgar’s life and the way he expresses how he feels is very relatable. While I was reading this story, I only wanted Edgar to feel happy and relieved, it seemed like he was in constant tension every page you read. However, the ending has a very positive view of his life and the decisions he has to take.

A very tough but real story which many young people still have to go through every day. I want to thank the author again for portraying a reality in such a beautiful but raw way. It is so very needed, I hope many people (both young people who are experiencing it and parents/adults who can help them) end up reading this work and loving it as much as I did. <3

[Georgina Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely little novel with a verse writing style, that is completely engrossing and emotional. There are some serious Elizabeth Acevado vibes with the books format and
collection of poems.

I adore books that are written in verse, especially those tackling such difficult topics, this novel especially follows MC Edgar, as he is trying to find the right time to tell his father that he is gay, whilst also trying to write poems and navigate high school, as well as his first crush.

I really love the inclusion of Edgar’s own poems in the novel and my personal favourite is “The Moon and The Sun” I liked the way that this poem was a take on a legend story he was told growing up and loved the relation the poem had to his own life.

The authors ability to show Edgar’s emotions through the verses and poems are phenomenal, with particular lines that really give you an insight into his feelings, such as “the same way Ama pretends I’m not gay” they really pull at the readers heartstrings, and make you love the
MC more. Plus, it also shows the stereotypes that the LGBTQ+ community still face, as his
mother refuses to acknowledge his sexuality and even goes as far as demanding he does not
tell his father.

My only negative with this book is the ending, for me personally it ended abruptly, and I would have liked to read more of Edgar and find out just exactly what happened with his family “Spoiler”

Trigger Warnings: Being outed and homophobia

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Only Pieces is a beautiful and immersive book in verse that tells the story and internal battle of Edgar, a gay Mexican-American teenager who is trying to find himself and his place in life, while balancing his own internal anger, anxiety, and longing. Every word in this book is important and implants itself in the reader's heart. Only Pieces is an incredibly appropriate title for this book, as we see Edgar trying to fit different pieces of his life together- his writing, his Mexican heritage, his queerness, his poverty, and being a normal teenager.

Only Pieces was an incredible book that will absolutely stay with me. We get a real feel for Edgar's thoughts and feelings through poems written by him along with the masterful verse. Not only that, but we meet his best friend Allison and his crush Alex, both of whom have a real presence through the story, along with Edgar's parents who we see dealing with the crushing weight of poverty and the very real fear of deportation.

Edgar's tone is both naive and mature, hurt and hopeful, at the same time. We see Edgar dealing with problems that are far above his age and getting excited about his very first possible date. In this way, Edgar feels so real as a high school student dealing with many intersecting identities. The story ends in a place of hope, where I can imagine a future for Edgar where he finds the joy and light he deserves.

[Alessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and West 44 Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

1.5 stars rounded down.

Only Pieces by Edd Tello is a novel in verse that follows Edgar, who wishes for his Mexican-American family to accept his sexuality so he can start living his life aloud. There's hardly anything more that I could say about the plot without spoiling the whole book since not much happens in it.

I do wonder if this story would have benefited from being told in a different format, at times it felt as though the writing was unpolished and flimsy so the messaging and themes got lost in the lack of flow of the book. I am sure that the author had so many themes to explore but the novel was so short and told in a voice that felt so immature and not self-aware at all, that it was almost cartoonish.

While I am well aware that this is a novel intended for younger audiences, perhaps a more in depth exploration of toxic masculinity and latinidad that didn't fall into such stereotypes would have been well received. However, I can appreciate the potential in the clear style of Tello's poetry and will definitely be on the lookout for future—hopefully more thoroughly edited—works of them.

[Andrea Beatriz Arango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love discovering new-to-me Latinx authors. Even better? Finding out their debut kidlit novel is queer *and* in verse!

ONLY PIECES is my favorite kind of YA to recommend to teachers, because not only does it provide some much needed representation (in this case, a gay Mexican-American MC), but it's also written in very short and easy to read verses.

Seriously - this book is written at what I would consider about a 3rd grade level, and do you know how rare and NEEDED that is in schools? (I mean, if you follow me on Instagram, you probably do, cause I rant about this all the time 😂.)

I mean it, though. 📢 High school students who struggle to read deserve to have access to engaging and mature books that are at their level!!!

Anyways, if you teach high school (and live somewhere books aren't being censored 🥲) I highly recommend you purchase this one for your classroom. I guarantee it'll be exactly the kind of book one of your students has been searching for.

[Tasmin Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verse stories are always intriguing. I've only read a few and I've like most of them. This one was no different.

To see him navigate his life as his dad comes home. And meeting Alex. And truly finding himself through his writing.

the style of writing can still tell you everything you need. Like the heartbreaking sadness of being bullied for who he was and the his father finding out. But Edgar stands up for himself and it's beautiful to watch him grew to be able to say no this is who I am.

I also enjoyed the mix of the different poems throughout the pages breaking it up but still fitting in the story. Because Edgar writes poetry in his journal.

This was just a lovely story.

I was granted a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Keegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me a lot of The Poet X, though being a poet isn't as big of a focus. It's more about the struggles of coming out, the struggles of immigrant parents (and being the child of one), and just trying to be understood. I liked the characters, and I thought that they were very realistic. I felt that it ended a bit abruptly, but overall it was a good book. I enjoyed the verses, and the addition of Mexican legends was neat!


Thanks to West 44 Books for sending me an e-arc to review!

[TallieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poetry focuses on coming out as gay in a Mexican household. The cultural nuances and social issues are depicted with grace and realism. It was very well written and the author has relatable voice. I loved the story it told and it was a very enjoyable, quick read. Thanks NetGalley!

[Melissa Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but while I was reading it. It just felt like it was a little rushed. When I finished the book it just felt to me like there was stuff that was missing. Like one does his parents ever decide to support him? Does he also ever get with the guy he likes or do they just forever stay friends? I just wish the book was a little longer so I could fully know everything.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and West 44 Books for the ARC.

Edgar is a young man from a traditional Mexican-American family. His Amá tells him not to share the truth about his sexuality with his father, who has only recently returned home. "Only Pieces" is told beautifully in verse through Edgar's perspective, interspersed with poems the character has written. Edgar's experiences and internal struggles will resonate with many teens. "Only Pieces" is a quick read that also manages to tug on your heart strings.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written in verse with several poems as standalone, feels honest and oddly hopeful. The main character is living with his immigrant parents who came to the US illegally to make a better life for him. The problem is -- it isn't a better life for them. The boy is gay but his mother doesn't want his father to find out. When the father answers the phone when his crush calls him, things come to a head. In the end he discovers the most important thing -- to love oneself.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read but with a great message delivered in a direct and emotional way.

I must admit I did not connect with the poems from the main character but some parts of the book were pretty relatable.