Middle Grade Madness! discussion

This is the first book in a popular MG Sci-fi duology published by the infamous Rick Riordan Presents imprint!

I wanted to read this one too! I've got my copy now and I think I'm going to read it next week;)

I need to find myself a copy but that shouldn’t be too hard and I’m intrigued to see if this one is as quirky as the synopsis suggest and as great as all the good reviews suggest. The expectations are high!

I can't wait to read this!!!

I have my library copy, so I'm ready to go. I read so much during the challenge that this may be the only MG book I read this month!! The challenge was fun, tho. Thanks, @Kadi

Definitely up for this one

Dea~Country Girl At Heart wrote: "I'm just starting. Nearly forgot about it. Arrgh!"

I keep forgetting about it too! Thanks for reminding me, I've just got a copy now and I'm starting it too👏🏻

Georgann wrote: "I have my library copy, so I'm ready to go. I read so much during the challenge that this may be the only MG book I read this month!! The challenge was fun, tho. Thanks, @Kadi"

I'm so glad you had fun with the challenge! And I relate haha, I read so much mg that I have a whole load of YA/adult comics and manga waiting for me now!

I started this today, and I love our two MC's. I love how they just are who they are and do a fine job of accepting themselves as who they are. I must not have read the synopsis very carefully, b/c the appearance of Sal's dead mother was a surprise. I love how his Papi and American Stepmom handle the ...unusual situation so well. My only objection is, I don't know Spanish, so the times the author doesn't explain the words/phrases/sentences leave me hanging. Glad he mostly let's us know what was said.

I love how the author takes us from humor to pathos. There are bits that made me tear up. I loved his description of Little Havana. The author is just cracking me up! I think I'll use this one for the humor slot in our TBR challenge. So far: Judging from his frown lines, the last time this guy smiled people were complaining about how bad mastodon farts stink. (P 133 - bringing out my inner middle schooler!) Man, how do people walk around in Miami? I felt like I was being digested inside a dragon's stomach. (P 195 and I do not know how people walk around in Miami!) He was always working , and when he wasn't working, he was trying to grow his brains back, b/c his job had used them all up. (P 207 I read this to my son when he came out of his work-from-home office today. He laughed and decided right then to go out for a walk!) I won't spoil it more for anyone by telling anymore.

I'm on Chapter 6 and I, too, am enjoying the humor of this book immensely! Sal is quite the character. I love his "I can work with her" line of thinking. I'm intrigued by the (view spoiler)[ idea of his mother coming back to life and his relationship with Gabi. Right now, they are only aggravating each other! (hide spoiler)]

I'm listening to the audio on my work commutes and the Cuban American narrator, Anthony Rey Perez, is fabulous.

I am SO GLAD this was our BOTM!!! I enjoyed this from beginning to end!

Georgann wrote: "I am SO GLAD this was our BOTM!!! I enjoyed this from beginning to end!"

I'm about 50% of the way through and am thoroughly enjoying it also! Sal and Gabi are (view spoiler)[ officially friends now and I'm curious how this will play out. Will Sal tell Gabi about how he can rip holes in the universe and about his Mami Muerta? He must since they *both* break the universe ;-) (hide spoiler)]

Starting this one today!

Me2

I’m on chapter 3 already and I can attest to just how funny this is.

Like usually I’m the sceptic and harsh critic who will say it’s not as funny as everyone says it is but this is genuinely a funny book. The commentary is so random at times that I have no idea how the author even came up with some of it, he must be some kind of humorous genius!

I'm on chapter 13 and I have already enjoyed it so far. I can tell it was funny, adventurous, and emotional at the time.

@Patricia I’m halfway to where you’re at (I’m on chapter 7 now) and I totally agree! The narration is just so spontaneously amusing. I really hope the plot can deliver because this may end up on my all time faves shelf!

Kadi wrote: "@Patricia I’m halfway to where you’re at (I’m on chapter 7 now) and I totally agree! The narration is just so spontaneously amusing. I really hope the plot can deliver because this may end up on my..."

haha me too! The story gets intriguing and I hope it ends up on my favorite shelve. I'm in chapter 15 now and I'm liking it so far:)

Kadi wrote: "@Patricia I’m halfway to where you’re at (I’m on chapter 7 now) and I totally agree! The narration is just so spontaneously amusing. I really hope the plot can deliver because this may end up on my..."

The narration was fantastic!!! And, yes, "spontaneously amusing" is the perfect way to put it. The narrator did a great job conveying Sal's sense of humor.

So does anyone know when the plot actually starts? I’m on chapter 7 and I have long since grown tired of the waffle. It’s really funny and good but I just want the plot to start now!

Note to writing self...get to the action right off the bat! :)

I got the next book for my bday!

Kadi wrote: "So does anyone know when the plot actually starts? I’m on chapter 7 and I have long since grown tired of the waffle. It’s really funny and good but I just want the plot to start now!"

I think this was one of those books that doesn't necessarily have a solid plot for a while and the fact that I listened to the book I think helped in keeping my interest! The narrator was just so good.

EdenB15 wrote: "I got the next book for my bday!"

Awesome!!

Kadi wrote: "So does anyone know when the plot actually starts? I’m on chapter 7 and I have long since grown tired of the waffle. It’s really funny and good but I just want the plot to start now!"

Yeah, this was my issue with this one, and why I haven't read any of the sequels. Hopefully you'll enjoy it overall more than I did! Looking forward to seeing your thoughts as you read. <3