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A review by bookish_selkie
Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Canto Contigo is one of my favorite books of 2024! It follows Rafie’s journey, a Mariachi who is devastated after the death of his abuelo. When he is transferred for his senior year, Rafie is desperate to regain his status as the frontman for his school’s Mariachi group. The only problem is Rey. Rey has come up through the group for years and was slated to be the lead. As Rafie and Rey battle for the role, chemistry sparks between them. Rafie will have to decide if anything matters more than winning in this heartfelt story.
I loved this book! Jonny Garza Villa is now an auto-buy author for me. They always create such vivid and realistic characters. Rafie is a force that is determined to win at all costs. Underneath this drive is a deep sense of mourning and grief for his abuelo. I loved the little skull that Rafie had conversations with. Rey is a more sensitive soul who has fought to find his place in Mariachi despite transphobia and racism. Rey and Rafie have an epic rivals-to-lovers romance that explodes with chemistry and longing. They are truly at eachother's throats to win the lead role and it makes their eventual romance even more sweet.
There’s a strong sense of family, both found and biological, that knits the story together. I loved how supportive Rafie’s parents were of him and how he took care of his little brothers. As Rafie wrestles with his grief and feelings of loss, his family and friends were always there for him even when he didn’t realize it. Xope, Xolo, and so many more create a beautiful ensemble cast. I also learned so much about Mexican culture and what it means to be a Mariachi. Villa showcases many great songs and important Mariachi traditions. Canto Contigo is one of my favorite reads of the year and I only wish I could see Todos Colores perform!
Readers who enjoy Anna-Marie McLemore, Gabe Cole Novoa, and Edward Underhill should check out Canto Contigo! I would highly recommend Canto Contigo to anyone. If you seek outstanding LGBTQ+ rep, rivals-to-lovers, and heartfelt storytelling then you need to read this book.
Thank you to Jonny Garza Villa, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! Jonny Garza Villa is now an auto-buy author for me. They always create such vivid and realistic characters. Rafie is a force that is determined to win at all costs. Underneath this drive is a deep sense of mourning and grief for his abuelo. I loved the little skull that Rafie had conversations with. Rey is a more sensitive soul who has fought to find his place in Mariachi despite transphobia and racism. Rey and Rafie have an epic rivals-to-lovers romance that explodes with chemistry and longing. They are truly at eachother's throats to win the lead role and it makes their eventual romance even more sweet.
There’s a strong sense of family, both found and biological, that knits the story together. I loved how supportive Rafie’s parents were of him and how he took care of his little brothers. As Rafie wrestles with his grief and feelings of loss, his family and friends were always there for him even when he didn’t realize it. Xope, Xolo, and so many more create a beautiful ensemble cast. I also learned so much about Mexican culture and what it means to be a Mariachi. Villa showcases many great songs and important Mariachi traditions. Canto Contigo is one of my favorite reads of the year and I only wish I could see Todos Colores perform!
Readers who enjoy Anna-Marie McLemore, Gabe Cole Novoa, and Edward Underhill should check out Canto Contigo! I would highly recommend Canto Contigo to anyone. If you seek outstanding LGBTQ+ rep, rivals-to-lovers, and heartfelt storytelling then you need to read this book.
Thank you to Jonny Garza Villa, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.