I received this Audiobook from publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on March 7th 2017
Pages: 464
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
From the multi-award-winning author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe comes a gorgeous new story about love, identity, and families lost and found.
Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican-American family, and his best friend, Samantha. But it’s senior year, and suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and realizing he no longer knows himself. If Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?
This humor-infused, warmly humane look at universal questions of belonging is a triumph.
My Thoughts:
I finally read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe last month. It’s one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking books I’ve ever read. I actually listened to it on audio and it was perfection. (Can Lin-Manuel Miranda narrate ALL the YA audiobooks?!?) When I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of The Inexplicable Logic of My Life I jumped at it. I wasn’t going to waste years like I did with Aristotle and Dante!
I absolutely loved The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz. Head over heels for it, actually. The storytelling, the characters, the relationships, the issues talked about… there wasn’t a thing I didn’t like. Benjamin Alire Saenz weaves an incredible story. So smart, so authentic, so relatable.
All of my favorite things about Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe were present. In fact, there were many similarities. The transition from boy to man, how relationships with family and friends shape people, being a “real” Mexican or Mexican American, relationships between fathers and sons, and more. However, The Inexplicable Logic of My Life is very much it’s own story. This is not just Ari’s story with a new name. It evokes many of the same feelings but in a new and unique way. I don’t know if I’m saying this right. Basically, both books are amazing.
I think my favorite thing about this one is the ways it explores the relationships between people and how these relationships affect how we see ourselves. Saenz shows multiple types of relationships, both good and bad. I adored the friendship between Salvador, Sam, and eventually Fito. And Salvador’s family? I want to be a part of it. His dad is especially amazing. But no way can I pick a favorite character. Saenz excels at writing his characters right into the heart of the reader.
Audiobook Notes:
Robbie Daymond is an excellent narrator. It took me awhile to realize why his voice was familiar… he narrates one of my favorite audiobooks, The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton. He does a great job of using distinct voices for each character. Often when men are narrating from a woman’s perspective it’s super annoying or condescending. I was relieved that this was not at all the case with the narration for this one.
I cannot recommend the story and the audiobook highly enough.
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