Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s sophomore novel, How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe, is an emotional rollercoaster of a book. With her poetic storytelling, Raquel Vasquez Gilliland expertly captures readers in a heartfelt journey that is equal parts hilarious and poignant.

[rest of review included in link below]

This has to be one of my favorite books of 2021 so far. This story covered ever teen issue out there (abuse, self love, acceptance, fat phobia, disabilities, etc). Star and Moon’s relationship shows how all comes to play, mostly due to the actions of their mother. Their mother’s behavior is absolutely horrid, but for Moon to live her truth through it all is inspiring and the writing throughout the book was magical and on point. Can’t recommend this book enough.

Contrary to the name of the book, I don’t think this is the story of how Moon fell in love with the universe, but how she started loving herself, and I think that that is so much more beautiful.

“It’s hard being human. It’s too easy to get pulled under by what makes us ache and bleed.”

Moon has always been the unlucky twin. Her sister is the one that got blessed with everything. The looks, the body, the personality, even their mother’s love. After her dad passed away a few years ago, with no one left to hold one to, she knew she had to get out of there. So when Moon gets into her dream college, nothing could make her happier, until she realises that she has no way to pay for the expenses. Asking her mother is simply out of the question. Then her sister is invited to tour with the biggest social media platform, Fotogram’s founder. And Moon is forced to go along. But she’s getting paid after all, so how bad could it be?

Everything about Moon’s journey was so relatable and inspiring. I was instantly able to connect with her on a level where I felt the exact same way she did. She hated someone? I hated them too. She wanted to hug someone? I wanted to too. I have never been so connected to a character before and her story was a completely new breath of fresh air.

There are a lot of different elements incorporated in this book but most importantly I loved how fat and sex-positive it was. There are so many readers that go through low self-esteem and doubting their body image, and this book was a love letter to everyone who was in the same headspace as our main character. Moon has such an inspiring development throughout the book and I loved how she overcame her insecurities and finally started loving herself. She went through so much in her whole life and looking at her finally getting accepted by someone for who she is was a very emotional experience for me as a reader.

“But we can’t know everything. We can’t. Some people might say only God knows, or only the universe knows it all. Either way, we humans aren’t the ones who’ve figured everything out. The more I learn, the more I realize that I know so little, it could be a fraction of a speck, and if you put the knowledge of all humans together, it might be two or three specks in the infinite and twinkling and wondrous universe."

The writing was absolutely magical. The prose just sucks you in and suddenly you can’t stop reading. The way the author describes the surroundings and Moon’s thoughts were beautiful and I loved it!

I also loved the romance, not only because it was enemies-to-lovers, but because the trope was done perfectly. The build-up and slowburn was done so well and it was really everything I could have ever asked for. Their banter was so funny and their chemistry was unparalleled. Another thing I loved is that their relationship wasn’t perfect. It was messy and complicated but the satisfaction and giddy feelings the reader gets when they finally get through it is the best feeling ever.

Overall, and I can’t say this enough, this is one of the best books I’ve read, probably in my whole life, no questions asked. I think I resonated with it a lot more because I went understand what Moon is feeling and where she’s coming from. Other than that, READ IT NOW OR FACE MY WRATH.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours, Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, Netgalley, and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.


Gosh I am so ANGRY right now! Why? For a bunch of reasons. The main one is that it’s freaking OVER.

But honestly, this was one of the best books that I’ve read this year, and I am so freaking honored to have had the chance to read it. Also, can I just say shout out to Kyla Garcia for being the best narrator and portraying Moon Fuentez so freaking perfectly?!

Okay back to why I’m angry. And trust me, this may seem weird but this is also why I loved reading this story by the time everything was said and done. MOON’S MOTHER AND SISTER ARE SUCH JERKS TO HER! My gosh, I felt so damn terrible for Moon because of all of their abuse! Yes, there is abuse in this story, mostly in the form of emotional and verbal abuse and instance of physical abuse.

"If she really believed in that, she wouldn't treat you the way she does."
Tell her, Santiago!


Let’s listen to this: Star is Moon’s twin. Star is a “Fotogram” influencer and gets sponsorships and whatnot right? However, since they were 14 years old, Moon was volun-TOLD to be Star’s photographer, editor, etc. Everything she’s had to do was to make Star look beautiful and perfect for the ‘gram. Apparently Moon can’t be anything by herself, according to the words and actions of both her sister and their mother. You can even see what they really think about her in what they say to her. There’s an instance where Moon believes that Santiago doesn’t believe her when she says that her mom doesn’t even really love her, so she calls her. That whole conversation just blew me away because wow… yeah Mama Fuentez gives no shits about Moon whatsover. It was heartbreaking to hear it, to be quite honest.

"You might want to think about coming home, mija. My knife might slip."
But enough about Star and Mama Fuentez. I can’t stand them right now, especially after everything that happened I have no sympathy for them whatsoever.

The real STAR of this novel is Moon Fuentez, the sister that is considered “ugly” or “unimportant” or “a nobody” because my girl is a true somebody. She was just never felt to feel that way by those close to her, which is a damn shame. Not only is she an amazing photographer – a fact that I think really makes Star jealous because in reality, Moon is the reason why she’s so aesthetic… and probably what made her get all those followers to become an influencer but I’ll be quiet about that – but she’s amazing at artwork. She creates her own fonts, and she’s designed her own tarot deck. I mean, she’s hella artistic and yet she’s not allowed to pursue that on her own free time because of her mother and sister.

Listen, I understand that people have their ways of coping with grief and loss. I get that, but there are certain things that I just can’t condone. Again, that’s my opinion, and I could be biased because I don’t appreciate how they treated my precious Moon Fuentez.


Gosh everything that she has done for her family only to be treated like crap?! Ughhh okay I can’t talk about this. I’m already so angry again thinking about this crap.

Long story short: going through Moon’s journey during this summer that she didn’t even want to be a part of was an emotional ride. It was one that happens so often in real life but that a lot of people may not talk about or admit. It’s one that shows a young woman trying to be her own person in a world that doesn’t even see her, or learning that she is worth so much more than what she was meant to. I’m so glad that Moon has her Tia in her life, because that was the one person that always made Moon understand and feel that she was not everything that her mother said she was.

I’m literally crying thinking about Moon at her lowest point, and even listening to the threatening messages from Mama Fuentez. I cried when hearing Tia’s fierce protection and loyalty for Moon, knowing that she will be okay without her nuclear family. This was just such an emotional novel all around, even the happy moments that were sprinkled here and there. This happens to be my first novel from Vasquez Gilliland and wow, her writing is absolutely powerful. I really want to read the rest of her novels, even if I end up getting emotionally distraught.

I fell in love with the book and it’s wonderful story. The banter is incredible and realistic, and Moon’s voice is so distinct and witty. The structure was easy to follow with many short chapters and asides for Moon’s past experiences. It’s the perfect balance of raw emotion and charm. Moon overcomes many insecurities and doubts, and you can’t help but root for her along the way. I laughed out loud at so many scenes and could feel the chemistry between Moon and Santiago. I also love the way the book tackled fatphobia and slut-shaming both within Latinx culture and in society. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe can be a heavy read at times, but it’s so worthwhile! Definitely one of my favorite releases this year! TW: fatphobia, slut-shaming, sex, religious trauma, parental abuse

Thoughts and Themes: At first it took me a big to really get into this book but once I did, I finished it in three days. There was so much to love about this book and I never wanted to put it down. I love a good romance story and this book has exactly that, we got enemies to lovers in here but we also have Moon learning to love herself and realize she’s worth so much more than what others made her believe.

I love a book where our main character learns to let others love them and more so learns their self worth. This is my favorite type of story because I feel like it’s something I’ll always need, I’ll always need to be reminded of my worth and want others to see how much they are worth.

I really liked each of the chapter titles in this book as they were unique and gave you a hint as to exactly what would happen in that portion of the book. I also like that each chapter felt like its own story in it of itself. I liked how through these chapters we got snort snippets of different parts of Moon’s life and her relationships with different people.

Something else that I really enjoyed about this book is that we get some queer side characters. I like the idea of queerness co existing with religion and I really liked the complexity of that in this story. Being a Catholic Queer isn’t easy ever and I love how this book touches a bit on that even if it isn’t a central plot point.

Characters: In this story you get to meet several characters through their interactions with Moon. You meet her sister, Star, the love interest, Santiago, other influensters on this tour, Moon’s aunt/Tia, and more.

Moon and Star’s relationship is complicated and made this way more so by the way the mom treats them. I found it interesting to read their dynamic and why Star sees Moon the way she does. I liked how the relationship shifts as Moon stands up for herself and starts to see how she isn’t just Star’s sister.

I really liked Moon’s relationship with Santiago and how this all started as them being enemies with each other. I liked how that developed but mostly I liked how he likes her for who she is. I liked how they both opened up to each other and learned to trust each other. I don’t want to give too much spoilers but just know that the relationship is cute and to die for.

Writing Style: This story is told in first person through the perspective of Moon. I really enjoyed having the story told through her perspective because when things go wrong we don’t get to hear what anyone else thinks. I like that we only get everything through her eyes because we don’t get things colored by any other lens.

BOOK REPORT for How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Cover Story: Pastel Pretty
BFF Charms: Heck Yes
Swoonworthy Scale: 8
Talky Talk: Slump-Busting Sweet
Bonus Factors: Family Curse, Body/Sex Positivity
Anti-Bonus Factors: Dan Scott Award for Awful Parenting
Relationship Status: Swooning

Content Warning: How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe features emotional and physical abuse of a child by a parent.

Cover Story: Pastel Pretty
I'm a big fan of the variety of people we're getting on YA covers lately. This young woman isn't the "default," (i.e., white or skinny) and I. Am. Here. For. It. It's also just really pretty, with the soft flowers and moon peeking through the round window (?) at the top. This cover makes me feel calm, and do I ever need that in my life right now.

The Deal:
Moon Fuentez—yes, that is her real name—is the sister of Star Fuentez—yes, that Star Fuentez. It's not easy being the twin sister of an influencer, especially when you're her complete opposite, both in personality and looks. And when your mother can't stop comparing the two of you and treating you like something less than human.

When Star's tapped to go on a road trip/tour of the country along with a bunch of other influencers, Moon's forced to go along. But what Moon doesn't know is that this trip might end up helping her finally step out from Star's shadow.

BFF Charms: Heck Yes
I waffled between the Heck Yes and Big Sister charms for Moon. The former because she's fantastic, talented, funny, and I would absolutely want to be friends with her. The latter because her self-esteem is so dang low, thanks to her horrible mother and self-absorbed sister. Thankfully, by the end of the book, she's figured out her own way of overcoming the issues that drag her down and doesn't really need an older person trying to help. But she still is 100% worthy of friendship. Perhaps even more so, considering I'd like to take some of her experience and put it into action in my own life!

Swoonworthy Scale: 8
When Moon first meets Santiago, brother of the guy in charge of the whole tour, she thinks he hates her and so she defaults to snark and sass when interacting. But she eventually realizes that his RBF might not be because he doesn't like her—but because he likes her too much? Plus, the dude is STACKED, and as much as Moon tells herself that doesn't matter … it sure doesn't hurt.

Talky Talk: Slump-Busting Sweet
I've been struggling a lot lately on getting through books; even books that are quite great haven't been able to keep my full attention. But then I started Moon Fuentez and I was absolutely enamored from the very start. I even stayed up past my bedtime, which has been nearly impossible in the past two years. (Thanks, 'Rona.)

Gilliland created a brilliant and beautiful MC in Moon, someone who's struggling but strong, realistic but magical. She's not perfect, nor is she a MPDG, but her faults just make her more likable in the end. The way Gilliland writes her relationship with her sister and mother is heartbreaking, but there's always a sense of hope that makes it more bearable. (Her depictions of influencers are pretty hilarious, too.) And the way Moon's "curse" is explained/described reminded me a lot of Anna-Marie McLemore's writing, which I say as a big compliment.

Bonus Factor: Family Curse
The women in Moon's family suffer from a curse they call La Raíz. The curse appears the first time a woman in their line has sex and then pops up randomly afterward. It involves a lot of bugs and swarms, but it's more magical than horror movie (I promise). I never really saw it as a curse, as much as I wouldn't love being covered in ladybugs, and I was glad when Moon began to realize that, too.

Bonus Factor: Body/Sex Positivity
Moon struggles a lot with her curvy body, dark hair, disinterest in religion, and lack of virginity, which is a 180 from her sister—and are all elements her mother uses in her abuse. At first, Moon doesn't see any of these features as a positive, but she does a lot of growing through the book, and Gilliland makes it clear that none of them are negatives, as much as Moon might think at first.

Anti-Bonus Factor: Dan Scott Award for Awful Parenting
Moon and Star's mother is—excuse my French—a total piece of shit. She's emotionally and physically abusive and feels little remorse about any of it. She doesn't deserve either of her daughters and thank goodness they realize it before the end of the novel.

Relationship Status: Swooning
You came along exactly when I needed you, Book. I was transfixed and delighted from the very start of our date, and totally falling by the end. Thank you, thank you. Can't wait to see where we go from here.

“It’s a whole new beginning, you know? It’s that moment before the universe expanded, when all of matter is the size of a trillionth of a period, all hot and full of nothing but potential. I could be someone who isn’t always and completely eclipsed by my sister and kicked down by my mom. Who could I be? The skyline whips by us, the clouds white. Everything feels new right along with me. Who could I be? I could be anything. No, scratch that. I could be everything.”

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe follows Moon Fuentez who, when her twin sister reaches media stardom and gets invited on an influencer tour, has to trudge along to fulfil her fate as her sister’s camerawoman. Moon is no stranger to being overlooked—her mother sees her as nothing but a promiscuous problem and her sister seems to only be kind when she wants new photos being taken. But as Moon takes on her role as “merch girl” on the tour and butts heads with Santiago Phillips, her co-worker on the tour and ultimate new nemesis, she’s seen for the first time. Not just as her sister’s camerawoman, but as a talented artist. Soon Moon learns that first impressions can be deceiving and that this summer might just change everything for her.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe is jam-packed with relevant topics and it’s hard to imagine that there is anyone who won’t love this book to pieces. From self-acceptance, self-worth, religion, spirituality, creativity and art, all the way to forgiveness, love and heartbreak, and working for your goals instead of just dreaming about them, there’s little this story doesn’t cover. Yet it explores these topics in such an approachable, easily consumable way. The writing is lyrical and there’s definitely prose that you will want to ink on your skin, but it doesn’t weigh down the pacing of Moon’s adventure. In a lot of ways, reading Moon’s story reminded me of the feeling I used to get watching One Tree Hill as a teen—like I wasn’t alone, like the struggles that might seem insurmountable might just be overcome with the right people and a whole lot of self-love. Gilliland has that atmospheric writing down to a T, making the most mundane of places feel extraordinary and making you feel like you’re in charge of your fate, just like Moon eventually realises.

Though there are so many things to mention about this book, I don’t want to spoil too much so I’ll just highlight two elements that blew me away. For one, this is very much a story about relationships. The one you have with others, but also the one you have with yourself. It’s so fascinating to follow Moon as she traverses these relationships with her sister and her mother that she can’t just cut off but that influence and shape her worldview in the worst of ways. On the road, Moon makes friends in the most unexpected of places and finds people who appreciate her and begins to question just how right the opinions of her family are and it’s fascinating to watch her find support instead of ridicule. To finally have people appreciate her artistic eye, the way she sees the world and replicates pieces of herself in her art pieces, was so satisfying.

What I loved most about this book, though, was the focus on self-acceptance and self-worth. Moon has spent her life being defined by what others think of her. She’s been made to feel inferior, ugly, unlovable and unwanted by her mother, and sometimes by extension by her sister. Gilliland here delivers a heartbreaking, unflinching and authentic depiction of what it means to have others decide your worth based on your looks or what they deem to be “unsuitable” behaviour. It takes Moon a long time to break away from these opinions that crowd her mind and Gilliland doesn’t shy away from showing the long-term effects that has on Moon. Instead, Moon is encouraged by her aunt, and herself to work on herself and in the end, save herself. Because no one else can do it for her. She works hard on learning to love herself, realising that she doesn’t need anyone else’s validation to be perfect just the way she is. That story arc makes How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe one of the most impactful reads of the year. I can only imagine what this book might have done for me in my teens, but I’m happy with the knowledge that other readers who might feel just like Moon will find this book at the right moment in time.

There is, of course, a romance that will leave you flipping the pages wondering when those two will realise their feelings for each other. Gilliland here aces the forced proximity trope and offers readers a nail-biting back and forth between Moon and Santiago that is as entertaining as it is frustrating watching them run in the wrong directions most of the time. Small kindnesses mean almost more because of this, and it makes for one hell of a reading experience. Really, the only thing that left me gritting my teeth was the resolution of the romantic relationship in this book. Moon and Santiago have a lot of separate issues and often, they lash out at each other or create problems because of the way they’ve been raised to believe themselves to be unworthy of love. In a way, they’re polar opposites and yet they’re one and the same when it comes to the things that matter. And while I loved how we got to see these two stubborn heads find ways to be on the same page, to help each other understand just how magical the other one is, I wish the resolution would have focused a bit more on the hurtful things they said to each other and real forgiveness instead of brushing it off to make the happily-for-now work. There were some things said that I wouldn’t have forgiven as easily and it did niggle at my mind that it wasn’t really discussed in the resolution. But that’s a minor griping of mine in a book that, otherwise, is a revelation.

With subject matters that hit below the belt, lyrical writing and a romance that will make you want to tear your hair out while swooning simultaneously, How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe is an unmissable road trip adventure, perfect for fans of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega and One Tree Hill storytelling vibes.

Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a finished copy of the book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe

Author: Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Book Series: Standalone

Diversity: twin, fat, Mexican American MC rep
Mexican American side characters
Latinx characters
Disabled character

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: Young adult readers, contemporary

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 415

Recommended Age: 15+ (Sexual content, Body shaming, Slut shaming, Abelism, Racism, Colorism, Violence, Child abuse TW, Emotional abuse, cyberbullying, homophobia, Suicide TW, Fatphobia, Romance)

Explanation of CWs: Mentions of sex and sexual activity. Fatphobia and body and slut shaming are integral to the story. There's also abelist, racist, and colorist comments made to the characters. Child abuse is mentioned as well as threats of institutionalization.

Synopsis: When her twin sister reaches social media stardom, Moon Fuentez accepts her fate as the ugly, unwanted sister hidden in the background, destined to be nothing more than her sister’s camerawoman. But this summer, Moon also takes a job as the “merch girl” on a tour bus full of beautiful influencers and her fate begins to shift in the best way possible.

Most notable is her bunkmate and new nemesis, Santiago Phillips, who is grumpy, combative, and also the hottest guy Moon has ever seen.

Moon is certain she hates Santiago and that he hates her back. But as chance and destiny (and maybe, probably, close proximity) bring the two of them in each other’s perpetual paths, Moon starts to wonder if that’s really true. She even starts to question her destiny as the unnoticed, unloved wallflower she always thought she was.

Could this summer change Moon’s life as she knows it?

Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book. The book is so sweetly wrote and I love the rep in it. I also love how well the characters are developed and the world building was wonderfully well done. I also thought that the book did well to discuss Fatphobia in today's world and how social media influences that. I also love the sex positive message in this book and it was one I definitely needed to read.

However, the book is really hard to get into. The style that it's wrote in is a little hard to get used to and the pacing is slow. The book also goes back and forth a lot in the time line so it makes it hard to keep where you are.

Verdict: It's good just took a lot for me to get into.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for early access to How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Rachel Vasquez Gilliland.

Gilligan has written a beautiful story of the awakening of a twin who finds herself a swan instead of the ugly duckling she has always seen herself. Moon Fuentes has always been the shadow to her sister, Star, in every aspect of life. When her summer is hijacked by her sister's social media career, Moon has to make the best of her circumstances while she works to find a better future for herself. Things go from bad to worse when she is partnered with Santiago, who is cold and distant, as a merch salesperson for her sister and the other social media influencers they have to travel with.

I loved the character of Moon; she is a little quirky, quite creative, and beautifully sarcastic. Following her along as she grows more confident and independent was inspirational. I especially liked that, along with her own self-awareness, she realized how complex other people are as well.

My main concern with this book is……. SPOILER ALERT……


-------

There were sexual references that were too graphic for the audience that may pick up this book, and certainly too graphic for an adult not related to the teen to recommend it to them.

Mini Review: This was a beautifully written YA novel, that I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting! (And I love the cover of it!)

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

I loved this story of coming into your power, being yourself, and letting love in. Gilliland is a beautiful writer and the story dances on the page.

Beautiful, amazing, perfect.
This book is everything & the relationships of the characters are a joy to read. Chefs kiss times 20, I can't wait to recommend this book to all of my friends!

This book is a showstopper from beginning to end. Tackling social media fame (and Instagram "reality") with eyes wide open, there are elements of magical realism right alongside endless selfies. Mooney's journey to self love, romantic love, and her love of the universe is gorgeously realized. In particular, the book compassionately depicts themotionale e faces from her mother and the way she slowly begins to understand how trauma has shaped her life. The love story is only a bonus. This book is a must-purchase. Get it into teen's hands!

Clearly a “me” thing, as I’m just not getting this one, even though it sounded promising. But while I typically am not bothered by comp titles, these are apt: I STRUGGLED to get the appeal of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, and I DNFed The Hating Game. The most annoying part is the weird tangents Moon goes on, like, “The First/Second Time I Had Sex,” interrupting the linear narrative, which then resumes.

“maybe what’s in my bloodline is actually magic. maybe along the way someone just mistook magic for sin, and that misunderstanding, that’s what’s been passed on and on, from the first woman down, down, down to me, moon fuentez.”

y’all this book feels so personal to me?? i can’t consistently pinpoint a single moment, but it’s one of those books that hits you in the chest because it’s YOU. this book felt so me. it features moon fuentez, given the title, a fat teen who gets roped into following her instagram-famous twin sister star on tour, travelling the country and being the notorious merch girl. except there’s also a merch guy, santiago, (who is shockingly muscular). and moon and santiago? they don’t get along. cue the enemies to lovers trope! but this book is a lot more than just a romance, similar to gilliland’s previous novel in that way. it’s about moon, and i love her.

maybe why i feel so connected to her is because she’s fat. fat rep in books always has me feeling seen, and the way moon written, yeah, it felt so real. she didn’t have constant concerns about her size, but it was still relevant. she’s fat. moon is also a twin, like me. she is the overlooked one, the ugly one, the not perfect enough one. it spoke to me, how it was written. star is famous, star is the good christian daughter, star is the good one. moon… isn’t, not in popular light. (moon is also… cursed, she can explain it more, but it’s pretty damn cool.)

the plot itself was very fake social media focused, and at times i wish we got less of that? i honestly didn’t connect to the issues related to “fotogram” (ripoff instagram) in the book, certain parts of some scenes felt forced in relation to that. star, however, i loved, she was an amazing side character and i felt as i understood her just as well as i understood moon. the romance itself, moon and santiago, was enemies to lovers, which i like, but it was almost too slow burn for me. it was pretty obvious they were into each other and they were completely oblivious?? but i loved them so much, honest and down to earth relationships like there’s are sometimes hard to find in YA and i loved the chemistry!

how moon fuentez fell in love with the universe was just so beautiful. it talked about the beauty of nature, and the beauty of sexuality, and the beauty of living for yourself. it was self discovery. it was a gorgeous reminder of the magic surrounding us even in mediocrity, and was a truly shining young adult novel with a wonderful hint of romance.

content warnings: slut shaming, graphic food descriptions, fatphobia, body shaming, bugs, ableism, suicide, parental death, parental abuse (emotional and physical), knife violence, mentions of/threats of forced institutionalization, mentions of fatal car accident, religious inspired hate, mentions of prospective homophobia

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Moon lived in the shadow of her beautiful and successful sister, Star. She dreaded accompanying Star on this influencer tour, but it seemed that Moon was able to shine outside of her toxic home. This tour might end up being one of the most important journeys Moon had ever taken.

This book really touched on so many things, but for me, it was about not needing external validation to love yourself. Moon was the opposite of Star in every way possible, and the opposite of everything her mother thought was acceptable. Many dismissed her as having no worth, and she often sought approval in unhealthy ways. Removed from her normal environment, she started to be noticed for her photography and design skills, and over time, she believed in and accepted her talents. This journey from feeling invisible and worthless to accepting the best parts of herself was my favorite part of the book. Sometimes it’s hard to remember our own worth when others are constantly knocking us down, and this was a reminder to do so.

The relationship that developed between Santiago and Moon was very special too. I won’t say they were instant besties. In fact, they had a rough start, but spending time together in close quarters allowed them to get to know each other better. Moon shared her passion for art, flowers, and photography, while Santiago shared his passion for cooking and salt. They developed a friendship and realized they had quite a bit in common.

Santiago was probably tied with Moon for my favorite character. He surprised me, and he provided a solid support system for Moon when she really didn’t seem to have anyone to rely on. He was respectful of her autonomy while making sure she knew he was there for her. It ended up being one of the most healthy relationships Moon had ever engaged in.

I must mention how beautifully written this story is as well. There were magical moments injected into this tale at certain points, and the prose flowed in a way that pulled me into the enchantment of the moment. It was lovely and lyrical, and really enhanced the mystical feel.

At times, the story was quite painful, but also extremely beautiful and honest. Moon captured my attention and my heart from the very beginning as her feeling of being “less-than” really resonated with me. I was very proud of her growth and progress, and I am glad I had this opportunity to get to know Moon Fuentez.

There were so many things to love about this book. I found myself full-on sobbing at one point. However, the love interest was a huge detraction for me. By the end, he seemed to have addressed some of his insecurities and grown, but he’s very much the jealous type and it made him seem very controlling at times. That said, what an emotional read.

I don’t think this book is anything like I expected. I thought it would be a fun summer romance but there’s much more to unpack here. Moon’s journey to love herself, and others and realize that just because someone is family doesn’t mean they belong in your life is beautiful. Santiago was a wonderful love interest. Frustrating at times but we all do stupid things when we’re scared. The writing was whimsical and lyrical. The way Moon described her love for nature, archeology, flowers, and photography was amazing. I highly recommend this one.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe features one of my favorite elements: complex sisters. And while this relationship, as well as toxic family members, are explored with thought and nuance, it's also a story firmly rooted in Moon and her journey. How the opinions and the things that the people we love say to us begins to change the ways we see ourselves in the mirror. All the moments she feels invisible, unwanted, and second.

Heart wrenching from start to finish, Moon feels neglected and alone. These moments had my heart breaking especially as it's contrasted with her own passion and her stifled dreams. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe shifts from unraveling the secrets of the past, to exploring toxic relationships that whisper our worst thoughts back to us, and clashes of religion and love. While it unfolds slower than I was expecting, I never noticed it feeling slow, instead I greatly enjoyed watching the story unfurl.