An incredibly important book. The romance is beautiful and how the group turns from co-conspirators to friends. The main character's hesitance to talk about what happened to her, especially when it didn't match up with what the other girl's had experienced. The complexity of emotion that they all experienced.

Ok I had big expectations going into this one because I love Sonora Reyes and loved The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School. This didn't disappoint. Reyes is such a talented author and they always find a way to dive into the complicated/triggering subjects with gentleness and care.

High school friend groups can honestly be life-saving and I was so glad that Ariana found her people even though it was in such a messed up way. Community support through trauma is incredibly healing and I loved that this was demonstrated at a high school level. So many kids lack this peer support especially over traumatic issues and I really appreciated a book diving into this.

Overall a warm and wonderful read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

An instant favorite—this friend group is everything to me!🥹❤️🏳️‍🌈

What I loved
1. This book honestly reminded me of John Tucker Must Die but instead dealing with a much heavier reason to connect this group of characters—trigger warning: sexual assault. Other trigger warnings from the author are in the beginning of the book which is helpful for young readers especially.
2. The friendships in this book seriously brought tears to my eyes—I loved seeing their little community grow and them all get closer and more comfortable with one another and sharing their stories even when it was hard 😔🥺❤️
3. Queer characters!!!! 🏳️‍🌈
4. Ari is the first character I have read that is non-verbal unless she feels safe/comfortable—this was such an important topic and so happy to see this representation! I loved seeing the other characters learn how to communicate effectively and creatively until Ari felt comfortable with them. Ari is also autistic which is also great representation for YA.
5. Romance in this was just enough— it was a sweet slow burn which is always the best!

An easy 5 star read, can’t wait for the next book by Reyes ❤️❤️

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I had no idea what this book was about before going into it. I find it better that way. The first line hooked me and I knew I would absolutely love this book. It was heartbreaking but full on wonderful. I have so many thoughts but the loudest one is appreciation for such a story.

This was a really nuanced, in-depth exploration of autism, queerness, and rape culture—I loved following the characters as they find their found family and their own strength.

I loved The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School (Sonora Reyes' earlier title) a lot, so of course I requested a copy of The Luis Ortega Survival Club. I am really glad I read this -- Reyes has created interesting, queer, neurodiverse characters in this book. I still loved The Lesbiana's Guide the most, but I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this.

This concept was very cool. It was interesting to see all the ways boys can hurt girls and then have the girls get their revenge.

Thank you @epicreads for the #gifted ebook. It took me a while to get to it but I’m glad I finally did.

When Ariana gets raped at a party, she doesn't realize it was rape at first. She knows she didn't say yes, but she also didn't say no. Soon after, she comes into contact with The Luis Ortega Survival Club, who tells her she's not alone, and they might be able to figure out a way to get revenge.

This is the second novel I’ve read by Sonora Reyes. Both 5 star reads for me.

The Luis Ortega Survival Club is a tough story to read. It shows the reality of sexual assault and the feelings that come from it. I sadly can relate to the MC. That feeling when you realize that you were sexually assaulted is so impossible to describe. But somehow it took me back to that moment because they described it so well.

I saw this being compared to John Tucker Must Die and I completely agree, (but better). I love a good revenge story. I found myself rooting for the club more and more.

I loved all the members of the club. I wish that I could get a book about every single one.

Overall this was a fantastic book. It makes me sad that I have barely seen anyone talk about this. Books like this never get the recognition they deserve.

A sparking, triumphant read! I couldn't finish it in time before the expiration date because I was swamped by real life, but I had such a good time. Sonora Reyes delivers an honest, funny, sardonic teenage voice that's sure to resonate with other queer youth, and I'm so excited to know this book is now out in the world, inspiring others with its vibrancy and humor.

didn’t love it as much as lesbiana’s guide to catholic school but it was still enjoyable. loved reading about an autistic mc who would go nonverbal tho <3 sometimes u just gotta not speak and that’s okay. loved the autism rep.

After reading this book, the only conclusions that I have are that we need more stories about people getting some good old revenge, and we also desperately need more stories with autistic main characters. This book absolutely would’ve been my shit when I was a teenager, and I am very glad it exists now for today’s teens to be able to read.

Good read, keeps reader engaged. The story is about the main character, who presents with symptoms of autism and selective mutism. She’s invited to a party where is she attacked by Luis. Later on she receives messages from someone who can relate and hence the plan to get revenge starts.

[ TW for sexual assault, bullying and slut shaming ]
Ariana Ruiz is a wallflower at her school. Autistic and selectively non-verbal, the introverted young girl doesn't really have many close friends or admirers. So when popular, handsome, flirty senior Luis Ortega starts singling her out, Ari feels special. And when he coerces her into having sex at a party, she doesn't refuse, although she doesn't consent either. It's just their secret, after all.
However, soon after, disturbing rumours start circulating at school, and Ari becomes the object of a targeted harassment campaign, with slut-shaming and bullying from her peers. Just as things start worsening, a hidden note in her locker leads her to an unlikely group of students– fellow victims, bent on taking revenge against their predator. But for justice to happen, Ari needs to face the devastating truth of what really happened that night between her and Luis Ortega.
So yes, this is a story that centres significantly on a rapist, and rape culture as perpetuated by those in power. It's a very heavy and disturbing read despite the bright pop colours on the cover. The first couple chapters are especially ROUGH, some serious triggers there. That being said, I loved this book. Reyes put so much love and thought into Ari's character– her neurodivergence, her identity crisis, her issues of going nonverbal, her panic attacks and PTSD. She is a symbol of bravery for those who make the enormous choice of stepping forward with their stories, even if it means reliving their own pain. Her entire arc was so powerful, from being completely alone to finding community, love and friendship with a group of survivors. Interesting also to see the effects of rape culture on different marginalized groups, through the usage of popular victim-shaming rhetoric. For example, the autistic girl is mocked as being unable to say no, the bisexual girl is "promiscuous" anyway, so on. Appreciated the narrative compassion for not just those who speak up, but those who choose privacy and non-confrontation, after being hurt by powerful abusers.
Was not a fan of the plotline involving Ari's parents, however, and also found it a little strange that the one desi coded character was written as the nerd with glasses and braces who loves robotics and hacking.
Good book, not perfect but impactful.

The minute that I saw this book and read the description on twitter I knew I had to read it and was very grateful to get the chance to read it. This book touches upon some serious and very heavy topics but in a way that I thought was well handled and realistic. I did appreciate that this book includes a warning from the author regarding the content within the book.

I really enjoyed the autism representation in this book and how this really shows that autism is a spectrum. I enjoyed the way in which her friends and community support the main character and show her that while she is different she can fit in. I thought it was great to see how the main character being autistic plays a role in how she is raped and how she is making sense of that night. I also thought it was great for the main character to see how Luis played other girls as well so that she didn't feel alone in processing her feelings.

This book was so amazing. It’s one of those that has a story that will stay with you for a long time. The topics it talks about are very important, especially for young people, but really for any age. It deals with some serious and hard themes like rape culture, slut shaming, sexual assault, etc., but the story is so much more than that. Yes, it explores trauma and how it manifests itself, but it also describes the importance of friendship, community, and healing.

The main character was great, she had a very distinct narrative voice, and I loved reading from her perspective. I can't say much about the autism rep because I'm not autistic myself, but I haven't read many books that had characters with selective mutism and I'm glad we have more stories like this. The friendships that Ari formed with the rest of the characters were amazing, I love seeing supportive friend groups. I really liked the way she was included and everyone made each other feel comfortable.

Family dynamics were also an important aspect of the book and I really liked the way it was approached. I really related to the dynamic that she had with her mom and reading about it was just, I don't know.

In general, all the relationships we see feel very well developed, as does the plot. The characters are well rounded and the story themes are very important and realistically portrayed. Just an honest and heartfelt story that I absolutely recommend.

CW: sexual harassment, SA, slut shaming, cheating, discussions of rape, bullying.

sonora reyes has definitely made their way up to my favorite authors list. i read their debut, the lesbiana's guide to catholic school earlier this year and absolutely loved it, and the luis ortega survival club was just as amazing.
tlosc follows ariana, an autistic girl who also has selective mutism. she wants to be seen by others, and so when a popular boy at school starts paying attention to her, she is happy, but then one night, at a party, he sexually assaults her, and then rumors about it start spreading around school, calling her a slut etc. other boys around school start to see ari as an easy target. and then ari finds a "me too" note on her locker prompting her to get in touch with a mystery person on tumblr, and so becomes friends with others, with whom she makes plans to get revenge on luis.
there are so many things to talk about with this book that i don't even know where to start.
the autism rep meant so much to me, as i'm sure it will to other autistic people, and especially to those that consider themselves self-diagnosed, just like me. though i'm not selectively mute, i also loved that rep! it also plays a very important part in the story, obviously. i was actually reading this at a time where i felt disconnected from my family & friends because i just felt like no one understood me because of what i think is my autism and being able to read about ari's struggles that so closely resembled my own, made me feel less alone.
it's pretty obvious who the love interest is going to be when you read the synopsis, and i loved the sapphic romance we got! i did kind of get frustrated at the start of the book where ari jumped to conclusions about who spread the rumor when it was so obvious to the reader that it wasn't who she thought it was (which to be fair, only happened up till around 30% in) but i also get that it was kind of necessary for the story-line to progress like it did.
i loved everyone from the rest of the survival club as well! their friendships were so amazing as well and they had some interesting and important conversations around certain topics.
the family struggle aspect of the plot was also super important. i loved the commentary on parents who do not "believe" in therapy and just trauma dump on their kids instead. i loved ari's dad and their relationship.
this also took me such a short time to read! i'd say i'm an average reader speed-wise, but i did not even realise how fast i was reading, and the book was super engaging throughout.
this story is so important and powerful, and i'm truly glad that i got to read it.

thank you to the publisher balzer + bray and netgalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
this e-arc's review on my blog, first page / late spring, will be in an "august 2023 wrap-up" post going up at the end of the month.

Sonora Reyes is a force in YA.

This book, like her first, are exactly what you want a YA novel to be. The characters are well developed, we see them grow, we feel what they feel and we are rooting for them, and all the people in our lives that they remind us of. While the plot is a heavy topic, Reyes writes it with care and honesty. It is both a necessary and good read.

After a traumatic and confusing first sexual experience, Ariana struggles with the aftermath: she’s labeled as a slut as rumors circulate, and she finds herself conflicted as she tries to sort through her feelings about what happened with cool boy Luis Ortega. As she grapples with the truth about that night, she finds community with several classmates; they come from different backgrounds but all have one common goal: take Luis Ortega down.

Can I even express how incredible this book is? I loved Sonora’s debut, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, but I think I loved this one even more! This compelling YA contemporary balances heavy themes like misogyny & rape culture with a thoughtful exploration of family and friendship, with a sweet queer romance woven in. This novel is about reclaiming your story and fighting for justice, but it also recognizes how finding joy, happiness, and your chosen people can be a form of resistance.

Ariana is a queer neurodivergent Latina girl, and there are numerous other queer & BIPOC characters in the supporting cast. This novel truly highlights the value of community as Ariana finds solidarity among classmates with shared experiences. I really appreciate that Reyes centers voices that are often left out of conversations around sexual violence. Reyes also portrays a complex mother-daughter relationship that will resonate with many readers. I also love that we get to see positive examples of boys/men who act as allies.

Ultimately, The Luis Ortega Survival Club is a powerful book about rape culture & justice, but it’s also a beautiful story of friendship and first love. Reyes brings new perspective and nuance to these topics, and I know that I’ll be recommending this one a lot at my library.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This book was powerful, raw, and so important.
Main character Ariana has autism who is fairly ignored by her peers regardless to the effort she makes to not be. So when popular Luis starts paying her attention, she's surprised and happy.
But that attention turns into something she didn't exactly want. While at a party, they have sex. The thing is - Ariana didn't want to. She did not say yes.... But before she can even think about what'ss happened, the rumors at school start getting spread about her. pouring salt into her wounds....
Not everyone believe the rumors thankfully, as evidenced by a note left in her locker from other victims of Luis. Victims all determined to expose Luis for the predator he really is.

The writing style was brilliant, and once I started reading, I could NOT stop. Such a great read.

This is one of those books that can be difficult to read but is also so important. I would definitely read the author’s warnings in the beginning of this book before starting this. This book is heavy and isn’t easy to read. It deals with a lot, there are some lighter moments but the majority of the time it’s difficult.

I’m not 100% sure I’m qualified to write a review for this. I’m not autistic and to my knowledge, don’t have a lot of in-person experience with anyone that is. The neurodivergent rep seemed good to me but someone who is on the spectrum might have other things to say.

Ariana (Ari) is self-diagnosed autistic (her parents don’t believe in therapy) and is also selectively mute. Because she doesn’t speak, she’s been mostly ignored by the other students at her school. She’s desperate for attention when Luis starts noticing her. Luis eventually date rapes Ari (it is not on page) and she’s later confused about how she’s supposed to feel about it and him.

She receives an anonymous letter saying there are others that want to get back at Louis for the wrong he’s done to them as well. This group and their relationships with Ari and each other was my favorite part of this book. The group is diverse and Luis doesn’t do the same thing to do all of them. It was interesting what they had in common and how he used it against them when he did do whatever it is he does to them. But each of them respected Ari and her boundaries. Some had different boundaries of their own and I thought it was cool how they learned to mesh with each other.

The romance was something else that I liked. It’s not at the forefront but it is sweet and important for Ari. This is Ari’s coming of age story and I liked how she accepted her feelings and how to deal with them given she’s not had much, if any, prior experience. I also liked how the other person found different ways to communicate with Ari since she doesn’t speak much.

My only complaint is Luis and how much time/space he took up. He’s lurking on every page it felt like and I wanted to be done with him. Whether it was the group talking about him, Ari thinking about him or him actually being present, I just felt his presence far too much. Which is silly seeing how his name is literally in the title, I know, be here we are.

This book blew me away and I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC from Harper Collins Children’s Books / Balzer+Bray via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.