Newly Hatched Review | The Inexplicable Logic of my Life

By Birdie

the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-lifeThe Inexplicable Logic of My Life
Standalone
YA Contemporary
Clarion Books | March 7, 2017

About the Book: Everything is about to change. Until this moment, Sal has always been certain of his place with his adoptive gay father and their loving Mexican-American family. But now his own history unexpectedly haunts him, and life-altering events force him and his best friend, Samantha, to confront issues of faith, loss, and grief.

Suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and discovering that he no longer knows who he really is—but if Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?

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I really hate the title of this book.  Trying to remember it is killer, I don’t know why.  It doesn’t really roll off the tongue with ease, which means I always have to look at the physical book to remind myself.

Anyway, The Inexplicable Logic of my Life was an interesting read.  There wasn’t a heavy plot, just a family of teenagers trying to figure out where their lives were going.  The story had a philosophical tone to it I think may have rubbed some readers the wrong way, but this reader loved it.  I love reading about characters  who are introspective, I love plots that are thought provoking.  The Inexplicable Logic of my Life was definitely both.

Sal, Sam, and Fido were an interesting group to follow.  They had a really easy banter that made me chuckle, and it helped the story flow pretty quickly.  Supposedly the book is over 450 pages, yet I feel like I blew through it.  I didn’t even have a favorite between them.  Each of them was an individual, yet somehow together they were like one.  I should also mention there wasn’t really a romance in the story at all.  Normally I like a romance that’s appropriate to the plot, but in this case it was perfect without a love story at all.  This story was about friendship and family, a romance would have overshadowed everything.  It would have detracted from the story.

What I loved more than the kids was Sal’s family.  The entire family was incredible, but Uncle Mickey, Mima, and Sal’s dad Vicente were outstanding.  Of course, since I’m a sucker for parental roles in books, Sal and his dad’s relationship was my favorite part of the story.  I loved how they were as much of a focus as the friendship was.  I’m drawn to healthy parent child relationships, and Vicente and Sal’s was remarkable.  I loved Vicente.

Despite all that love, the book wasn’t without flaws.  My rating fluctuates between 3.5 and 4 stars, which I rounded up for my review.  My biggest issue was too much happened to the kids, and it made the plot feel unrealistic.  For those of you who’ve read it, I’m talking about Mima, Sam’s mom, and Fido’s mom all dying in the same 6 months. (Highlight the above if you want the spoiler.)  In my head a plot needs balance.  It can’t tip too far into the heavy before I start to doubt what I’m reading.  The Inexplicable Logic of my Life definitely tipped the scale too far for me.

Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, I only have one gripe.  While it is a rather large one, it makes me feel more secure in my 4 star rating.  My final thoughts: I liked this one more than Aristotle & Dante, but I’m not 100% sold on either of them.  Maybe I’ll be blown away whatever he writes next.  I have a feeling I’ll be reading that one too.

4-feathers

 

About Birdie

Don’t look for her in any bar, club, crazy raging party, or anywhere there may be a large gathering of strangers. She’s more likely to be found tucked into the corner of the couch watching one of her favorite shows, or preferably under a comforter with her current novel.

16 Responses

  1. Lost Purple Quill

    I’ve been looking forward to this book, but I feel like I need to be emotionally prepared before I start it, lol.I love Benjamin Alire Saenz’s books, but I do think he can be very heavy on the introspection sometimes. Great review!

    Like

  3. RedHeadedBookLover

    Hi there! I just came across this post of yours and your blog in general and I couldn’t help but comment and tell you how much I love this! Keep up the great work, I am going to follow you so I can keep up with all your new posts!

    Like

      1. RedheadedBooklover

        You are so welcome! You have a great blog and no problem at all! That happens to me too and it is so frustrating! I am just glad you have received it now. Thank you for following me also that is so kind! Do you have Twitter or Instagram? I just made accounts and would love to follow you!

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  4. Katiria Rodriguez

    Great review I absolutely love Benjamin Alire Saenz writing style so I have a great feeling that I will really love and enjoy this one as well. I totally loved Aristotle & Dante! Thank you so much for your awesome post.

    Like

  5. thebookishlibra

    Excellent review. This is a book I’m quite interested in reading but am curious to see if the same thing that bothered you bothers me. (Didn’t read the spoiler so I’ll have to come back and read it once I finish to see how we compare, lol.)

    Like

  6. Jasmine

    That’s good that you like this book more than Ari & Dante. It needs your support haha because I like Ari & Dante more. Were you able to predict what happened to Fito’s mom after what happened with Sam’s mom? I thought it was a bit predictable.. and yes, Sal’s dad is awesome!

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    1. Birdie

      I thought it was predictable too, and kind of overdone. I think the book would have been better if they hadn’t had it happen to Fito’s mom, myself. Most people like Ari & Dante more, so you’re right. I’m supporting the underdog!.

      Liked by 1 person

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