Cemetery Boys

I wasn't sure at first if I was going to give this book 3 stars or 4, but then I noticed that I was giving my husband side-eye every time he interrupted me during the last 25% of the story, and I realized I was so engaged that it deserved 4 stars. It's not a perfect book by any means; the plot has some inconsistencies, and there are too many repetitive scenes of Yadriel and Julian hanging out in Yadriel's bedroom or at school. Plus there's a weird POV shift towards the end that totally throws the book's rhythm off. But the premise is so amazing, the culture is so rich, and the characters are so endearing, that all is forgiven.

Yadriel is a bit of a wet blanket at times, but he is loyal, brave and persistent. His BFF Maritza is completely badass, and I would love to read a book that centers around her journey. And can we take a minute to appreciate Julian? Worst ghost ever! When he enters the story, his energy and humor simply take over. He's downright irresistible, he broke my heart into a million pieces, and although I couldn't figure out how he and “Yads” could find a way to be together, I wanted it more than I wanted a pony for Christmas when I was a little girl.

This is a book should probably be read twice. I raced through it to find out how the main plot was resolved, but a second, slower reading would allow me to fully appreciate all of the cultural richness of the Latinx community and traditions, look for clues to the mystery that I missed the first time around, and just savor the wonder that is Julian. The more I think about it, the more I realize this is a gem of a book, especially for a debut. I don't know how Aiden Thomas can top this, but I can't wait to see them try.