I loved Canto Contigo. This is a story about loss, legacy, and choices. We can become to immersed in what we think we need to do, who we think we need to be, that wouldn’t it be freeing to be someone else? To not have those weights on our shoulders? Keep reading this book review of Canto Contigo for my full thoughts.
Summary
In a twenty-four-hour span, Rafael Alvarez led North Amistad High School’s Mariachi Alma de la Frontera to their eleventh consecutive first-place win in the Mariachi Extravaganza de Nacional; and met, made out with, and almost hooked up with one of the cutest guys he’s ever met.
Now eight months later, Rafie’s ready for one final win. What he didn’t plan for is his family moving to San Antonio before his senior year, forcing him to leave behind his group while dealing with the loss of the most important person in his life—his beloved abuelo. Another hitch in his plan: The Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy’s Mariachi Todos Colores already has a lead vocalist, Rey Chavez—the boy Rafie made out with—who now stands between him winning and being the great Mariachi Rafie’s abuelo always believed him to be. Despite their newfound rivalry for center stage, Rafie can’t squash his feelings for Rey. Now he must decide between the people he’s known his entire life or the one just starting to get to know the real him.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Canto Contigo is a multi-faceted colorful story about family, friendship, and the possibility to be someone new. We can become stuck in this version of ourselves. In the things people tell us we are good at, in the shininess of trophies and awards, and forget the thrill and the hum. It explores the heart of art and music. About realizing the power of being seen and feeling the love and passion of music course through us. It’s a hard journey to figure out that just because it’s been one way doesn’t mean it has to be. That we could face our fears of what a different future, a different choice, could be.
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I went on a roller coaster of emotions in Canto Contigo. There was grief, love, heartbreak, and triumph all in one. What if what we thought we wanted isn’t what we wanted anymore? Just like Ander and Santi, I adored Canto Contigo so much! Find Canto Contigo on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.