The Luis Ortega Survival Club
When I first picked up this book, the concept immediately reminded me of the classic 2000s movie John Tucker Must Die – both stories about a group of young people who have been wronged and isolated by someone they liked and trusted, all coming together to seek revenge and make him pay for his actions. However, after reading, it’s clear that while they are similar in ways, The Luis Ortega Survival Club is certainly a darker and perhaps a sadly more realistic take on such a trope.
While hard to read at times, the story was captivating from start to end. It’s simply impossible not to root for Ariana and her new group of friends. One can’t help but wish for the downfall of Luis Ortega and any abuser (fictional or not) like him right alongside them. The relationships that Ariana develops throughout inject hope and light into a difficult situation and allows the reader to feel like part of the club. Refreshingly inclusive, it shines a light on characters that are neurodivergent, with a selectively mute main character and also depicts LGBTQ+ dynamics and familial relationships, however complicated they may be, as the heart of the story.
The book opens with a note from the author detailing the sensitive topics mentioned in the story, which any reader should be sure to take into consideration. Themes of sexual harassment and assault, rape and rape culture are very much prominent throughout, so please keep this in mind before reading.
