Sal and Gabi Break the Universe
Recommended Ages: 8-12
Cautionary Material: Sexual content mentioned. I would personally stay away from this book. Not worth the read.
Sometimes a “Rick Riordan Presents” title gets a little more daylight and reception than it probably should. Of the many strange books I have read, this one is a standout. I don’t mind a unique story that stretches the mind and imagination, especially if it is well-written, but this story falls short of those standards. There is so much introduced that is clearly meant to cater to mainstream ideology and other elements that are just not cohesive. If you have an astute reader, I guarantee there will be many questions swimming in their brains after reading this novel.
As you can guess from the title, the story centers around two characters, Sal and Gabi. Sal is actually the narrator of the story, lives with his father and step-mother, and attends an alternative artsy school. Sal has the ability to do magic tricks, but there are elements of his magic where he reaches into the universe. In order for Sal to rip holes in the universe and to reach other multiverses, he must meditate and relax; a technique he is taught by his psychologist after his mother died.
The story line deals a lot with death. Sal often causes his dead mother to return through the holes he rips in the universe, Gabi’s one month old brother is dying, and the characters create a play about death with the message to focus not on living in fear of death. The death of Sal’s mother occurs gradually after a car accident triggers an illness that takes her life a year later. Later in the story, Sal, with the help of Gabi, heals her dying brother with the help of another version of him in a multiverse. No explanation is ever given as to how this supposedly works in the story. While death becomes a thematic element of the story, it is done in a way that seems thrown together and not methodically planned in the storyline.
Aside from the magic and tears in the universe, the science fiction elements incorporate the occult as well. Particularly evil eye jewelry to protect themselves. One of the minor characters believes Sal practices dark magic and uses the jewelry to protect herself against him. In contrast, Gabi's mother is religious and relies on prayer to help her with her sick baby in the NICU - "That may not be Iggy's path. If it isn't, we're here to ease his passing, and to love him." (325). Gabi looked at the ceiling. "But you've been praying. You pray all the time. Isn't this what prayer is for?" Ms. Real kissed her daughter's arm. "God isn't a genie, mija. He doesn't grant wishes. I pray to know Him better. To partake of divinity." (326) This scene offers some positive points for discussion with readers, but I’m sure it would be lost in the chaos of everything else weaved into the storyline.
Sal and Gabi are likeable characters and their motivations to protect and help one other is a great example of friendship. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop at a simple friendship. For instance, the main character Gabi has several "dads” in the story. This may need explaining to readers. The "lightening dad" is most likely Gabi's actual father, but it is not explicitly stated. The "dads"are people in Gabi's life who care for her and help her mother with everything going on. They all have different code names. One of the dads is actually a robot and one is a woman who was previously married to one of the other dads who is a man. It is just an awkward aspect that can be confusing for readers. Truth be told, I was confused myself. Additionally, adolescent love is brought into the story as Gabi and Sal are teased about liking one another. "I'm not implying anything," she [Sal’s step-mom] said, scrambling. "You don't want romance, you don't have to have romance. You get to be whatever gender you want and love whoever you want. Or just have lots of friends - whatever! It's up to you. You can always adopt to give me the grandkids I require" (231). On page 296 - Gabi's mom makes a comment about how she fantasized about dating everybody when she was young. Meanwhile, the relationship questions between Sal and Gabi continue on page 335 when the possibility of being girlfriend/boyfriend is brought up. However, it goes into talk about being "sexual beings". "Sal, you don't have to be a sexual being until you're ready, don't feel rushed just because some of your peers seem interested in the opposite sex or the same sex or sex in general, you do you son, on your own schedule.” These conversations do not add to the actual plot or character development. It is truly random in the midst of the story line and could easily have been left out. Despite the relationship advice offered by the step-mom, the novel does portray a strong family unit for Sal. His parents are clearly in a loving and committed relationship.
Other mentionable items for families:
On page 45 the character wants to do a "magic trick" to make a bird appear - the bird that appears is the main character giving the middle finger to another student.
On page 76 the character describes not flinching because he was a "badass", but because he was paralyzed.
On page 159 a character is taught the phrase feero zucks and Sal mentions how he wants to remember that for later.
On page 163 a joke is made about friends with benefits.
On pg 278 the teacher talks about putting masks on - she said "The first thing you do when you put on a mask is get rid of your boring little soul and become a sky god, and look down on all of Creation, and only, like, kind of care about it."
One of the key characters is also dealing with an abusive home life, but not much is described. He ends up being moved to his aunt's home via foster care.
If it seemed like this novel had a lot going on, you would be right. All of these different elements add up to a mess of a storyline that never pulled it all together. There is a sequel to this novel, but I can assure you that I have no additional interest in this trip.
