Signal to Noise is a dual time period book set in 1988 and 2009 Mexico City when the main character, Meche, returns after the death of her father. While visiting, she reviews her past and reconnects with some of her old friends that she used to cast magic spells with using records. Yes, you read that right! I love books with magical elements and have enjoyed Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books in the past and so was excited to give this one a try. It did not disappoint!

I was hooked by the first couple of chapters and kept wanting to ignore my other responsibilities to keep reading. I was interested by both time periods, which is impressive because I feel like I usually prefer one or the other. I thought the characters were great and liked reading their perspectives as well. I thought the magic system was super unique and interesting. For those of you who love a morally gray/unlikable main character, Meche is for you! Those usually aren't my cups of tea, but I thought they worked really well in this story.

Overall, I really liked this book and definitely recommend it! 4.35 stars rounded down to 4 from me. Thank you to Rebellion and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2022/12/08/signal-to-noise-by-silvia-moreno-garcia/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Coming of Age, Magical Realism

Silvia Moreno Garcia is an author that I very much enjoy reading and so I couldn’t wait to pick this one up. As it happens I did take a little while to get into this but after that initial blip I found myself really liking it. A coming of age tale, three friends unhappy at home and misfits at school, come together and find magic that they hope will change their lives.

This is a story of three teenagers, they may not fit in at school, their home lives are not perfect, but they have their friendship and once they discover the way to create magic through the use of music they believe their troubles will be a thing of the past. Of course, what do they really desire? To fit in, to catch the attention of their respective crushes, never of course realising that their tinkering will upset their own fine balance.

Signal to Noise is told in two alternating timelines. Both take place in Mexico City. In 1988 we have a teenage girl called Meche (Mercedes) who loves playing vinyl and making mixed tapes. Her love of music is something she shares with her dad. Unfortunately her parents are on rocky ground and her father is absent much of the time – only really returning because of his love for his daughter. Meche also likes to sit and listen to her gran’s tales – are they tall tales or could she really perform magic? Sebastian and Daniela are her almost constant companions, the three are definitely not the cool kids at school and of course they long to fit in. Sebastian seems to have developed a crush on the hottest girl in the year and strangely enough Meche seems to have likewise formed similar feelings for her boyfriend – the hottest guy. Strangely enough it’s immediately apparent that Meche and Sebastian are the sort of grumpy disillusioned teenagers who simply can’t see the wood for the trees. Reading the two together their easy companionship immediately seemed to indicate something more was on the cards but they were both pushing in different directions, even whilst experiencing frustration and jealousy of each other.

Anyway, this is where the second timeline makes things more interesting. We shoot forward to 2009. Meche left two decades ago but now returns for her estranged father’s funeral. It now becomes obvious that things went horribly wrong somewhere along the line and the friends parted ways. Meche hasn’t seen either of her friends during that period and isn’t keen to bump into them at this point so what exactly happened to split the friendship up – and why had Meche fallen out with her father?

Flipping back and forth between the two timelines we eventually uncover the picture of what drove everyone apart.

Initial thoughts. This is very light on the fantasy aspects. The trio of friends (through Meche) discover a way to create magic through the use of music. This is very lightly touched upon and relies heavily on both the teenagers and the reader simply believing that magic is possible. It’s magical realism at its most subtle really because much of what takes place could eventually be put down to happenchance or coincidence.

In terms of the characters. Well, there’s a good dollop of teenage hormones and angst running through the story quite often making the characters behave in a way that makes you want to shake them. Meche can be something of a super bossy boots not to mention vindictive and vengeful – but a lot of this is down to her age, the situations she is herself going through and her lack of understanding for the ramifications and consequences of her actions. So, for me, even though she could be infuriating her character was also believable and this made it much easier to read. Then of course we jump to the adult version of Meche and her friends – now, I’d like to say that they’ve become very sensible well measured people, and I think maybe Sebastian and Daniela have grown up a little, Meche however is still super touchy, stubborn, prickly and unapproachable. Basically, she carries around a lot of anger and it’s nice to see some of that eventually peeling away.

Mexico is the setting for both storylines and, again, I would say that the author subtly weaves in details of the place to provide a flavour. She doesn’t bash you over the head with all sorts of well known place names, etc, instead providing details primarily around food and customs, particularly in relation to the family mourning and arranging a funeral.

The writing is good, although I did struggle at the start of the story to really get on board and I think that has something to do with the pacing. It wasn’t enough for me to stop reading (clearly) but it did slow me down a little so I would say be patient with the first 30%.

In terms of criticisms. Well, I’ve already mentioned a slight issue with pacing. Likewise the fantasy elements are very light and the characters can be a little frustrating. I also wouldn’t say that this is my favourite book by this author, it feels a little less polished than some of her later books. But, in spite of all that, I ended up engaging with the characters and enjoying the story much more than I first anticipated.

Overall, for me this had a sense of nostalgia. It reminded me of a whole host of John Hughes films such as Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful and Weird Science where mixed up teenagers more often than not can’t see the wood for the trees and flounce around making everything into a ‘big’ thing. There is a lot of mention of music from the 80s which I enjoyed although I wasn’t familiar with probably half the titles mentioned. More than all that it ultimately has that ‘feel good’ factor.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

“Signal to Noise” follows a group of three friends in Mexico City when they discover they can cast spells through music in 1988. The book goes between then and 2009 when Meche returns home after the death of her father.

The story was addicting and I loved to see Meche process her past when she comes home. I loved to see the drama-filled reconnection with her former friends, and that was the thing that kept me reading at such a quick pace. I wanted to see how it ended!

In the flashbacks, Meche becomes more unlikable towards the second half of the book, but I always found her character to be interesting even if I didn’t like her. That being said, because she was so horrible in the past, and in the present seemed to blame her friends for what happened rather than take any responsibility, the ending really was not enough. Meche needed more of an emotional arc than she had. Because the emotional arc wasn’t there it was hard to believe that the ending of the story. Which is disappointing because the rest of the book was really good! All that being said, this was another interesting and addicting read by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Rebellion, Solaris to give me this book, here my honest review!

I'm so sad give this rating to this Silvia Moreno-Garcia's book, because I love the other book. But, this book didn't give me a good time while read it. I was bored while reading this. I need almost 3 month to just finish the book.

Actually the concept is good, about friendship, magic, music, and growing up. But I feel like I just read a bunch of weird ideas from these 3 best friend. Feel like they just want to rebel, want to be seen but I didn't really feel the effect of their magic, yeah there is magic but just like that. I didn't feel anything good and just wish to see the real conflict. And yeah the conflict show at 88%? and it was for this friendship between the three. Explain why the plot back and forth between 1989 and 2009.

Well, I love the friendship. It's not perfect but I like how the three of them become the other strength. But for the character I can't love them. Maybe Daniela, the most reasonable if I could say but yeah nothing really special.

I felt a little luke-warm on this one, and that disappointed me as I am a huge "witchy" reader. Perhaps it was the translation, but it just fell flat.

4.5 stars. This isn't my favorite book by SMG - you can tell how her writing has evolved and improved with her future books - but for a debut, it's got a lot of awesome stuff going on. I appreciated how she really worked in music to this idea of magical power - you need the right song to perform a certain spell; only some records worked, likely based on who had owned them previously. And what a lovely mixing of all these different genres and songs with a coming-of-age tale. Part of me wished that more time had been spent on the magic. A lot of it happens off scene, and so the kids go from not really knowing what they're doing to suddenly able to throw books with telekinesis, which was a little jarring. But I also respect this isn't a book focused on explaining the how of the magic but more exploring what might happen to a trio of 15-year-olds undergoing the usual pain of the teenage years along with more personal pains if they got their hands on something powerful.

I will say, the main character Meche, is hard to like. SMG does a good job of creating her as a complex character, but then she keeps just getting meaner and meaner to those she loves. Honestly, toward the end I was a little horrified that she still held a grudge against her school friends as an adult after learning what she had done to them, but then we finally see her with some hard won maturity, which helped a lot.

a heartfelt, nostalgic look at music, love, family, a little magic, and the friendships of our youth which never quite leave us.
Being a huge music fanatic for most of my life, I easily identified with how music shaped Meche's life. And I remember the intensity of the friendships of my
teenage years, and how utterly awful betrayal -real or imagined -felt. Moreno-Garcia has captured this time in life, these emotions, these passions so vividly, and
while the thread of magic in the plot is fantastic, it doesn't detract from the story. So much in our life can hinge on the things that are and aren't said, and this
book mines that vein very effectively.

given that it’s a rerelease of silvia moreno-garcia’s debut novel, i expected some differences and improvements. it’s still a nice book, though.

I have to admit it. This book was a tough one to read. Not because it wasn't good. The concept was creative and the writing was fantastic (It's Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Her books are great as a general rule) No, the difficulty lay in how it painfully real it was. The characters weren't always likeable, but they were always realistic. It hit so hard that I had to read in small doses.

Meche was particularly compelling because I could relate to both her adult and teenage selves. In the 80s, she was a kid going through a tough time, a perfect example of the mix emotions that I many a misfit can relate to. She wants to get out of her hometown and be unique while also wanting to fit in (even if she'd never admit it) Top this with a fear of being vulnerable that manifests in a sharp tongue, and you have a girl who you can't decide whether to hug or smack upside the head. You understand why she lashes out, but can't help wanting to jump between the pages to talk some sense into her ( not that she'd listen).

2000's Meche was no less relatable. She can't let go of her hurt and can't bring herself to admit the ways she was in the wrong. Reading about her coming to terms and admitting the truth to herself was a particularly painful experience. It's not easy to forgive people who've hurt you. It's just as difficult to admit you've hurt them just as much.

When she does come around though, I like that it's not automatic. Especially when it comes to Sebastián, there's a bit of a false start. And in all likelihood, they'll continue to butt heads after the story ends. It wasn't a fairytale ending, but it was hopeful and certainly a real one.

Overall I have to give Signal to Noise a 4.5/5. It wasn't an easy read, but it was well worth the stress it caused me.

My thanks to Goodreads for my copy.

SIGNAL TO NOISE by Silvia Moreno Garcia
Publication Date: September 13, 2022 by Rebellion Solaris Books


A new edition of Silvia’a Debut Novel …. Hopefully reaching new readers and introducing them to the wonders of her creative mind and the beauty of her prose. This Debut was met with numerous nominations for awards, that presciently acknowledged the emergence of a great writer. I personally have read and reviewed for Mystery and Suspense Magazine her last four books …. and figured it was time I discovered the origin of this genius.
Although billed as a young adult novel , it can certainly by enjoyed and devoured by all. …. especially the coming-of-age aspect utilizing teen age protagonists. It will remind all of of are own high school angst and difficulties in friendships and early love, and how we connect past happenings in our life with music and even certain songs.
Our story is framed by Mercedes (“Meche”) growing up in Mexico City with her best friends, Sebastian and Daniela…. all outcasts. They have each others back, in spite of all the surrounding turmoil.
They discover their ability to conjure magical spells, simply through playing a record. Their powers are amplified when they are all together. Will the magic be enough to fix a broken life, a broken family, or a broken heart? Unfortunately Meche decides to use her found powers for revenge against those who have bullied. A reminder to all that power can corrupt. The reader is made to experience the emotions of anger, melancholia and love. It’s better to move on and forgive, instead of inflicting pain upon others.
Moreno’s prose is lush and evocative, and draws the reader into truly experiencing the trials and tribulations of the teenage years. The alternative POVs of Meche’s mother and father are especially relevant in proving motivation for Meche and her friends. Although different from her later books, this diamond in the rough, is a must for all who enjoy “coming-of-age” tales with a dash of romance. Thanks to Rebellion, Solaris Books and NetGalley for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

5/5
A poignant coming-of-age story about three teens growing up in Mexico City whilst navigating life and love -with an added dash of magic spun from the records they listen to. Set against the past and present, Moreno-Garcia examines the fragility of youth and the strength of our relationships against time. The romance subplot was superb as was quite literally everything about this. Silvia Moreno-Garcia can't write a bad book and I'll be reading everything and anything she writes next.

I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This is a rerelease of the authors debut and compared to the other works Ive read by the author you can tell.

It is enjoyable but I would recommend other books by this author first.

Unfortunately, the license has expired for this book. Request if it can be renewed so that I can read it and provide genuine feedback.
I will rate it at 4 stars currently based on the 20% I had read.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I've heard of just how popular she is and was interested to read her very first book.

It was one of the best books with teenage characters I have ever read. It took me back to what it was like being in high school, finding friendships with the other misfits (who happen to also be the best people in the bunch) and just experiencing the hell that is the growing pains of that age. These young people are smart, observant and so utterly themselves. I love how rich their personalities are.

Our main heroine’s internal life is fantastic. I think she’s a really important female character. The tone of her thoughts and just the way she is sets her apart and is probably why she resonated so strongly with me. Keep in mind, this book is set in Mexico City which is very far away from my Australian upbringing. But excellent writing connects you to characters who were in your shoes across the earth.

I can't say what I would have done if I had been exposed to magic. Thank goodness I had the magic of reading to keep me going. If you want to experience the magic of this beautiful story, then pick it up.

It’s one of the most beautiful romances, but keep in mind it’s a coming-of-age story in the most part so don’t expect the normal “beats”. I want you to go in primed to enjoy one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read.

I’ll leave you with these two quotes which make me super emotional because the story of these characters is just so well told:

“I don’t play vinyl because it reminds me of you.”

“I’m not sure how you remember it, but I remember that the world used to stop spinning when we were hanging out and it felt like everything was possible.”

I enjoy this author very much this is a rerelease of her debut and it feels like a first novel. Characters just aren’t fleshed out enough for me.

I enjoyed this book the characters were unique and all very different. I was eager to read it to see what had happened in the past and I enjoyed the buildup to that discovery

I will devour everything silvia moreno garcia writes, her writing is just so vivid and atmospheric. The characters felt so realistic, the setting was beautiful and I really enjoy the dual timeline. If you're a fan of moreno garcias other work I would strongly recommend this one

Silvia Moreno-Garcia can write books and they're all different, different ages and genre.
This one is another gripping and well plotted story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Signal To Noise is Silvia Moreno-Garcia's YA debut novel. In Mexico City, 1988, three teenagers, Meche, Sebastian, and Daniela, are outcasts in high school and struggle with teenagehood. Until life gives them the power they've been robbed of to do the things they want. When Meche discovers she can cast spells by finding the right vinyl to accompany them, she becomes determined to take revenge and make their bully pay back their due.
In parallel, Meche from two decades later comes back from Norway after her father suddenly passes away. She hasn't been back to Mexico City since everything happened. But what happened between the trio? What happened between Sebastian and her twenty years ago? What or who pushed Meche to leave?

Ahhhh! Again, Silvia MG served! This book made me love her writing style even more! I loved how good it made me feel, the little cocoon she creates every time. I felt completely immersed in the story and super close to Meche, Sebos and Dani, to the point that I was almost sad to let them go. They felt like friends; I could relate to them, feel them, and empathise with them. Though Meche got on my nerves more than once, she really was a good portrayal of what a teenager is nowadays. She was very authentic to herself and the people she loves.

I'm always up for witches' stories. This one was lighter than I expected, to be honest, but the concept was original and I believe Silvia developed it well, drawing the lines between where it was interesting to use power and where it wasn't. Also, this reminder of how power is dangerous can be especially relevant for today's youth; that's actually a good thing that she and her publisher decided to publish another edition of Signal To Noise.

I adored the relationship between Meche and Sebos!! I think what made me like it even more was the parallels between 1988 and 2009, the melancholia and anger both protagonists were subjected to, but also the deep and true love that remained between them. I could relate to that A LOT. Although I would argue the end was predictable and a bit cringy, I simply could not not like it. I would have been mad at Silvia if it had happened differently, even though I admit I would probably have found her some excuses and found the idea of TRUE romance in an alternative ending as well.

Last thing I haven't talked about yet: Meche's family. That's interesting in YA novels how parents and family are often dismissed, yet here Silvia put them at the centre of her story. We didn't have only povs from the three young teenagers, but also povs from Meche's mom (Natalia), dad (Vicente), and grandma. Their povs really added substance to Meche's character, since they brought explanations for why the girl was reacting as she did, how she came to have all this power and love for vinyl and music, etc.

I don't want to dive too much into details here, since I think it's best for readers to directly find everything out by themselves, but I'll only say that Signal To Noise is a very easy and fast read for young adults and teenagers. It's not particularly a difficult story, where you really have to think hard about what's happening. It's even pretty basic, but Silvia succeeded to find some originality in the common and already-used tropes of the genre. If you want to read something in which you can immerse yourself, or even find some comfort in characters your age, then this book is definitely for you!

Anyway, I would TOTALLY recommend this book to readers and friends. Thank you so so much Rebellion, Solaris, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. It's been a delight! I'll make sure to buy my copy in the following weeks!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia never misses for me and this was no exception. The misfit friend group, magic using music, urbanization, found family...all of it is beautiful. Moreno-Garcia is a master at crafting this innocent voice that changes as the individual experiences the horrors (and sometimes beauty) of the world. 5/5 shining stars.