Reviews

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

cooper_michael's review against another edition

3.0

I have heard so many rave reviews about this book, so I had anticipated it very much. I was super excited to read it, but as I started to read it, I was getting ready for it to be done. I absolutely loved the writing, but the story itself seemed long. I loved the idea, I just felt like it could have been deeper. I felt like I didn't know the characters as well as other stories. And then there is the ending. I honestly enjoyed the ending. It was a great to end the book. It left opportunities open for another book, but left it to imagination. I know so many people were angry about it, but I think it was fine. The only thing I long to know is what is on the outside of the island? I've heard that the author might release a prequel, and I think that I would like that more than a sequel. It would explain so much!

Anyways, this book was good. I enjoyed it, it just wasn't my favorite book. I think I have read to many books this year that were amazing.

fernthepanda's review against another edition

2.0

Ok. I adore much of this book. But when it starts it just feels eerily similar to Maze Runner in design and the ending....ugh....

jenni_elyse's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the LOST-esque feel of the book (e.g. more questions than answers, supernatural elements, mysterious island), but I didn't like the characters as much as I liked the LOST characters so I couldn't get fully onboard with the story.

bigkidbookworm's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

😭😭😭 what a tribute to the freedom of childhood and the fear that comes with leaving it behind. Perfect for any kid (or adult) who is scared of what comes next. 

books_inthewild's review against another edition

2.0

Sigh. Okay, I loved reading it... but I really struggled with all the unknowns and “lack of” ending. I appreciate the authors explanation in the “authors note” at the end of my edition- and it does help me to understand why she didn’t include a prologue to explain why the orphans are on the island... but... I wanted it! So... 3 stars because I was left with too many questions... but I did enjoy it, and would recommend it to my 10-12 year old students (and hope to discuss with them!)

s0phi3k3rr's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

kerameia's review against another edition

5.0

This book is beautiful, in its simple yet evocative story, its rich description and array of characters, its coming-of-age theme made accessible to middle grade + students. I think it has the gentle and descriptive tone similar to Life of Pi, with an ambiguous and thought-provoking ending. What is real? What is metaphorical? Will there be a sequel, with answers to my questions?? Does it need a sequel?

Can't say more, as I'm still absorbing the feelings and pleasant confusion having literally just finished the book...but I recommend, recommend, recommend one reads this!

jenmangler's review against another edition

3.0

I really question how much younger readers would like this book. This seems like one of those middle grades books that adults rave about but that most young readers don't find appealing enough to pick up. The mysteries of the island would intrigue, but the fact that those mysteries are barely introduced and not answered would end up being more frustrating that anything else.

I didn't fall in love with this book the way so many others did. I never really felt like I got to know all the kids well enough, and I couldn't leave the "why is this happening?" question aside to focus on the book's purpose of examining the difficulty of growing up and letting go.

dayamarie's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed the description of life on the island and the island itself. I wasn't a big fan of the main character at first but started to like her more as the book ended. I was disappointed in the story itself. I wanted to know more about where the kids came from and where they went when they left. I get that it was supposed to be thought provoking but I still felt the story was lacking.

sumayyaha's review against another edition

2.0

So there will be spoilers but I'll tag it.

At first, this book was OK and I was liking where it was going. But then the main character, Jinny, was being a very annoying person. And then the only thing I liked about this book was the other characters and the writing style.

Spoiler

Jinny, when she didn't leave...
UGH! Why is she risking everybody's lives because she didn't wanna go? THEN WHAT? She says she didn't leave because of Ess. NO. NO. NO.
She just wants to feel comfortable. And, when she took Loo, Ben's care, I wanted to slap her. Also when Ben was preaching to her I was like 'Finally! someone needs to teach this girl a lesson.'
AND she literally argues with everyone, even when they try to help her!
One more thing, I'm glad she left the island but what happens? I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO KNOWING WHY THE KIDS COME AND GO!
And when Jinny got her period I was dying laughing because she thought she was broken, (that was probably not meant to be funny...).

Couldn't stand the main character.
Didn't get to see why the kids came and went.
The book was mostly about the daily life of taking care of a Care.