sarasreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
charireads's review
5.0
Wow! What a powerful book. I listened to this book and the narration was fantastic. The narrator transports you into Layla's shoes and it gives you all the feels. LOVED IT!
debzemanlms's review
5.0
Wow
This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.
This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.
energyrae's review
4.0
A child and her younger brother, growing up neglected, emotionally abused, the children of a hoarder. With the house in disarray, she can't help but be in disarray herself. And yet, no one spoke up for her. Surely, the teachers saw the signs, and yet, not a word was said. It was the bully's voices that were the loudest. Sadly, Layla's story isn't uncommon. Furthermore, the way she has adapted to the situation is too highly common. It is from that adaptation that so many future issues can grow. But Layla has a future, and I sure hope it's the best.
alleewalls's review
3.0
3.5
This was a hard book to read,because of the topic. It makes you think about the lives of people, things you don’t even know are happening.
This was a hard book to read,because of the topic. It makes you think about the lives of people, things you don’t even know are happening.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
“Nobody else knows that story. What we share is terrible, but it’s ours and ours alone.”
jayinbee's review against another edition
5.0
A short read that packs a serious punch. I could hardly put it down last night and now that I've finished it this morning I am left reeling. Want to know what it's like to have problems? No, like REAL problems. Step into Layla Bailey's shoes for a short while and you will learn to stop taking things for granted rather quickly. Also, as a zoological scientist myself, I loved how nerdy she is and that she uses the Latin names for the life around her, while evaluating the world and her experiences through a critical eye. What an exceptional and resilient young lady with a horribly tragic upbringing. I daresay this is the best amazon first-reads book I have gotten thus far. 4.5 stars (due to some minor plot holes)
nuevecuervos's review against another edition
3.0
I acquired this book as a Kindle first read, and I inhaled it in one insomnia sitting, but I'm ultimately not sure why. I can only fault Elison's excellent prose, and her take on the protagonist because otherwise, I feel like it's mostly abuse porn. All that Layla goes through is heart-wrenching, awful, and all too believable. But, in the end, it's a snapshot in her life of the time when Layla finally breaks free of her broken home, and not a lot more. If you're into poverty porn, you'll enjoy this, otherwise, don't let Elison drag you in with her writing.
kindleandilluminate's review
4.0
Review to come, but short version: this is not an easy read, despite being a short one, but it’s worth it.
czarot's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Most parts effectively makes your chest tighten. I only wish it was longer. I would have followed Layla's story until her college years because of how good this is.
Most parts effectively makes your chest tighten. I only wish it was longer. I would have followed Layla's story until her college years because of how good this is.