Scan barcode
gmrickel's review
3.0
Review notes from PerpetualPages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPNePiy06k
- "Queer, paranormal, coming-of-age story described as magical realism meets Southern Gothic."
- "CW for explorations of child abandonment; explorations of death and grief, especially in relation to cancer; allusions to past child abuse and an alcoholic parent; some experiences of bullying and homophobia; some underage drinking; instances of infidelity; and some panic attacks."
- "I appreciate how the story pairs paranormal elements and eeriness with complex family drama. The same way Jericka fears the spirits haunting the town because she doesn't understand them, she also fears the truths her family has yet to face because those also can't be seen unless hit by a certain slant of light."
- "Through both the paranormal and familial elements, the story really explores the difference between merely recognizing that trauma has occurred versus actively contenting with that trauma and struggling to try and heal those wounds."
- Healing is active. Paranormal side of the story gets at the healing.
- Family dynamics are more prominent than paranormal elements.
Comps: We Deserve Monuments (for the premise, themes)
I was really excited to read a book comp'd to <i>We Deserve Monuments</i>. I didn't love this one nearly as much as I did that one, but I was still moved by several passages. I liked how the interactions with ghosts were used to bring trauma and emotions to light so that people could face their feelings (and either choose to address them or not). I shared a deep understanding with the protagonist in her desire for stability of place when it comes to home. More to come!
- "Queer, paranormal, coming-of-age story described as magical realism meets Southern Gothic."
- "CW for explorations of child abandonment; explorations of death and grief, especially in relation to cancer; allusions to past child abuse and an alcoholic parent; some experiences of bullying and homophobia; some underage drinking; instances of infidelity; and some panic attacks."
- "I appreciate how the story pairs paranormal elements and eeriness with complex family drama. The same way Jericka fears the spirits haunting the town because she doesn't understand them, she also fears the truths her family has yet to face because those also can't be seen unless hit by a certain slant of light."
- "Through both the paranormal and familial elements, the story really explores the difference between merely recognizing that trauma has occurred versus actively contenting with that trauma and struggling to try and heal those wounds."
- Healing is active. Paranormal side of the story gets at the healing.
- Family dynamics are more prominent than paranormal elements.
Comps: We Deserve Monuments (for the premise, themes)
I was really excited to read a book comp'd to <i>We Deserve Monuments</i>. I didn't love this one nearly as much as I did that one, but I was still moved by several passages. I liked how the interactions with ghosts were used to bring trauma and emotions to light so that people could face their feelings (and either choose to address them or not). I shared a deep understanding with the protagonist in her desire for stability of place when it comes to home. More to come!
katiemack's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another case of mismarketing here--this is less ghost story than a coming-of-age novel/family drama with elements of magical realism--but it sets up Jericka to go on an introspective journey to figure out what love and acceptance means to her. I wish it were spookier and that Ciera Burch had gone into the history of the town even more, but, again, mismarketing.
Another case of mismarketing here--this is less ghost story than a coming-of-age novel/family drama with elements of magical realism--but it sets up Jericka to go on an introspective journey to figure out what love and acceptance means to her. I wish it were spookier and that Ciera Burch had gone into the history of the town even more, but, again, mismarketing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
blonohorror's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this wasn't bad per se but it felt slightly lacking (i would've liked more history of the town myself) and was for sure marketed as something it isn't...even so, going to keep my eye on this author for sure
lourdeslo's review
3.0
This book was not what I was expecting and unfortunately not in a good way. I thought this story may be a haunted town with dark secrets pertaining to the main characters family but that wasn’t the case at all. The book really seemed to center around abandonment and grief with a little ghost(spirit) storyline. Though I found the writing to be very good and easy to follow along with, this book fell flat for me,
awildgingersaur's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sabs_16's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
chainingbooks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3.5
madzsmiled's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ciera Burch delivered a poignant but beautiful story of loss and finding home, even if just for a little while. Spanning from stranger to beloved, Jericka and her Gram's chemistry strengthened with every turn of the page. Jericka's exploration of relationships were complicated, but well written. However, I do wish that the ghosts were better integrated into the story. While they very much existed in the world, the echoes felt more like a set piece than characters or plot devices. The stakes were built around Jericka's relationships, not the haunted town. While I wouldn't consider this horror, Burch did craft an incredible story about grief and capturing the past.
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Something Kindred is a summer derailed. It exists in the liminal space of living and dead, of uncovering secrets and ghosts. Family that hurt us, that we are angry at, but we still love and care about. People who test the boundaries of our love, our forgiveness, and our anger. Something Kindred explores cyclical mistakes and the ways consequences ripple down. It's perfect for fans of small towns, rules and social niceties, the people who never leave.
Something Kindred is a summer derailed. It exists in the liminal space of living and dead, of uncovering secrets and ghosts. Family that hurt us, that we are angry at, but we still love and care about. People who test the boundaries of our love, our forgiveness, and our anger. Something Kindred explores cyclical mistakes and the ways consequences ripple down. It's perfect for fans of small towns, rules and social niceties, the people who never leave.