mbmayo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Addiction, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Gaslighting
humanpersononline's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Other Birds is an enchanting novel that touches on healing through community, chosen family, and ultimately letting go of the past. While the book initially appears to focus on Zoey moving into her mother's old condo in search of some kind of connection to her, Other Birds weaves you through the fabric of the other residents in the complex - their families, their history, and how their connection with one another ultimately bonds them together to create a new kind of family that values each of them because of — rather than in spite of — their struggles.
The book was written so delicately and with such care that by the end of the novel, I felt truly connected to each and every one of the characters and felt deeply for each of them. There were clearly points being made about loss, letting go, and family — but it all washed over me gently, letting me as the reader experience the feelings of the characters without being taken out of the story.
This was a beautiful book, and probably my favorite read of the year so far. Now I'm searching through Allen's books to add them to my list.
5/5 stars.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book was written so delicately and with such care that by the end of the novel, I felt truly connected to each and every one of the characters and felt deeply for each of them. There were clearly points being made about loss, letting go, and family — but it all washed over me gently, letting me as the reader experience the feelings of the characters without being taken out of the story.
This was a beautiful book, and probably my favorite read of the year so far. Now I'm searching through Allen's books to add them to my list.
5/5 stars.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Addiction, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Incest, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
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