venusfawn's review
4.0
I loved the concept behind this book, and I loved the abundance of creative stories dealing with the meaning of home, love, and family. There were a few stories I especially loved; Strong Enough, A Kingdom Bright and Burning, Lullaby, A Lesson in Biology, Broken Stars, Moving the Body, and Peace of Paper. A few were admittedly weird, some even a tad confusing, and there were a few I didn’t care for at all (Salvation and Empty Lens). The stories were all very short, and some of them I almost wish were full blown novels because the plots were so interesting. But plenty of others I felt were just the exact right length, even only being a few pages long. Thank you to whomever had the idea to make an anthology of adoption stories. As an adopted child myself, I greatly appreciate it and I enjoyed reading this book.
cupcakegirly's review
5.0
OhMyHeart...this book should come with a pallet (not a box) of tissues.
My Top 5 (in no particular order)
The Take Back
Peace of Paper
Up By A Million
These Broken Stars
Ink Drips Black
Read it.
My Top 5 (in no particular order)
The Take Back
Peace of Paper
Up By A Million
These Broken Stars
Ink Drips Black
Read it.
illbefinealone's review
4.0
I liked the idea behind this collection more than I liked the collection. Short stories about adoption, all of them with happy endings? Yes please. But the execution let me down a little, I feel like most of the stories were rushed and ended abruptly. It was more of a glimpse into a story, then a story itself. There’s a lot of interesting glimpses into potentially beautiful stories, making me wish there was at least a little bit more.
What was absolutely enjoyable though was the abundance of different writing styles displayed. Each author brings something different to this anthology, therefore making it special.
I’m really torn between recommending this book or not, it all depends on what you enjoy in a book? If you want plot or character development, I’m sad to say that there isn’t enough material for that part to shine. If you’re a fan of writing styles, this one is the perfect book to enjoy that.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Actual rating: 3.5
What was absolutely enjoyable though was the abundance of different writing styles displayed. Each author brings something different to this anthology, therefore making it special.
I’m really torn between recommending this book or not, it all depends on what you enjoy in a book? If you want plot or character development, I’m sad to say that there isn’t enough material for that part to shine. If you’re a fan of writing styles, this one is the perfect book to enjoy that.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Actual rating: 3.5
rayraymakay's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mororke's review against another edition
4.0
When I saw this available, and read the description, I was excited to get it read. It did not disappoint me. Some of the stories are heartfelt, while others are funny, but they all give a small glimpse into the world of adoption, and being adopted.
After reading Nikki Sheehan’s Goodnight, Boy, I needed a story about adoption that would make me feel good. Some of the stories, I thoroughly enjoyed and was disappointed when they ended. While not every story was amazing, they were all really good.
I myself haven’t been affected by adoption, but I can imagine the stress, not only for the parents, but also for the adopted children. I feel that Welcome Home will have a story that will really resonate with them.
After reading Nikki Sheehan’s Goodnight, Boy, I needed a story about adoption that would make me feel good. Some of the stories, I thoroughly enjoyed and was disappointed when they ended. While not every story was amazing, they were all really good.
I myself haven’t been affected by adoption, but I can imagine the stress, not only for the parents, but also for the adopted children. I feel that Welcome Home will have a story that will really resonate with them.
leahkarge's review
3.0
With nearly thirty short stories to be found within this novel, there is an assortment of different settings and storytelling techniques for a reader to choose from and enjoy. This collection of stories is at times heartbreaking while, at others, it’s like a balm to soothe your wounded heart.
Check out the full review on my blog!
Check out the full review on my blog!
kirohm's review
4.0
I loved this anthology. As an adopted kid, I was so excited to have a chance to read an anthology like this that center around the same kinds of questions I’ve asked: where do I come from? Why’d they give me up? Do I even want to know? Am I ready to know?
I think I enjoyed the more non-human stories even more than the human ones, especially Strong Enough and Webbed.
Maybe it’s because when I don’t know where I come from, I like to imagine the impossible. Who knows.
But I loved this.
I think I enjoyed the more non-human stories even more than the human ones, especially Strong Enough and Webbed.
Maybe it’s because when I don’t know where I come from, I like to imagine the impossible. Who knows.
But I loved this.
maireadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge - Back to School.
3 stars. Overall I found most of the stories incredibly boring, but there was a couple that I loved hence the 3 stars. I would give this a miss unless you want to read about adoption and/or short stories.
They all fit into the YA age range but there is some fantasy, some magic, some historical, some futuristic and some modern day/contemporary.
3 stars. Overall I found most of the stories incredibly boring, but there was a couple that I loved hence the 3 stars. I would give this a miss unless you want to read about adoption and/or short stories.
They all fit into the YA age range but there is some fantasy, some magic, some historical, some futuristic and some modern day/contemporary.
samantha_randolph's review against another edition
4.0
WELCOME HOME is a collection of stories about adoption from a number of perspectives, from teens who are meeting their birth parents for the first time to ones choosing whether or not to have their own children up for adoption. There is a wide variety of authors from C.J. Redwine to Eric Smith (also the editor of the collection to Sangu Mandanna.
Anthologies are some of the hardest books to review, particularly in this case. The voices, genres, and perspectives range across the board, bound by the common theme of adoption. There is certainly a gap in the field from varying adoption perspectives, and WELCOME HOME provides a great opportunity for readers to find themselves represented. While I think the different genres included (contemporary, fantasy, scifi, etc.) are fascinating, sometimes the switch in genre between stories is jarring.
My favorite stories are C.J. Redwine’s, which features a mother and newly adopted daughter bonding with both awkwardness and kindness; Julie Eshbaugh’s, which brings up visible genetic attributes (webbed feet), something that can be a constant reminder of biological parents; and Eric Smith’s story of weighing risk and consequences. Caela Carter’s also features a strong voice and intriguing snapshot.
Without a doubt, those who read WELCOME HOME will find themselves eager for more from many of the writers and more stories of adoption and the many nuances within blood and chosen families.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/21755-welcome-home
Anthologies are some of the hardest books to review, particularly in this case. The voices, genres, and perspectives range across the board, bound by the common theme of adoption. There is certainly a gap in the field from varying adoption perspectives, and WELCOME HOME provides a great opportunity for readers to find themselves represented. While I think the different genres included (contemporary, fantasy, scifi, etc.) are fascinating, sometimes the switch in genre between stories is jarring.
My favorite stories are C.J. Redwine’s, which features a mother and newly adopted daughter bonding with both awkwardness and kindness; Julie Eshbaugh’s, which brings up visible genetic attributes (webbed feet), something that can be a constant reminder of biological parents; and Eric Smith’s story of weighing risk and consequences. Caela Carter’s also features a strong voice and intriguing snapshot.
Without a doubt, those who read WELCOME HOME will find themselves eager for more from many of the writers and more stories of adoption and the many nuances within blood and chosen families.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/21755-welcome-home