babydragonmom7314's review
5.0
I randomly picked this book up when I was in the library a few weeks back. I'm a sucker for "nice" covers and this one seemed fairly striking and haunting. I also liked the quote on the cover "An ode to the solace of family, the mercy of strangers, and the healing power of hope." I knew nothing about it and never even read the back cover, or saw that Judy Blume had a quote on it.
While billed as YA, this book contains very strong language and very powerful and grown-up themes having to do with incest and molestation. It was completely not what I expected. It also contains a number of very mature themes about life, religion, spirituality and has such a beautiful message. There were times when I wondered, can a 12 year old really think these things, but then I decided yes, I think she can. And yes, I wouldn't really even question that if she was just a year or two older. The message was so compelling though, it didn't really matter.
I loved the way Ms. Amateau embedded these adult themes in 12 year old language and made it accessible. I really want to sit down and read it again more slowly now and pay more attention to some of this message that I know I didn't listen to as closely the first read through (being distracted by the powerful story itself).
It is a graceful, beautiful and compelling story. Hard. Super, super hard. But just stunning and ultimately left me crying at the end, breathless and feeling sad. Simultaneously though, she left me feeling connected to and trying to see all the good in the world. Ms. Amateau managed to tell a difficult story but leave her readers uplifted and feeling joy in the end. Wow.
While billed as YA, this book contains very strong language and very powerful and grown-up themes having to do with incest and molestation. It was completely not what I expected. It also contains a number of very mature themes about life, religion, spirituality and has such a beautiful message. There were times when I wondered, can a 12 year old really think these things, but then I decided yes, I think she can. And yes, I wouldn't really even question that if she was just a year or two older. The message was so compelling though, it didn't really matter.
I loved the way Ms. Amateau embedded these adult themes in 12 year old language and made it accessible. I really want to sit down and read it again more slowly now and pay more attention to some of this message that I know I didn't listen to as closely the first read through (being distracted by the powerful story itself).
It is a graceful, beautiful and compelling story. Hard. Super, super hard. But just stunning and ultimately left me crying at the end, breathless and feeling sad. Simultaneously though, she left me feeling connected to and trying to see all the good in the world. Ms. Amateau managed to tell a difficult story but leave her readers uplifted and feeling joy in the end. Wow.
catladylover94's review against another edition
4.0
good, really sad, but it turned out ok in the end, i am glad she got away from her father and back with her grandpa
barelyghosted's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
After re-reading this book while living in MS, I have a whole new appreciation for the author. Gigi did a wonderful job portraying a God-fearing southern girl, and taking you on her heartbreaking journey.
This book is balanced; showing the darkest parts of the world, while also sharing the joyful side too. It gives you hope.
This book is balanced; showing the darkest parts of the world, while also sharing the joyful side too. It gives you hope.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
rovertoak's review
4.0
An emotionally difficult read, but well worth reading!! For something similar, [book: The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance] may make a great pairing.
emileers's review against another edition
5.0
It's hard to believe that a book about such a difficult topic could be uplifting, but it truly is. Georgia's voice rang authentic to me in a way that a lot of protagonist's in these sorts of problem books often don't. The setting also rang so true. It wasn't a hokey "bless her heart" kind of Southern that a lot of people do really badly. All I can say is that the writing, the characters, the setting, everything about it was very authentic for me. Would definitely recommend.
rovertoak's review against another edition
4.0
An emotionally difficult read, but well worth reading!! For something similar, [book: The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance] may make a great pairing.
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