cassiahf's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
jamiereads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
firyar's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
katiewhocanread's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, Medical content, and Bullying
geckosaurus's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I won't let my brain - you know, the most important central organ we all have - I won't let that define me. I'll be defined by my pancreas instead.
I loved Elle McNicoll's book, A Kind of Spark, so I was excited to read this one. Being AuADHD myself, Show Us Who You Are hit me in the feels. Both Cora and Adrien are highly relatable as characters and their friendship was so perfect. It was that magic that happens when we find our neurokin - those folks with similar neuro-type who just get us and are easy to be with.
At first I wasn't entirely sure how the sci-fi element would fully come into play, but when it did it made complete sense with the overarching themes of the book (friendship, grief, neurodiversity, self-acceptance). Having lost a loved one a little less than two years ago myself, grief experienced through the lens of an autistic character was very relatable and comforting.
I loved it.
At first I wasn't entirely sure how the sci-fi element would fully come into play, but when it did it made complete sense with the overarching themes of the book (friendship, grief, neurodiversity, self-acceptance). Having lost a loved one a little less than two years ago myself, grief experienced through the lens of an autistic character was very relatable and comforting.
I loved it.
saramoo's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
isabookabel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
4.5
Had me in tears multiple times, I love the exploration of friendship, grief and of the neurodivergent experience. Similarly how the ideas of AI in the near future and the ethics surrounding it are examined. What it means to be you. A great introduction into complex ethical and philosophical ideas in a digestible way. Very immersive read yet again. Nearly rated this 5* but think A kind of spark has the edge.
bardicbramley's review
5.0
Wow.
Once again, Elle McNicoll has absolutely ruined my heart in the best possible way.
I have so many thoughts and emotions right now.
This is why I love reading. Everything about Show Me, and Spark before it, reminds me why I love to read.
I started this book today, and I just didn't want to put it down. I've been struggling to focus on reading (or really anything) since Christmas, so that says an awful lot about this story.
By a third of the way I could feel my eyes watering, and for the remaining two thirds, it persisted with a strength I had forgotten I could feel. The emotional roller coaster that I went on reading this was intense; but also, beautifully raw. It maintained such a careful and perfect balance that never tipped into numb or confusing, but constantly prised just a little bit more empathy as you worked your way through the mystery.
Knowing that this book was written during the covid-19 pandemic, as well as still living in lockdown during reading, likely made this story that much stronger for me. The pain that the world collectively had been though, as well as the grief of those individuals greatly affected, can be felt with every word.
I have been following Elle McNicoll on twitter since I read Spark, and I am aware that she suffered a painful loss that led to writing this. I can feel that honest love in every word. The creation of this book feels to me to be so much more than a beautiful story; it is an act of love. Both to those the author has lost, and of self love.
I can't honestly tell you if McNicoll is simply a genius with her skill for writing, or if reading a fellow autistic author's work somehow connects to me in a different way, but I am utterly in awe of her art.
I will likely read this again from the viewpoint of a teacher once I have recovered, but for now, I would highly recommend for anyone, of any age, as a novel or power, grief and self-acceptance alone.
Once again, Elle McNicoll has absolutely ruined my heart in the best possible way.
I have so many thoughts and emotions right now.
This is why I love reading. Everything about Show Me, and Spark before it, reminds me why I love to read.
I started this book today, and I just didn't want to put it down. I've been struggling to focus on reading (or really anything) since Christmas, so that says an awful lot about this story.
By a third of the way I could feel my eyes watering, and for the remaining two thirds, it persisted with a strength I had forgotten I could feel. The emotional roller coaster that I went on reading this was intense; but also, beautifully raw. It maintained such a careful and perfect balance that never tipped into numb or confusing, but constantly prised just a little bit more empathy as you worked your way through the mystery.
Knowing that this book was written during the covid-19 pandemic, as well as still living in lockdown during reading, likely made this story that much stronger for me. The pain that the world collectively had been though, as well as the grief of those individuals greatly affected, can be felt with every word.
I have been following Elle McNicoll on twitter since I read Spark, and I am aware that she suffered a painful loss that led to writing this. I can feel that honest love in every word. The creation of this book feels to me to be so much more than a beautiful story; it is an act of love. Both to those the author has lost, and of self love.
I can't honestly tell you if McNicoll is simply a genius with her skill for writing, or if reading a fellow autistic author's work somehow connects to me in a different way, but I am utterly in awe of her art.
I will likely read this again from the viewpoint of a teacher once I have recovered, but for now, I would highly recommend for anyone, of any age, as a novel or power, grief and self-acceptance alone.