neevabeeva510's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
evee88's review against another edition
4.0
My friend recommended this to me so I couldn't say no... but overall if I'm being very direct I should say that it really wasn't all the great. The whole scenario in the first place was very unrealistic and one of the spurs of the moment type of thing. I like the message, I really did. How Sadie is part of this Unlikelies group that tries to find the good in the world. Helping others while never asking for anything in return. It's about being a good person and making the right choices. The sweet moments balanced out in the book. I was REALLY happy with the ship, but it balanced out with what was happening to one of Alice's friends. The ending was also quite meh. Overall the ship saved this book for me. I LOVED the ship. SHIP WITHOUT REGRETS!!! So to sum it up... 3.5 stars.
Spoiler
In the near beginning Sadie is trusted with a bunch of yellow diamonds, which the old man who gave it to her told her to 'do good' with it. Yet in the end, all they do is store most of the diamonds for later. When they're older and more mature. THIS DOESN'T HELP! Argh. Also, I still have no idea what happened to Izzy. Maybe I just read too fast on her part but seriously what happened... like is Izzy in rehab? I have no idea tbh. And how the baby's mom is a lizard. Like whyyyy, of all things the baby's mom has to be evil too.charmaineac's review against another edition
5.0
It's official: Carrie Firestone is incredibly talented and one of my new favourites. The Unlikelies are such a motley crew that accomplish great things — sometimes without truly meaning it or understanding the implication.
The story starts on the Sadie-and-Shay dynamic, and I thought Shay's story was so interesting. I would've loved to read about the Tennis Camp from Hell and see how she started adjusting to life at college. And Sadie is such an unlikely good samaritan. I'm proud of her! She does the right things. She's not someone like Ella's parents. She may feel pressure to do things right, but she's also an incredibly caring friend (just thinking of the times she'd drag Alice out to have fun, for example), a good daughter, and a courageous soul (the trap house; the incident). I can see why Gordie Harris is infatuated with her.
Speaking of that gay Gordie Harris: can he be any more perfect? He's rich, smart, beautiful, and a Homegrown Hero. He freaking helps developmentally disabled adults! He's talented with the saxophone and harmonica! He's humble!! I can understand why everyone flirts with this guy because he is literally perfect and yet he doesn't even seem unrealistic. Where is MY Gordie Harris?!?!
I'd say the Alice (and Izzy) storyline was one of the more major ones. It was fascinating for everyone involved to get swept in this dark underbelly of the world. The level of the issues felt extreme for high school, but the thing is... it happens. And in this case, it made sense how Izzy became who she did. An accident. Prescribed medication. Absentee parents. Insane wealth. Her letter at the end was tragic, especially learning where it came from. We almost never get the story of that solid friend, the one who tries to save addicts from the depths of darkness. We never get to see how freaking hard it is for them. Alice had to face a really, really difficult time. Her parents' perspective added an interesting nuance to the story. I don't think I'd ever become friends with someone like Alice, but my heart went out to her.
I'd say Val and Jean had smaller storylines, but they still had key moments. Val, Javi, and lupus. Her school supply drive, naivety, and lovely church community. I was such a fan of her. Never change, Valeria. And Jean — from the tiny arts show to the mask to the earthquake and subsequent coping mechanism... I just feel like he'll end up a super-famous artist one day, and he deserves every second of the praise. The Unlikelies wouldn't have become such a global phenomenon without his avatar. The hands were haunting, and I hope one day, he can move onto something else.
Meta: I love how Ms. Firestone tosses in fun "catch phrases" and quirky (but realistic) references. It makes me feel like I'm part of a grand inside joke, because I know what it means to purchase $12 hunks of cheese, who gadflies are, and understand that care packages are the best ever. Even something like a character named D-Bag: it's never explained WHY he goes by that nickname, but it is addressed at some point. Also, Mute Mike, the cooking aficionado? An instant classic. I felt like I was in Sadie's head.
And the canaries. My goodness. I wish we got a more solid resolution for them. I really though Carrie Firestone was going to tie everything together by having them used to prevent drug addiction or something noble. But I guess that's 1/2 of Alice's mission (aside from the puppies, of course). I also wish the unlikelies went public. And that we got to see Sadie and Gordie AT SCHOOL! But aside from that? This book is a shining gem — you could even call it a yellow diamond in the rough.
The story starts on the Sadie-and-Shay dynamic, and I thought Shay's story was so interesting. I would've loved to read about the Tennis Camp from Hell and see how she started adjusting to life at college. And Sadie is such an unlikely good samaritan. I'm proud of her! She does the right things. She's not someone like Ella's parents. She may feel pressure to do things right, but she's also an incredibly caring friend (just thinking of the times she'd drag Alice out to have fun, for example), a good daughter, and a courageous soul (the trap house; the incident). I can see why Gordie Harris is infatuated with her.
Speaking of that gay Gordie Harris: can he be any more perfect? He's rich, smart, beautiful, and a Homegrown Hero. He freaking helps developmentally disabled adults! He's talented with the saxophone and harmonica! He's humble!! I can understand why everyone flirts with this guy because he is literally perfect and yet he doesn't even seem unrealistic. Where is MY Gordie Harris?!?!
I'd say the Alice (and Izzy) storyline was one of the more major ones. It was fascinating for everyone involved to get swept in this dark underbelly of the world. The level of the issues felt extreme for high school, but the thing is... it happens. And in this case, it made sense how Izzy became who she did. An accident. Prescribed medication. Absentee parents. Insane wealth. Her letter at the end was tragic, especially learning where it came from. We almost never get the story of that solid friend, the one who tries to save addicts from the depths of darkness. We never get to see how freaking hard it is for them. Alice had to face a really, really difficult time. Her parents' perspective added an interesting nuance to the story. I don't think I'd ever become friends with someone like Alice, but my heart went out to her.
I'd say Val and Jean had smaller storylines, but they still had key moments. Val, Javi, and lupus. Her school supply drive, naivety, and lovely church community. I was such a fan of her. Never change, Valeria. And Jean — from the tiny arts show to the mask to the earthquake and subsequent coping mechanism... I just feel like he'll end up a super-famous artist one day, and he deserves every second of the praise. The Unlikelies wouldn't have become such a global phenomenon without his avatar. The hands were haunting, and I hope one day, he can move onto something else.
Meta: I love how Ms. Firestone tosses in fun "catch phrases" and quirky (but realistic) references. It makes me feel like I'm part of a grand inside joke, because I know what it means to purchase $12 hunks of cheese, who gadflies are, and understand that care packages are the best ever. Even something like a character named D-Bag: it's never explained WHY he goes by that nickname, but it is addressed at some point. Also, Mute Mike, the cooking aficionado? An instant classic. I felt like I was in Sadie's head.
And the canaries. My goodness. I wish we got a more solid resolution for them. I really though Carrie Firestone was going to tie everything together by having them used to prevent drug addiction or something noble. But I guess that's 1/2 of Alice's mission (aside from the puppies, of course). I also wish the unlikelies went public. And that we got to see Sadie and Gordie AT SCHOOL! But aside from that? This book is a shining gem — you could even call it a yellow diamond in the rough.
evreardon's review against another edition
DNF @ 73%
I tried. I really tried. I love love loved The Loose Ends List but there was just something that didn't click with me here. It didn't work.
I think Firestone tried to recreate the mix of magic, irreverence,and warmth that made up The Loose Ends List but failed.
The characters were diverse and interesting enough but I just couldn't get really into it. I took it with me everywhere -- to work, in the car, to my boyfriend's house (all the normal places I read). And yet. Nothing compelled me to pick it back up again.
I thought I was in a reading slump. So I tested my theory by starting another book. And guess what? It was definitely not a reading slump.
And I'm so very disappointed because I wanted to love this book. The cover is beautiful. Her first book made me cry. And I wanted that recreates here. So really, it's my high expectations that got the best of me.
I'm really hoping other people love this. I do. And I'll totally give Firestone another chance. Maybe I'll even finish this novel one day.
I tried. I really tried. I love love loved The Loose Ends List but there was just something that didn't click with me here. It didn't work.
I think Firestone tried to recreate the mix of magic, irreverence,and warmth that made up The Loose Ends List but failed.
The characters were diverse and interesting enough but I just couldn't get really into it. I took it with me everywhere -- to work, in the car, to my boyfriend's house (all the normal places I read). And yet. Nothing compelled me to pick it back up again.
I thought I was in a reading slump. So I tested my theory by starting another book. And guess what? It was definitely not a reading slump.
And I'm so very disappointed because I wanted to love this book. The cover is beautiful. Her first book made me cry. And I wanted that recreates here. So really, it's my high expectations that got the best of me.
I'm really hoping other people love this. I do. And I'll totally give Firestone another chance. Maybe I'll even finish this novel one day.
mindlessmartyrr's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up this book because I wanted a summer read in December.
This book was both cute and serious. Sadie is close to her family... and she meets an awesome group of friends. The only thing I wasn’t sure about is that she is half Iranians, but the author isn’t a poc. So I’m not sure about the rep. I did really enjoy the book, I read it in just a few short hours. The parts about the minor character addicted to heroin were scary... the opioid epidemic in America is a bad, bad crisis I can’t even properly convey. So this isn’t just a light hearted summer read... but it is still pretty worth it.
This book was both cute and serious. Sadie is close to her family... and she meets an awesome group of friends. The only thing I wasn’t sure about is that she is half Iranians, but the author isn’t a poc. So I’m not sure about the rep. I did really enjoy the book, I read it in just a few short hours. The parts about the minor character addicted to heroin were scary... the opioid epidemic in America is a bad, bad crisis I can’t even properly convey. So this isn’t just a light hearted summer read... but it is still pretty worth it.
catladyreba's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read. It was an interesting mix of summer fun, teen friendships and romance, and a smattering of deeper issues, including bullying, opiate addiction, and racism, just to name a few. The book doesn't feel too forced, but I think some background set-up about the Hamptons would have helped the narrative. Clearly, the primary focus of this novel is not the uber-rich population of the Hamptons, but more the working class element. It's an interesting look into a part of the Hamptons society that is not often seen. I enjoyed Sadie's family, they were a huge strength of the book, especially her father and her grandmothers. I feel like both Val and Jean could have been more richly developed. Were they only thrown into the story to give it some diversity? Their characters did not always ring true for me.
Overall, a decent read that will hopefully make people think about how they can make their corner of the earth a better place.
Overall, a decent read that will hopefully make people think about how they can make their corner of the earth a better place.
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. This book had the prefect balance of friendship and romance and i really loved all the main characters and how they spent the summer not only helping others but learning to be friends. I thought all the go deeds they did just made me smile. The drug plot on was scary true and very hard hitting but could see it happening in real life. I loved the focus on getting new friends but also moving away from old ones. I thought Sadi path was unique and overall really captured my attention. The book was the prefect summer read and wonder if we will ever see these characters again cause they were so fun to read about.
If you are a fan of The night we Said yes or The Unexpected Everything I think you would love this book!
If you are a fan of The night we Said yes or The Unexpected Everything I think you would love this book!
morganmcdon9's review against another edition
4.0
Really loved the adventures the group of friends go on!
sarahschem's review against another edition
5.0
The Unlikelies has to be one of my favorite books that I've read in 2017. It includes overcoming trauma, standing up for what's right, and finding yourself in a new group of friends without being overly cheesy or heartbreaking. Sadie is a great mesh of a normal girl, looking to move past what everyone else is fixated on, with an everyday hero, who uses her instinct and heart to judge what is right or wrong.
☆☆☆☆☆
Basically, I thought the book would be about a girl finding a new group of friends over the summer, but it was much more deep and profound. It deals with the difficultly of heavy topics (i.e. cyberbullying, bullying in general, drugs, relationships) and stresses their importance without it taking over the book. I think it combined an equal amount of both deep meaning and an unlikely group of teens coming together to have a blast over the summer.
☆☆☆☆☆
Basically, I thought the book would be about a girl finding a new group of friends over the summer, but it was much more deep and profound. It deals with the difficultly of heavy topics (i.e. cyberbullying, bullying in general, drugs, relationships) and stresses their importance without it taking over the book. I think it combined an equal amount of both deep meaning and an unlikely group of teens coming together to have a blast over the summer.