melbsreads's review against another edition
challenging
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Trigger warnings: rape, sexual assault, gaslighting, misogyny, sexual harassment, bullying, ableism, panic attacks, vomit
Oh, my heart. I was a little hesitant to listen to this on audiobook but I'm really glad I did. It really brought Ariana's story to life, from her fear to her anger. The friendships that develop in the course of the story are truly wonderful, as is the found family dynamic.
Reyes handles the difficult subject matter with nuance, both in regards to Ariana's selective mutism and Luis' crimes. It's a hard hitting book, but the revenge aspect of the story was well done and I am so glad I picked this up despite my own hesitations because it was brilliant.
Oh, my heart. I was a little hesitant to listen to this on audiobook but I'm really glad I did. It really brought Ariana's story to life, from her fear to her anger. The friendships that develop in the course of the story are truly wonderful, as is the found family dynamic.
Reyes handles the difficult subject matter with nuance, both in regards to Ariana's selective mutism and Luis' crimes. It's a hard hitting book, but the revenge aspect of the story was well done and I am so glad I picked this up despite my own hesitations because it was brilliant.
astarlia's review against another edition
3.75
Great premise, love the friendships. Good situational mutism rep
bookishlymichelle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
4.5
idkemmaaa's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying this is such an important book that I think teenagers everywhere should read. I loved everything about this book. Our main character has autism and selective mutism and the representation was done wonderfully, which I really appreciated. Be aware that the main focus of this book is definitely very heavy, but the author approached the subject with so much care and wrote it in such a powerful way, which I think will have a great impact on lots of people. Even the more light hearted side of this book was amazing, for example, the friendships. The friend group in this book made me so extremely happy and smiling from ear to ear. I finished this about a day and just absolutely flew through. This book is definitely one to look out for as well as the author. I see this keeping a lasting impression on me and I strongly recommend it to EVERYONE!!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for this ARC copy!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for this ARC copy!
motz_stick's review against another edition
challenging
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Disappointed
I picked this book up after seeing Reyes’ name attached because I had a great time reading Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School. I knew this book would be fast paced considering my previous knowledge of their work, but this was too fast even for me. I absolutely loved the empowering plot and the way the characters developed overtime, but there was so much going on it became hard to keep track. I wish this book would’ve been a series that covers Ari’s family issues, exposing of Lewis, and blooming relationship in 3 different books. This would’ve allowed for so much more development in a more reasonable amount of time. The only other complaint I have is that the first half of the book feels forced. Labels are added in so frequently it begins to just feel like buzzwords.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Cursing
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
morgzpeter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kptinydancer97's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
Minor: Mental illness
cmarine38's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
3.5
tishreads's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone at TLA is tired or me talking about this I'm sure, but...
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it in high school and it resonated with me to the point where I didn't want to talk for a few days. If you know me, you know how weird that is.
This book tackles the same issue (sexual assault) and also has a character who is selective mute, but it also is different in many ways. I connected with Ari instantly and applauded every positive step she took. Her supportive friends made me want to cry. Just everything about this book from the voice to the character development to the pacing was just what I wanted. I'm so happy to have such a solid follow up for Sonora from their debut (The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School) and also to have such an empowering book about this topic.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it in high school and it resonated with me to the point where I didn't want to talk for a few days. If you know me, you know how weird that is.
This book tackles the same issue (sexual assault) and also has a character who is selective mute, but it also is different in many ways. I connected with Ari instantly and applauded every positive step she took. Her supportive friends made me want to cry. Just everything about this book from the voice to the character development to the pacing was just what I wanted. I'm so happy to have such a solid follow up for Sonora from their debut (The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School) and also to have such an empowering book about this topic.
winnie_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.75