Reviews

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

sartzer's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

diesmali's review against another edition

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? Yes

4.0

liliyne's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? Yes

3.75

briherna's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

butterfliesonmybookshelf's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad 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? Yes

4.0

izzyproudfoot's review against another edition

4.0

I read this two years ago and didn't add it for some reason. I can't really remember it but I do remember I really liked it and I'm sure I cried.

emily_t123's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

speliti's review against another edition

4.0

This wasn't my favorite Nina Lacour book, but it's still good. I connected deeply with the main character in We Are Okay, so I was expecting something equal in this one.

I just want to say though, screw that photography teacher.

tklassy's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful 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

4.25

Made me cry. Enough said. 

hereistheend's review against another edition

5.0

This could be one of my favorite books. When we read "books about suicide," we so often read darkness and shock value and pure heaviness. Not this one. While brutally honest and grief-stricken, this book is about healing. It's about joy. Yes, it's utterly about grief, but it is about love. It's a quiet, submersive, powerful book, reflecting its photography motif. Having lost a friend to suicide, and come so, so closely so many times with another, this book felt like medicine.

LaCour's writing makes me want to write. I am intrigued by LaCour's ability to write an intriguing, emotional book with a reverse story arc; I waited for some dramatic climax to detract from the healing ... and, spoiler, it never came. It was a balm. Also! I absolutely love the positive relationship between Caitlin and her parents. Lovely.

Some reviewers say ends tied up too neatly (her romance, for example), but you know what? Especially in such a heavy and well written situation, I do not mind seeing the main character wind up in love, with friends, family, and a significant other! I like that it lets us know that all love is possible.

I've been making playlists/soundtracks for the books I read this year. This playlist includes the mixtape from the book and mentioned songs, as well as my editions. I think it fits perfectly, if I may say so myself.