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jade314's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
lauren023's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book is very weird and not necessarily in a good way.
The main character talks to a goldfish shaped flashlight constantly throughout the whole book and it talks back to her
leonajasmin's review against another edition
4.0
A quick, easy read that simultaneously felt laid back and stressful! I guessed the ending pretty early on but still an enjoyable read regardless
olivia_b2509's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pastelpageturner's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up because of the cover and the title caught my eye. I decided to read it as I was curious how this would play out, how does a girl get through the shock of discovering her father is not her own and go without speaking?
Let's say Tess was very capable and her journey was enjoyable.
If you want my full review check it out here:
http://daughterofinkandcoffee.blogspot.com/2018/07/rating-45-stars-once-more-here-is-book.html
Let's say Tess was very capable and her journey was enjoyable.
If you want my full review check it out here:
http://daughterofinkandcoffee.blogspot.com/2018/07/rating-45-stars-once-more-here-is-book.html
karinasilvz's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book around three hours ago, and didn't put it down until it ended. Some passages were spectacularly written, such as the times that Tess thought of herself as Pluto, but the overall plot line was disappointing to say the least. From when she read what Jack had written in the blog, I knew exactly what was going to happen at the end of the book. I believe that this author has talent that was wasted because of the limited storyline she gave herself in this book.
Now, let's move onto Henry. I love the idea of him, but his character is way too unrealistic. A popular, beautiful boy suddenly gives up his status to hang with a mute, larger girl? Sounds wonderful to me, but that would never happen (I know this is fiction, but I wish it would have some semblance of reality). Also, I think that having the teacher be Henry's father tied together some storylines that should have been kept separate.
Overall, this was a well-written book that, unfortunately, did not reach the immense potential that it could have.
Now, let's move onto Henry. I love the idea of him, but his character is way too unrealistic. A popular, beautiful boy suddenly gives up his status to hang with a mute, larger girl? Sounds wonderful to me, but that would never happen (I know this is fiction, but I wish it would have some semblance of reality). Also, I think that having the teacher be Henry's father tied together some storylines that should have been kept separate.
Overall, this was a well-written book that, unfortunately, did not reach the immense potential that it could have.
mellymc's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely brilliant. I read this in half a day because it was so difficult to put down. I know these teenagers, we've all met them, and a few of the adults too. I was with Tess all of the way, even when I knew she was wrong because she was so easy to empathise with. A definite 5* read.
lauraelizah's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little disappointed with this book. I've loved reading Annabel Pitcher's novels, but this one didn't really make a hit with me as much as the others. I felt like everything was almost told in the beginning of the story, so it didn't really go anywhere, and some things were quite predictable. I did like this message behind it though, and I found it quite heart warming which was nice! :)
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Annabel Pitcher’s previous books, Ketchup Clouds and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, and I do think she is an excellent writer, but I have mixed feelings about Silence is Goldfish.
Some of what Tess goes through is understandable. She’s just discovered her dad isn’t her biological father; the man she once idolises is now a stranger in her mind. She chooses silence as a form of rebellion. As the story progresses she starts to see his faults, the ones he probably always had but children don’t usually notice about her parents. But now Tess is determined to find her father, projecting her fantasy father figure onto a teacher.
I wish I knew the difference between selective and elective mutism before I decided to read this as Tess’s silence really started to grate on me. Elective mutism is no longer recognised by psychiatrists, however selective mutism is triggered by trauma and/or anxiety. Tess has just chosen not to speak and continues her protest even when she doubts herself.
It’s pretty frustrating at times knowing Tess isn’t going to stand up for herself or even just be polite. And it’s hard to feel sorry for her when it’s a conscious choice she’s made. In place of real dialogue, Tess has conversations in her head with Mr Goldfish, the fish shaped torch she bought when she was planning on running away. It’s not clear throughout whether Tess is actually hallucinating or if she’s aware she’s talking to an inanimate object.
Tess never makes it to her appointment with a mental health specialist. I think it’s a bit vague on the subject of mental health overall; Tess is mostly portrayed as bringing it on herself but then there are little tells that suggest she’s not OK. She goes to Mr Goldfish for comfort, clicking his switch on and off repeatedly, a sign of anxiety. And that’s not even taking into account the talking torch…
There is one wonderful passage which really is more of a lesson that Jack learns; why is normal not good enough for people any more? We are living in a rat race to be the best at everything, to live glamourous, successful lives, when we could be happy with being safe, loved and comfortable.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Some of what Tess goes through is understandable. She’s just discovered her dad isn’t her biological father; the man she once idolises is now a stranger in her mind. She chooses silence as a form of rebellion. As the story progresses she starts to see his faults, the ones he probably always had but children don’t usually notice about her parents. But now Tess is determined to find her father, projecting her fantasy father figure onto a teacher.
I wish I knew the difference between selective and elective mutism before I decided to read this as Tess’s silence really started to grate on me. Elective mutism is no longer recognised by psychiatrists, however selective mutism is triggered by trauma and/or anxiety. Tess has just chosen not to speak and continues her protest even when she doubts herself.
It’s pretty frustrating at times knowing Tess isn’t going to stand up for herself or even just be polite. And it’s hard to feel sorry for her when it’s a conscious choice she’s made. In place of real dialogue, Tess has conversations in her head with Mr Goldfish, the fish shaped torch she bought when she was planning on running away. It’s not clear throughout whether Tess is actually hallucinating or if she’s aware she’s talking to an inanimate object.
Tess never makes it to her appointment with a mental health specialist. I think it’s a bit vague on the subject of mental health overall; Tess is mostly portrayed as bringing it on herself but then there are little tells that suggest she’s not OK. She goes to Mr Goldfish for comfort, clicking his switch on and off repeatedly, a sign of anxiety. And that’s not even taking into account the talking torch…
There is one wonderful passage which really is more of a lesson that Jack learns; why is normal not good enough for people any more? We are living in a rat race to be the best at everything, to live glamourous, successful lives, when we could be happy with being safe, loved and comfortable.
Review copy provided by publisher.
caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
5.0
'That is love, making endless tea for someone who never drinks it. '
Main character Tess is a 15 year old mute, all she wanted was to find her Dad, but in the process, she found secrets that were never meant to be discovered.
Finished this book in one sitting!
Fast paced, full of action and an intruiging plotline!
Main character Tess is a 15 year old mute, all she wanted was to find her Dad, but in the process, she found secrets that were never meant to be discovered.
Finished this book in one sitting!
Fast paced, full of action and an intruiging plotline!