parboiledlentils's review against another edition
3.0
While the plot is well-paced, it is definitely predictable. The characters are fairly vibrant and I enjoyed the exploration of current high school tropes. However, the writing seemed to be trying too hard. Many of the metaphors were overdone and contrived. Not my favorite, but it did have its pros.
andersonh92's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book! Very realistic. Loved the message that we are always trying to become ourselves, looking for who we are, but we can never find that in someone else.
lrlong11's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was an average highschool drama book. Plenty of tidbits about basketball and accepting yourself and wanting to date the hot cheerleader, with a sprinkle of friendship drama. The main character didn't impress me much.
beasleysbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book was unexpectedly amazing and heartfelt. I don't think I've connected to a teenage boy character the way I connected to Wilder. He was easy to love and easy to root for. I'm sincerely glad I read this book.
nicolaaa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-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
2.5
thefreckledbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Special thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of his book!! I appreciated how this was a quick, and easy read, and the chapters are short, which makes it easier to take breaks. There were a few spelling mistakes / sentences that didn't quite make sense, but overall well written. It's definitely a writing style that can appeal to many readers.
This novel is full of twists and turns. I, however, would've liked to see more diversity.. this story was really about white, cis, and straight teenagers. But, I enjoyed this book nonetheless.
So anyways, this is the story of Wilder, and how he needs to come to terms with his disfigurement as a burn survivor. Throughout the book, he beats himself up about his scars, and he has a general pessimist attitude. I appreciated reading about his character growth, especially when he realized that fixing his scars won't miraculously heal him on the inside. This book wasn't written to feel sorry for Wilder. It's about not letting your past haunt you forever and on how to overcome those obstacles that prevent you from moving on, especially when you experienced a traumatic event(s). It's a beautiful coming of age novel, that's for sure.
The main characters in this story are relatable, and human. The teenagers felt very real and all played a different role in the High School "system". I wish there had been more of Lane, I really loved her and her dark humour. And that black hole metaphore
This novel is full of twists and turns. I, however, would've liked to see more diversity.. this story was really about white, cis, and straight teenagers. But, I enjoyed this book nonetheless.
So anyways, this is the story of Wilder, and how he needs to come to terms with his disfigurement as a burn survivor. Throughout the book, he beats himself up about his scars, and he has a general pessimist attitude. I appreciated reading about his character growth, especially when he realized that fixing his scars won't miraculously heal him on the inside. This book wasn't written to feel sorry for Wilder. It's about not letting your past haunt you forever and on how to overcome those obstacles that prevent you from moving on, especially when you experienced a traumatic event(s). It's a beautiful coming of age novel, that's for sure.
The main characters in this story are relatable, and human. The teenagers felt very real and all played a different role in the High School "system". I wish there had been more of Lane, I really loved her and her dark humour. And that black hole metaphore
amdame1's review against another edition
4.0
Wilder Tate was horribly burned when he was 10 years old. Despite the burns and the bullying, he has become a good basketball player. Now he is starting high school, at a new school. He na dPreston are the only 2 kids from their old school to make this transition. Even though they weren't friends at the old school, out of solidarity, they bond at the new one. The new school has heard of Wilder though, both for the burns and for his basketball prowess. To his surprise, he starts making friends. But then things start going terribly wrong....
LOTS of swearing, some teen drinking, bullying, a character who was sexually abused (no graphic details - definitely a trigger warning though!). This book is intense in many ways but thought provoking and well-written.
LOTS of swearing, some teen drinking, bullying, a character who was sexually abused (no graphic details - definitely a trigger warning though!). This book is intense in many ways but thought provoking and well-written.