paovilchis25's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
I have been putting off reading this book for a while because in all honesty I was no longer very interested in the topics it dealt with. Currently I have been reading a lot of books that deal with grief so I think that is why I had a hard time with this book, because honestly, compared to other books about grief this unfortunately felt a little short.
In Six Goodbyes We Never said we follow Naima Rodriguez who doesn’t want patronizing sympathy as she grieves over the death of her father. We also follow Dew who just needs a little more time to process the loss of his parents. Naima and Dew meet and everything changes, not in the way anyone expects.
Like I said I was a little disappointed by this book, the idea was fantastic, two people suffering coming together to deal with their own grief, however the execution was a bit disappointing. My first complaint has to be the pace of the book, the beginning of the book is slow, very slow, we get extremely unnecessary details about things that don’t matter in the end. When Dew and Naima meet is so anticlimactic it was painful to watch and finally by the end everything happened so fast it made no sense how fast the characters changed (especially if the author spent almost most of the book detailing how flawed they were).
Now talking about the characters, for me the main two characters are 50/50 (I love Dew and I didn’t like Naima at all). First of all, Naima, oh god it was painful to read, I’m sorry but I had no sympathy for her at all, I get where she is coming from but it was so frustrating to see someone refuse to get help, sorry but no. Dew on the other hand has my heart forever and ever, I felt all the sympathy in the world for him he is a flawed human being that wants to get better and for me that is everything. Dew is kind, sweet and very wholesome and it was a joy getting to know him. The secondary characters are honestly what saved this book for me, Dew´s sister is so funny and his parents are the best.
Finally the plot, honestly there was no plot in this book, they are flawed human being, they meet, they are a little less flawed human being the end. This book is not perfect but that doesn’t mean it is not especial, I am sure that a lot of people will feel seen and represented and for that I have to give it prompts.
Honestly this book is a solid 3 star read, I had my problems with it but that doesn’t mean it was a bad book. I would recommend this book if you have a family member in the army or are grieving.
I have been putting off reading this book for a while because in all honesty I was no longer very interested in the topics it dealt with. Currently I have been reading a lot of books that deal with grief so I think that is why I had a hard time with this book, because honestly, compared to other books about grief this unfortunately felt a little short.
In Six Goodbyes We Never said we follow Naima Rodriguez who doesn’t want patronizing sympathy as she grieves over the death of her father. We also follow Dew who just needs a little more time to process the loss of his parents. Naima and Dew meet and everything changes, not in the way anyone expects.
Like I said I was a little disappointed by this book, the idea was fantastic, two people suffering coming together to deal with their own grief, however the execution was a bit disappointing. My first complaint has to be the pace of the book, the beginning of the book is slow, very slow, we get extremely unnecessary details about things that don’t matter in the end. When Dew and Naima meet is so anticlimactic it was painful to watch and finally by the end everything happened so fast it made no sense how fast the characters changed (especially if the author spent almost most of the book detailing how flawed they were).
Now talking about the characters, for me the main two characters are 50/50 (I love Dew and I didn’t like Naima at all). First of all, Naima, oh god it was painful to read, I’m sorry but I had no sympathy for her at all, I get where she is coming from but it was so frustrating to see someone refuse to get help, sorry but no. Dew on the other hand has my heart forever and ever, I felt all the sympathy in the world for him he is a flawed human being that wants to get better and for me that is everything. Dew is kind, sweet and very wholesome and it was a joy getting to know him. The secondary characters are honestly what saved this book for me, Dew´s sister is so funny and his parents are the best.
Finally the plot, honestly there was no plot in this book, they are flawed human being, they meet, they are a little less flawed human being the end. This book is not perfect but that doesn’t mean it is not especial, I am sure that a lot of people will feel seen and represented and for that I have to give it prompts.
Honestly this book is a solid 3 star read, I had my problems with it but that doesn’t mean it was a bad book. I would recommend this book if you have a family member in the army or are grieving.
vanessa_issa's review against another edition
2.0
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
This book was a lot different than I expected. Honestly, it's not really my kind of story. It's a good book, maybe I should give it another try later in the future. I just couldn't share these feelings with the characters right now.
I really liked this quote, tho:
“Equality isn’t a phase,” I’d challenge. “It’s a basic human right.”
This book was a lot different than I expected. Honestly, it's not really my kind of story. It's a good book, maybe I should give it another try later in the future. I just couldn't share these feelings with the characters right now.
I really liked this quote, tho:
“Equality isn’t a phase,” I’d challenge. “It’s a basic human right.”
xokristim's review against another edition
5.0
I need to start by saying this is a new to me author, and I was completely blown away by everything this book had to offer. After reading the synopsis I knew this would be a book I was goin to love as long as I felt the representation of mental health illnesses lived up to my expectations. To say it did would be an understatement. The whole book is written with the utmost respect and I appreciated every aspect of it.
Naima was one of those characters that grew on me, at first I was just not into her and her attitude problems. The outbursts and every time she snapped were very relatable and real to me. I fell in love with Drew immediately, he is one of my all time favorite character's and I will have a place in my heart for him always. Drew's panics attacks were represented in a way that made me feel like I was living through one myself. They were so realistic to the ones I suffer from I felt someone was in my head retelling exactly how I felt.
This book was everything I wanted and more. I can't wait to read other books by Candace. This is definitely going to be one of my all time favorite authors, and is already on my auto-buy list. The feelings of loss, panic, and anxiety were just all too real. I can't explain the feelings of respect I have for this author.
Naima was one of those characters that grew on me, at first I was just not into her and her attitude problems. The outbursts and every time she snapped were very relatable and real to me. I fell in love with Drew immediately, he is one of my all time favorite character's and I will have a place in my heart for him always. Drew's panics attacks were represented in a way that made me feel like I was living through one myself. They were so realistic to the ones I suffer from I felt someone was in my head retelling exactly how I felt.
This book was everything I wanted and more. I can't wait to read other books by Candace. This is definitely going to be one of my all time favorite authors, and is already on my auto-buy list. The feelings of loss, panic, and anxiety were just all too real. I can't explain the feelings of respect I have for this author.
ioanaisreading's review against another edition
3.0
Over two months ago I finished reading this novel and I still think about how little I liked Naima, one of the main characters.
Before I proceed with this review, let me just say that that cover is on point. Kuddos & well done, person responsible!
I wanted to read this book because the premise was that it dealt with mental illness and I wanted to read more about that. It made me feel uncomfortable at times, but books should make you feel & see things outside your reading zone.
What made the novel scattered at times is that we find important information about Naima so far apart that it kept reconstructing the character for me. That's usually fun, but this time it was confusing.
The characters' relationship felt unnatural. I am talking about Naima's family. Through throwbacks we learn about her father and mother, but the present day family of JJ, Kam, and Nell is not something to be desired. Naima is cruel to Nell, despite having been raised by her for years! I understand that Naima is keeping her at a distance, but that mean attitude and that tone were not necessary. I understand this does happen in real life, but it was uncomfortable and unpleasant to read about it. Also, Nell as a step mom was made to seem frail and an extra, as if always OK to overlook. For all she's done for Naima, that's unfair.
Dew is a darling and so are the Brickmans. I rooted for Dew and Faith, and especially for Stella and Thomas in their openness to help the two kids grow roots and feel safe.
Overall the story was just OK for me. I liked it as I was reading it, but still have that feeling of not liking Naima, though. At times it was confusing to understand where the time line was and to piece the story parts together, but it's doable. Maybe it'd work better if read on paperback, not on Kindle as I did.
I am sure this would appeal more to younger readers, someone who could relate more to the confusing feelings Naima and Dew have.
*****
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
Before I proceed with this review, let me just say that that cover is on point. Kuddos & well done, person responsible!
I wanted to read this book because the premise was that it dealt with mental illness and I wanted to read more about that. It made me feel uncomfortable at times, but books should make you feel & see things outside your reading zone.
What made the novel scattered at times is that we find important information about Naima so far apart that it kept reconstructing the character for me. That's usually fun, but this time it was confusing.
The characters' relationship felt unnatural. I am talking about Naima's family. Through throwbacks we learn about her father and mother, but the present day family of JJ, Kam, and Nell is not something to be desired. Naima is cruel to Nell, despite having been raised by her for years! I understand that Naima is keeping her at a distance, but that mean attitude and that tone were not necessary. I understand this does happen in real life, but it was uncomfortable and unpleasant to read about it. Also, Nell as a step mom was made to seem frail and an extra, as if always OK to overlook. For all she's done for Naima, that's unfair.
Dew is a darling and so are the Brickmans. I rooted for Dew and Faith, and especially for Stella and Thomas in their openness to help the two kids grow roots and feel safe.
Overall the story was just OK for me. I liked it as I was reading it, but still have that feeling of not liking Naima, though. At times it was confusing to understand where the time line was and to piece the story parts together, but it's doable. Maybe it'd work better if read on paperback, not on Kindle as I did.
I am sure this would appeal more to younger readers, someone who could relate more to the confusing feelings Naima and Dew have.
*****
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
energyrae's review against another edition
5.0
"The only thing consistent is change. We have to accept it or become our own enemies."
Namia's father didn't come back from his latest tour, and she's having trouble coping with the fact she will never see him again. Because she suffers from OCD, GAD, and PTSD it's making things harder to deal. She's so used to pushing everyone away, that when someone good comes along, she doesn't know how to deal.
Enter Dew. He's living with foster parents because he lost both of his parents in a car accident. That loss has manifested in avoidance and anxiety. His foster sister throws a lot of fits, so she can be hard to deal with, but you wouldn't know it from the way Dew smoothly handles her. His foster parents are good people and they want the best for him. He wants to befriend Namia, but she isn't making it easy. She thinks he's weird and she wants him to stay out of her business.
I really liked Violet, she's a great addition to the book and the author could even give her a book that I would most definitely read. When I read e-books, I highlight things that stick out or things that resonate with me, and there was a lot of highlighting done in this book. The book is beautifully written and it touches on so many real-life issues that people are struggling with (which I greatly appreciate).
Sometimes Dew seemed a little too "on", a little too "perfect", especially in the way he looked at his foster sister Faith. But the way he watched his family form was touching, I loved his positive view of the world and his acceptance to see what was under the surface.
I know this book wasn't for everyone, it does get a bit tedious at times with some repetition. Once Naima gave Dew a chance, the book picked up and I would have liked for them to meet sooner. Despite those small issues, I loved this book. It was witty and poignant, and very thoughtful. Naima's way of playing "Would You Rather" to stay connected to her father was amusing. She's so much stronger than she realizes and I love how assertive she is. She's actually really funny when you get past the tough exterior. I'm not sure where her PTSD comes from as it would be too soon to diagnose after the loss of her father, but as a sufferer, I can relate to her struggles. Very nicely done.
Namia's father didn't come back from his latest tour, and she's having trouble coping with the fact she will never see him again. Because she suffers from OCD, GAD, and PTSD it's making things harder to deal. She's so used to pushing everyone away, that when someone good comes along, she doesn't know how to deal.
Enter Dew. He's living with foster parents because he lost both of his parents in a car accident. That loss has manifested in avoidance and anxiety. His foster sister throws a lot of fits, so she can be hard to deal with, but you wouldn't know it from the way Dew smoothly handles her. His foster parents are good people and they want the best for him. He wants to befriend Namia, but she isn't making it easy. She thinks he's weird and she wants him to stay out of her business.
I really liked Violet, she's a great addition to the book and the author could even give her a book that I would most definitely read. When I read e-books, I highlight things that stick out or things that resonate with me, and there was a lot of highlighting done in this book. The book is beautifully written and it touches on so many real-life issues that people are struggling with (which I greatly appreciate).
Sometimes Dew seemed a little too "on", a little too "perfect", especially in the way he looked at his foster sister Faith. But the way he watched his family form was touching, I loved his positive view of the world and his acceptance to see what was under the surface.
I know this book wasn't for everyone, it does get a bit tedious at times with some repetition. Once Naima gave Dew a chance, the book picked up and I would have liked for them to meet sooner. Despite those small issues, I loved this book. It was witty and poignant, and very thoughtful. Naima's way of playing "Would You Rather" to stay connected to her father was amusing. She's so much stronger than she realizes and I love how assertive she is. She's actually really funny when you get past the tough exterior. I'm not sure where her PTSD comes from as it would be too soon to diagnose after the loss of her father, but as a sufferer, I can relate to her struggles. Very nicely done.
booklovewithmelanie's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, maybe 3.75 stars
This one is hard to rate. While I like parts of Naima and Dew's stories, I didn't really connect with them, which I wasn't expecting at all because when I read the synopsis it was right up my alley! Girl losing her father at a young age with GAD, girl same sign me up! But sadly I didn't connect. I hated the way she treated her family and Dew in the beginning for that manner.
Overall it is a well written (even though it seemed to take me quite awhile to get through, I'm blaming the font that wouldn't change on the e-arc on Kindle) and deals with hard hitting topics. I would have liked to see and hear more about if there was more of a connection between her dad and Dew or if it was simply because Dew overheard a message and if the letters from her dad had been included that would have been a plus.
I also liked the body positive message that Naima had about herself. As long as you're proud and love yourself it makes no difference what others think or say. Another thing that I liked were the chapter layouts, we start with Naima's POV - a voicemail from her dad - then Dew's POV, almost every chapter.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me receive an advanced copy for an honest review.
This one is hard to rate. While I like parts of Naima and Dew's stories, I didn't really connect with them, which I wasn't expecting at all because when I read the synopsis it was right up my alley! Girl losing her father at a young age with GAD, girl same sign me up! But sadly I didn't connect. I hated the way she treated her family and Dew in the beginning for that manner.
Overall it is a well written (even though it seemed to take me quite awhile to get through, I'm blaming the font that wouldn't change on the e-arc on Kindle) and deals with hard hitting topics. I would have liked to see and hear more about if there was more of a connection between her dad and Dew or if it was simply because Dew overheard a message and if the letters from her dad had been included that would have been a plus.
I also liked the body positive message that Naima had about herself. As long as you're proud and love yourself it makes no difference what others think or say. Another thing that I liked were the chapter layouts, we start with Naima's POV - a voicemail from her dad - then Dew's POV, almost every chapter.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me receive an advanced copy for an honest review.
curlyheadedone's review against another edition
4.0
I was asked to review and feature this book for a blog tour. Honestly when I read the description I wasn’t sure I was actually going to like this book but I ended really enjoying it!
This books had characters that struggle with depression and the lose of a parent. Our main character Naima is trying to process the death of her father while struggling with her depression, OCD and GAD. She is the type of person who does not want your help or your sympathy but deep down she know she’s really need it. Though she will never admit it. Dew, short for Andrew, is trying to process and heal from the loss of both his parents. He has anxiety and major panic attacks that he learning how to work through.
When Naima moves into her grandparents house…Dew really wants to be the friend he knows she needs. Even though she only wants to push him away. It’s really sweet to see how their friendship develops through the book. Also how the characters grow and develop emotional through out the book.
The writing style of this book is unique and it took me a while to get use to it. It honestly matches the personality of the characters. Even though the book handles tougher topic…its an rather easy read.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a eARC of this book!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This books had characters that struggle with depression and the lose of a parent. Our main character Naima is trying to process the death of her father while struggling with her depression, OCD and GAD. She is the type of person who does not want your help or your sympathy but deep down she know she’s really need it. Though she will never admit it. Dew, short for Andrew, is trying to process and heal from the loss of both his parents. He has anxiety and major panic attacks that he learning how to work through.
When Naima moves into her grandparents house…Dew really wants to be the friend he knows she needs. Even though she only wants to push him away. It’s really sweet to see how their friendship develops through the book. Also how the characters grow and develop emotional through out the book.
The writing style of this book is unique and it took me a while to get use to it. It honestly matches the personality of the characters. Even though the book handles tougher topic…its an rather easy read.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a eARC of this book!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
amandacusx's review against another edition
3.0
*This was a Giveaway Book*
I had mixed feelings. I felt like this would be a great book to read with important topics and themes, but it fell a little flat for me. It was very slow going, and while I did like Dew, Naima really wasn't a character who I could connect to at all.
It was a good and interesting read, but overall, I just couldn't get into it as much as I would have liked to.
I had mixed feelings. I felt like this would be a great book to read with important topics and themes, but it fell a little flat for me. It was very slow going, and while I did like Dew, Naima really wasn't a character who I could connect to at all.
It was a good and interesting read, but overall, I just couldn't get into it as much as I would have liked to.
edebee's review against another edition
2.0
This is like a pre-published draft. Its full of convoluted thoughts, Run-on sentences, Un-realistic dialogue and overall reads like a English student who tried to impress The teacher by writing a really long essay full of words they found on wordhippo.com. This book tries to hard too be "deep". Nothing they say is natural. I mean, come on do you have to existentialize literally everything. I was tempted to reach out and make sure time hadn't stopped, because of how slow these characters moved through daily acts of life. It took almost a whole chapter just for the boy to walk out of his house. Seriously??? And I doubt Granger has ever personally been through grief because the way she goes about writing about losing a loved one just has no gritty reality to it it just feels like fluff.