blakehalsey's review
5.0
This book destroyed me. As the mother of a 3-year old, it was hard. But it was also hopeful and insightful and acomplished all of that with simple, poignant prose. A great middle grade read that doesn't shy away from serious issues.
chyreads29's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not sure there are words to capture how See You at Harry's has touched me. This is absolutely a story about mourning. I cried multiple times while reading, which is something that doesn't happen often. However, this is simply a result of an author who has crafted raw, vivid characters who leave their heart on the stage. This makes it hard to not feel an emotional attachment to them. Being the older sister, cousin, and aunt to children as young as one myself, this story instantly pulled at my heartstrings. It is beautifully crafted and undoubtedly honest. Though the story may be categorized as middle grade, the voice feels extremely mature and in my opinion, it can grasp anyone.
There are some unresolved issues in the novel that I noticed. For example, in the beginning, Sara taunts Holden with a homophobic slur which initially characterizes her as unaccepting. Then suddenly, she is accepting. That transition or why she even used the slur in the first place didn't really translate well. Also, the audience is set up to like Gray, Holden's friend, throughout the entire novel, and then he is completely thrown away in the last couple of pages. The emotional impact this book has had on me overshadows these issues for the most part. However, I felt they were worth mentioning.
There are some unresolved issues in the novel that I noticed. For example, in the beginning, Sara taunts Holden with a homophobic slur which initially characterizes her as unaccepting. Then suddenly, she is accepting. That transition or why she even used the slur in the first place didn't really translate well. Also, the audience is set up to like Gray, Holden's friend, throughout the entire novel, and then he is completely thrown away in the last couple of pages. The emotional impact this book has had on me overshadows these issues for the most part. However, I felt they were worth mentioning.
sandraagee's review against another edition
4.0
I like the nuanced characters and the realistic portrait of a family where not everyone gets along all of the time but they all still love each other. Very well written. Very sad.
lumos_libros's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm rating undecided but I definitely got an emotional response out of me and that has to mean something.
keribetweenpages's review against another edition
4.0
Very sweet and touching story! Love how Jo Knowles writes. Everything flows and you don't want to put it down!
msseviereads's review against another edition
4.0
I finished this book today... it was fantastic. I knew from other reviews that there was a sad event. I should not have chosen to read this in public. I wasn't in a place where I could let the tears flow.
This book has many layers to it and I think a lot of readers will find something that they can relate to.
This book has many layers to it and I think a lot of readers will find something that they can relate to.
msethna's review against another edition
4.0
Another Jo Knowles story for people to fall in love with. She is the type of author that can write about characters who we can connect with right away and fall in love with. See You at Harry's is a story of true love, family, friendship, and hardship when tragedy strikes those closest to you.
jbooks13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
nancyemcc66's review
4.0
Very good book but way to heart wrenching for me. If I realized where it was going I would have given it a pass.