morganbrabender's review
4.0
It took me a while to get through this one, but it was worth it in the end. I'm always hesitant when I begin a book with a Christian protagonist because so often they are represented in a cheesy unappealing way, but I was pleased with Lucy's character. This book was realistic and honest about how sometimes we doubt our faith when things get hard. Lucy's voice is relatable and genuine and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance!
readermeetsbook's review
4.0
Great voice, vibrant characters, and an exploration of faith without it being heavy handed.
watermelonwombat's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lissajean7's review against another edition
4.0
Unexpected
I don't really know what I expected when I picked this one up, but it wasn't this beautiful exploration of faith and grief and becoming. A huge part of me wishes the ending had some specific answers, but another huge part of me loves that she leaves it open to possibility. That ending is the only thing keeping me from giving it five stars.
I don't really know what I expected when I picked this one up, but it wasn't this beautiful exploration of faith and grief and becoming. A huge part of me wishes the ending had some specific answers, but another huge part of me loves that she leaves it open to possibility. That ending is the only thing keeping me from giving it five stars.
jazzyjan94's review
3.0
It took me forever to get through The Names They Gave Us because I was in a major reading slump. It was also a hard book to read because I myself am a Pastor’s Kid and I am very close to my mom and I can’t imagine going through what Lucy goes through with her mom being re-diagnosed with cancer. I felt like a lot of Lucy’s reactions and struggles were pretty accurate, however there were some of the things that she seemed okay with that seemed unnatural because I know I personally would have been in more shock if I were to be confronted with certain issues. 3/5 Stars.
scrollsofdragons's review
2.0
Lucy, the protagonist, was just bland and so the first part of the book before the camp was so boring, only the camp and the people in it were the only good thing about it and made it an okay read rather then a shitty read.
Then there was the religion which whoever lied and told me the religion was not a big part of the story, dude seriously? I avoid books with a focus on religion because I don't agree with any of it, like my personal beliefs are opposite to everything the church says so, so I tend to avoid for that reason. But it wasn't too forced in your face so I appreciate that.
And what's with that fricking ending? Told us fuck all.
Then there was the religion which whoever lied and told me the religion was not a big part of the story, dude seriously? I avoid books with a focus on religion because I don't agree with any of it, like my personal beliefs are opposite to everything the church says so, so I tend to avoid for that reason. But it wasn't too forced in your face so I appreciate that.
And what's with that fricking ending? Told us fuck all.
thebookdance's review against another edition
5.0
BEAUTIFUL
That's what this book was.
From beginning to end.
I really loved the story, I'm glad I decided to read it after a recommendation from my favorite booktuber, she usually has the same taste as me on contemporary books.
It's such a nice idea to have a camp for people who are going through a bad time, I believe that in reality things wouldn't go as smoothly, but it's the thought that counts.
I LOVED the friendship between the counselors, they were so important to each other and valued their friendship a lot. I think it's really awesome. And I loved all of them, and how they were all so completely different but so great together.
And of course that Lucy and Henry were bound to happen, all those times in that room talking or he was reading and she was playing the piano. I loved it.
And how she helped all those kids in a way, it was wonderful that she was able to teach that girl how to swim. And I wasn't expecting her mom to have been at camp before, much less that she and Brian had a kid and gave her up for adoption? That was big, I wish we got to know her though. I liked her mom, she was funny even while sick, I wish the book ended with her free from cancer.
I really liked the whole 'religious' aspect of the story. I'm not religious in the slightest but I do like to learn about it even though I'm not sure it I believe in God or not, I guess it's nice that there are people who do believe.
I can't wait to dive into more Emery Lord, because now that she's on my radar, I have to check out the rest of her work.
That's what this book was.
From beginning to end.
Spoiler
It portraits such a nice message, I just wish it was a bit longer, I wanted to see how her mother's situation would evolve, and see everyone until the last day of camp.I really loved the story, I'm glad I decided to read it after a recommendation from my favorite booktuber, she usually has the same taste as me on contemporary books.
It's such a nice idea to have a camp for people who are going through a bad time, I believe that in reality things wouldn't go as smoothly, but it's the thought that counts.
I LOVED the friendship between the counselors, they were so important to each other and valued their friendship a lot. I think it's really awesome. And I loved all of them, and how they were all so completely different but so great together.
And of course that Lucy and Henry were bound to happen, all those times in that room talking or he was reading and she was playing the piano. I loved it.
And how she helped all those kids in a way, it was wonderful that she was able to teach that girl how to swim. And I wasn't expecting her mom to have been at camp before, much less that she and Brian had a kid and gave her up for adoption? That was big, I wish we got to know her though. I liked her mom, she was funny even while sick, I wish the book ended with her free from cancer.
I really liked the whole 'religious' aspect of the story. I'm not religious in the slightest but I do like to learn about it even though I'm not sure it I believe in God or not, I guess it's nice that there are people who do believe.
I can't wait to dive into more Emery Lord, because now that she's on my radar, I have to check out the rest of her work.