Reviews

This was a slow read for me, felt like a word count needed to be reached so similar sentences were used. Usually a big fan of Bryony Gordon but wouldn’t rush to read this again!

bookishintrovert's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ameliaj_adams's review

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This was a good little read! It’s a bit different that what I would normally pick up, but I did still enjoy it. The book explores Barb’s journey as an online creator whose focus is her hair, how she grows her following through brand deals and being taken on by a management company, and how this all comes crashing down when she begins to lose her hair to alopecia. I do wish that her journey with alopecia was explored a bit more as I feel this had real potential, as well as some more insight into her aunt and her family as I felt this was a bit rushed at the end. The ending is kind of predictable but it still finishes off the book really nicely in a full circle moment so I’m not mad about it. I would say though that it being marketed as a modern retelling of rapunzel is quite a stretch.
Overall, it was a nice, quick read that I’d recommend to anyone after a commentary on social media or some alopecia rep!

hannahrox23's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

maireador20's review

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3.0

This quick, easy, YA read was enjoyable but a bit predictable for me. Examining the world of social media influencers and the pressure on young people to fit into that world where image/brand is everything the book's underlying message is that it is better to be honest and find happiness as your true self than to maintain a curated persona designed to gain followers online. I think many younger teens will really relate to this and I could see this book being used to prompt discussions in a senior primary/early secondary classroom about the reality behind the curated social media platforms they swipe through every day.
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and Hachette Children's Group for the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

mollykxo's review

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4.0

3.5 stars.

‘Let Down Your Hair’ tells the story of sixteen year old Barb, known to thousands as @letdownyourhair, an emerging influencer whose platform is entirely based on her hair… until it starts falling out.

~

It was simply written and a quick, cohesive read. The author offers fascinating insights into influencer culture - how easily false friendships and narratives can be created for the sake of engagement, how those around you appear like vultures. As said, it’s a relatively simple, easy read - it’s not the most stunning writing I’ve read even within the YA genre, but it has a genuinely lovely message and some vital representation. There is a character with alopecia (and her journey with it is explored with, what I would perceive as, the appropriate amount of love and sensitivity), one who is blind - issues such as addiction and parental abandonment are additionally tackled.

This book is a modern, coming-of-age / self acceptance tale, placing a realistic spotlight on the industry which seems so lovely from the outside.

Thank you to Hachette for the ARC in exchange for an honest / unbiased review :)

xo

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