babygotpaperback's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
hmonkeyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I'm torn between 4 and 5 stars.
I loved this story - I fell in love with the voice right away and enjoyed the story despite its sadness.
The reason I don't want to hand out 5 stars is because I had some trouble wrapping my head around Greta and really understanding the origins of the June/Finn relationship but I think details and facts matter less than the feelings and the feelings are clear and strong.
Can't wait to see what this author will come up with next.
I loved this story - I fell in love with the voice right away and enjoyed the story despite its sadness.
The reason I don't want to hand out 5 stars is because I had some trouble wrapping my head around Greta and really understanding the origins of the June/Finn relationship but I think details and facts matter less than the feelings and the feelings are clear and strong.
Can't wait to see what this author will come up with next.
marenkae's review against another edition
3.0
probably 3.5. I have such warring feelings about this book.
jogojam's review against another edition
5.0
heartbreaking but so tender and beautiful . One of my favorites for the year
denisejohanna90's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
drkew's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel with its focus on love (between siblings, an uncle & niece, a same-sex couple, and finally between two friends) and art as well as its handling of death. Every time I thought I might know where the novel was headed, Brunt proved me wrong and did so with a pacing that didn't irritate me.
kelliexdeath's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up because a friend mentioned that she recently read and liked it, and I liked the cover art. I didn’t know anything about it when I bought it, but I guess after reading it I would describe it as historical fiction, because the main plot is about how society was treating the subject of AIDS in the 1980s. It’s about a 14 year-old girl’s connection to AIDS when her uncle dies from it, and how differently she and her family react.
I enjoyed the book in that I read it in a few sittings, but sometimes I couldn’t get in to the main character, June. At times she seemed like an innocent early-teen because she had been in love with her uncle, and she’s an outcast that talks to herself in the woods and has an obsession with medieval times. Then there’s moments where she’s drinking and smoking and taking trips downtown by herself or with a stranger, essentially, and I couldn’t make up my mind about her.
I liked how art and music were described throughout the book, and that might have been what kept me reading because it was pretty. I’d definitely read something else by Brunt.
I enjoyed the book in that I read it in a few sittings, but sometimes I couldn’t get in to the main character, June. At times she seemed like an innocent early-teen because she had been in love with her uncle, and she’s an outcast that talks to herself in the woods and has an obsession with medieval times. Then there’s moments where she’s drinking and smoking and taking trips downtown by herself or with a stranger, essentially, and I couldn’t make up my mind about her.
I liked how art and music were described throughout the book, and that might have been what kept me reading because it was pretty. I’d definitely read something else by Brunt.
faith_the_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
This book was one of the most moving and touching books I've read in a while maybe even ever. I don't think I've ever read a book where I sympathize with every single character. Brunt manages to make you empathize with every single character. Not only do you feel sorry for June when her uncle dies or when she gets teased by her sister but you also feel her sadness, her loneliness, her confusion. Yet you also empathize with June's sister Greta when she teases June or June's mother when she berates June. You don't agree with their actions but you understand them so well. Not many authors, even the great ones, can manage this feat. I think this is part of the what makes the book so realistic and so appealing. In real life, we all do things that are questionable or beneath us and we do it because of pain, sadness, and loneliness. We see all the characters, June included, engage in these types of acts.
Yet, they all have redeemable qualities as well. Ultimately, Brunt shows us their humanity in so many ways. Under Greta's mean streak is a hurt sister who only wants to reclaim the close relationship she had her baby sister. June and Greta's mother can be overbearing and possessive but we know that she loves both her daughters and her deceased. She often gives up her wants and desires for them. Even Finn, who seemed perfect at first glance, had flaws that revealed him to be just as human as his sister and his nieces. He loved his sister but didn't always value his relationship as much as he should.
The relationship between June and Toby is what allows Brunt to reveal everything else. Toby, in a way, acts as a foil. We learn about Finn's flaws, his sister's sacrifice, June's true feelings for her uncle and more from him. He is, perhaps, the most sympathetic and selfless character in the entire novel. Even his one "flaw" [spoilers removed] wasn't much of one. [spoilers removed]
The best thing about this novel is that through all the hurt and pain, everyone manages to ultimately do the most selfless acts in the name of love and compassion. Brunt manages to makes the reader feel hopeful because you know that in the end, all of these protagonists will take care of each other, no matter where they go or what they do.
Yet, they all have redeemable qualities as well. Ultimately, Brunt shows us their humanity in so many ways. Under Greta's mean streak is a hurt sister who only wants to reclaim the close relationship she had her baby sister. June and Greta's mother can be overbearing and possessive but we know that she loves both her daughters and her deceased. She often gives up her wants and desires for them. Even Finn, who seemed perfect at first glance, had flaws that revealed him to be just as human as his sister and his nieces. He loved his sister but didn't always value his relationship as much as he should.
The relationship between June and Toby is what allows Brunt to reveal everything else. Toby, in a way, acts as a foil. We learn about Finn's flaws, his sister's sacrifice, June's true feelings for her uncle and more from him. He is, perhaps, the most sympathetic and selfless character in the entire novel. Even his one "flaw" [spoilers removed] wasn't much of one. [spoilers removed]
The best thing about this novel is that through all the hurt and pain, everyone manages to ultimately do the most selfless acts in the name of love and compassion. Brunt manages to makes the reader feel hopeful because you know that in the end, all of these protagonists will take care of each other, no matter where they go or what they do.
knparks58's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable, easy to read. The sibling relationships and dealing with grief was moving and thought provoking. Also the stigma behind AIDs in the 80s. I don't think this will be a memorable book for me in years to come.