robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
Having never read a book from a synesthete character perspective, this provides a unique window into a different way of perceiving the world. Alas, I am a cranky OLD, so I wasn't enamoured of the obligatory middle grade book requirements: early teen figuring out how changing relationships with friends and family and responsibility of school work can be balanced with new priorities/self-interest, finding out which boy is a jerk and which isn't.
Themes of dealing with loss, figuring out how your struggles can also be a point of commonality, something you can share, and even a way to help others, through grief, through isolation, felt more widely applicable across age groups.
As this book was written 20 years ago, with input from, but not by a synesthete, I am aware it may differ in reception by own voices. Some of the 'what's wrong with our daughter?' and 'it's okay she's normal' language reads like ableism from a modern viewpoint.
⚠️Animal death, ableism
Themes of dealing with loss, figuring out how your struggles can also be a point of commonality, something you can share, and even a way to help others, through grief, through isolation, felt more widely applicable across age groups.
As this book was written 20 years ago, with input from, but not by a synesthete, I am aware it may differ in reception by own voices. Some of the 'what's wrong with our daughter?' and 'it's okay she's normal' language reads like ableism from a modern viewpoint.
⚠️Animal death, ableism
lindseygrant's review against another edition
4.0
A girl with synthesia, must face the colors. She must also face the challenges that come. (I would learn more about the topic after reading the book)
mogar_pogar's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
salmaa's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
great great great! i'm not sure if it presented synesthesia in an accurate way but i much more enjoyed the relationships and general colorful-ness in this book
also the ending was very wholesome
great great great! i'm not sure if it presented synesthesia in an accurate way but i much more enjoyed the relationships and general colorful-ness in this book
also the ending was very wholesome
thatchickengirl23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Bullying
tippettreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jtlars7's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-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? It's complicated
3.75
augustar14's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is the second or third time I've read this book. Wendy Mass does a really great job. The upturn after the major drama of the story did feel a little sudden this time around, especially listening to the audiobook. But overall, well written, gives very accessible information and life to synesthesia and grief.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Grief
Minor: Slavery, Death, Cancer, Bullying, Vomit, and Death of parent
alittlediamond's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
I upgraded my rating because of the cat. I did enjoy learning about seeing words and numbers in color.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those books where the author's concern with a Key Issue seems to overshadow his/her attention to the story. This is quite disappointing because synesthesia is such an interesting condition in itself that it doesn't have to be dissected to such an extent. For most of the book, Mia is highly unlikeable as she attempts to find out more about her condition and how to accentuate its positive effects, all the while neglecting her family and pet cat Mango.
That said, the book is also fascinating because of how it discusses the flipside of synesthesia - the trouble it creates in the Maths classroom, the exoticisation of the person with that condition by her peers.
I would still recommend this book to young readers, but those above the age of 14 may find Mia's self-centredness a little grating.
Spoiler
At one point, she even makes use of a boy who likes her in order to have access to an acupuncturist!That said, the book is also fascinating because of how it discusses the flipside of synesthesia - the trouble it creates in the Maths classroom, the exoticisation of the person with that condition by her peers.
I would still recommend this book to young readers, but those above the age of 14 may find Mia's self-centredness a little grating.