ld277's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a digital copy of this book for an honest review*
*Thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books*
Dreaming of Antigone is a story about a girl named Andria, who is dealing with her twin-sister's death. Andria is one of those main characters who just manages to pull you in with the first page. She is sarcastic, she is funny, she is sad and lonely, and you can't help but feel connected to her. All of the characters are dealing with things some way or another, but Bridges manages to not leave any loose strings, creating well rounded characters you simply have to like (except that one character. f*** that one. (read the book and you'll understand)).
read the full review and others on my blog ----> http://pagesoverpages.blogspot.co.at/2016/03/review-dreaming-of-antigone.html
*Thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books*
Dreaming of Antigone is a story about a girl named Andria, who is dealing with her twin-sister's death. Andria is one of those main characters who just manages to pull you in with the first page. She is sarcastic, she is funny, she is sad and lonely, and you can't help but feel connected to her. All of the characters are dealing with things some way or another, but Bridges manages to not leave any loose strings, creating well rounded characters you simply have to like (except that one character. f*** that one. (read the book and you'll understand)).
read the full review and others on my blog ----> http://pagesoverpages.blogspot.co.at/2016/03/review-dreaming-of-antigone.html
ps_a22's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was beautiful. So many tragic things happened throughout but it was so nice seeing the hope blossom in rare glimpses. The romance was beautiful and so heart-warming. There is a certain appeal to people who find a grain of happiness in a sea of misery. A very nice read.
natalie_bklvr's review against another edition
5.0
Dreaming of Antigone is a easy and fast read and I really liked it even if the Lovestory between Andria and Alex was predictably. What I liked the most was the peotry part of the story because I really like poetry and that you can build up a connection through it. First you think Iris takes drugs because she stands in the shadow of Andria because she is ill and needs more attention but no then comes the plot twist and you find out about the real reason. All in all a pretty good story.
skywalkerem's review against another edition
1.0
Dnf. Can’t finish this.
Content warning for drugs/alcohol, overdose, suicide, pedophilia/sexual abuse, dog getting sick (if the dog dies, idk, that’s as far as I got.)
Edit: I finally went back and finished it. Did not get any better.
Content warning for drugs/alcohol, overdose, suicide, pedophilia/sexual abuse, dog getting sick (if the dog dies, idk, that’s as far as I got.)
Edit: I finally went back and finished it. Did not get any better.
illbefinealone's review against another edition
3.0
Copy received through NetGalley
First off, let me say that this book is well written. The style is great, and the voice Mrs. Bridges uses is lovely. And the subject of this book is so important...
I just feel that it could've been executed better; that the issues this books talks about weren't addressed correctly. At the same time, I am a bit disappointed by the characters' portrayal, some moments seemed forced, and very unjustified.
It feels like far too much subject and plot in so little pages, and I wish it was expanded.
First off, let me say that this book is well written. The style is great, and the voice Mrs. Bridges uses is lovely. And the subject of this book is so important...
I just feel that it could've been executed better; that the issues this books talks about weren't addressed correctly. At the same time, I am a bit disappointed by the characters' portrayal, some moments seemed forced, and very unjustified.
It feels like far too much subject and plot in so little pages, and I wish it was expanded.
wordsofclover's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? No
3.0
Andria is struggling to deal with her twin sister's death by overdose, while also counting down the days she can take her driving test which is an even bigger deal than normal due to Andria's epilepsy and doctor's orders she needs to be 6 months seizure free. As pressure piles up and even worse things come to light in connection to Andria's family and Iris's death, a boy from Iris's past comes back into Andria's life and she can't help having feelings for him.
This is a very typical YA book with a lot of angst and drama from boy troubles, over protective parents and what to do after school finishes decisions. But there are also a lot of serious topics covered in this book, some of which really surprised me from sucide, drug use and overdosing as well as sexual assault and child molestation. Plus we see experiences of living with a chroncic and often debilitating illness from Andria as well.
The writing in this was decent though I think there are part of the storylines that I'm just too old to really resonate with now. I felt some of the story was a bit of a shock at how hard it was considering it was a YA - from Iris's drug use being heroin (I don't know but I find a 16-year-old shooting up heroin a bit too hardcore to be believable - and for it not to be noticeable by the parents either), and then the rather shocking turn of events with the stepfather which I really did not see coming. I would have liked to have seen Andria finally go to proper counselling after everything particularly because the only thing we do hear about it is how Andria's mom is against counselling and airing out your issues which is not very healthy.
The romance was fine, and even sweet at times especially with the poetry - but I always find it a bit weird in books when characters go out with their dead sibling's boyfriends/girlfriends. It will never not have a bit of an ick factor to it.
This is a very typical YA book with a lot of angst and drama from boy troubles, over protective parents and what to do after school finishes decisions. But there are also a lot of serious topics covered in this book, some of which really surprised me from sucide, drug use and overdosing as well as sexual assault and child molestation. Plus we see experiences of living with a chroncic and often debilitating illness from Andria as well.
The writing in this was decent though I think there are part of the storylines that I'm just too old to really resonate with now. I felt some of the story was a bit of a shock at how hard it was considering it was a YA - from Iris's drug use being heroin (I don't know but I find a 16-year-old shooting up heroin a bit too hardcore to be believable - and for it not to be noticeable by the parents either), and then the rather shocking turn of events with the stepfather which I really did not see coming. I would have liked to have seen Andria finally go to proper counselling after everything particularly because the only thing we do hear about it is how Andria's mom is against counselling and airing out your issues which is not very healthy.
The romance was fine, and even sweet at times especially with the poetry - but I always find it a bit weird in books when characters go out with their dead sibling's boyfriends/girlfriends. It will never not have a bit of an ick factor to it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Drug abuse
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, and Suicide
kspear22's review against another edition
4.0
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
Dreaming of Antigone focuses on so many issues - drug addiction, illness, sexual assault and abuse - that it honestly shouldn't have worked.
But it did.
It should have been a cluttered mess of stereotypical problems and causes.
But it wasn't.
Robin Bridges created a realistic look at troubled teens, the whys, and how to cope. I was blown away by how much it made me feel. This isn't an easy story to read. At times, I'm positive people will feel uncomfortable with aspects of Andria's life --- but life isn't always unicorns and rainbows. Sometimes people get the short end of the stick. I'd say this is one of those cases.
There is definitely angst in Dreaming of Antigone. Angst as you wonder when she will seize (because you just KNOW it's coming). Angst as you await Alex's relapse (again, you are positive it's coming). Angst at every interaction they have, because you want them to find happiness and light together.
I was on the fence about her 'friends.' Natalie seemed okay most times, but Trista left much to be desired. While I understand making jokes and teasing friends, often I felt they went too far or were slightly cruel and thoughtless. But then I suppose one can't dwell too long in the past. I guess I just thought Andria deserved better considering what she was dealing with. And it was A LOT.
There are a few pieces of the book that reminded me of others I've read in the past - the poetry exchanges on the desk, the abuse leading to suicide, etc. The first was one of my favorite things, and the latter made complete sense.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The only reason I took away one star from the rating was how things ended so abruptly. I think I'd have liked a little more for Alex and Andria. With all they had gone through, I felt they deserved more. As did we. I know that it feels as though they're together, but I was shocked at all the unknowns. Would Andria and her mother really move? Was Craig going to jail? Would Andria keep her friends? Would she ever get her license? WOULD ANDRIA AND ALEX STAY TOGETHER?
Dreaming of Antigone is a brilliant and emotional look at the imperfections of teenage life. Not everyone lives a charmed life, and this is just a small sampling of that truth.
Dreaming of Antigone focuses on so many issues - drug addiction, illness, sexual assault and abuse - that it honestly shouldn't have worked.
But it did.
It should have been a cluttered mess of stereotypical problems and causes.
But it wasn't.
Robin Bridges created a realistic look at troubled teens, the whys, and how to cope. I was blown away by how much it made me feel. This isn't an easy story to read. At times, I'm positive people will feel uncomfortable with aspects of Andria's life --- but life isn't always unicorns and rainbows. Sometimes people get the short end of the stick. I'd say this is one of those cases.
There is definitely angst in Dreaming of Antigone. Angst as you wonder when she will seize (because you just KNOW it's coming). Angst as you await Alex's relapse (again, you are positive it's coming). Angst at every interaction they have, because you want them to find happiness and light together.
I was on the fence about her 'friends.' Natalie seemed okay most times, but Trista left much to be desired. While I understand making jokes and teasing friends, often I felt they went too far or were slightly cruel and thoughtless. But then I suppose one can't dwell too long in the past. I guess I just thought Andria deserved better considering what she was dealing with. And it was A LOT.
There are a few pieces of the book that reminded me of others I've read in the past - the poetry exchanges on the desk, the abuse leading to suicide, etc. The first was one of my favorite things, and the latter made complete sense.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The only reason I took away one star from the rating was how things ended so abruptly. I think I'd have liked a little more for Alex and Andria. With all they had gone through, I felt they deserved more. As did we. I know that it feels as though they're together, but I was shocked at all the unknowns. Would Andria and her mother really move? Was Craig going to jail? Would Andria keep her friends? Would she ever get her license? WOULD ANDRIA AND ALEX STAY TOGETHER?
Dreaming of Antigone is a brilliant and emotional look at the imperfections of teenage life. Not everyone lives a charmed life, and this is just a small sampling of that truth.
aprilk's review against another edition
4.0
Dreaming of Antigone is a powerful and emotion driven read. It touches on some very serious and heavy issues, yet also has the promises of love and forgiveness.
Andria is still mourning her twin sister, Iris's death, and also trying to make her friends realize she can't be a replacement for her sister. While also simultaneously and unwittingly falling in love with the boy her sister was dating. What?!! Yep, you read that right. The budding romance between them adds a bit of that forbidden love aspect that I LOVE. But they also have this amazing chemistry and deep understanding of not only each other but also what they both are going through after losing Iris. Both of which sort of blame themselves. Ultimately they find out more about what happened to Iris and the dark reasoning behind it and just let me say - Wow! I did not see that coming.
So to summarize: forbidden love - check
teen angst - check
heart wrenching discoveries - check
great read that will leave you thinking - double check
** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. **
snchard's review against another edition
3.0
The story was compelling, but I can't say I really enjoyed reading it. The whole thing was sort of low-key sinister. I feel like the supporting characters could have benefitted from some more depth, but Andria was decently written and oddly likable.
xokristim's review against another edition
5.0
(Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley, I received an ebook copy of this book for free to review.)
I need to start by saying the writing style of this book is truly stunning. The way the words flowed had me begging for more. It has been a while since I was absolutely in love with an author’s writing style, but now I found one.
This book deals with a lot of tough subjects, addiction, epilepsy, sexual abuse, death, grief, suicide and many more. Looking at all these topics written out makes me personally think the story should just not work, there is too much going on. Boy was I wrong, the author touched on each of the subjects with the knowledge and respect they deserve. You could tell either a lot of research was done or it was from personal experience. I commend the author for being brave enough to just go for it.
As for characters, I think they were all well detailed. Andria was portrayed in a way that I felt like she was one of my good friends, I was completely sucked into her life and I loved that. She was a pessimist for sure, but not to the point where I was getting annoyed with her. She lost her sister and was dealing with so many issues I feel the author could have easily over done it, but she didn’t. I think she did an amazing job with Andria as a whole.
Overall this book was just amazing. It’s a contemporary with less focus on the love more on tough subjects. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it with no doubts.
I need to start by saying the writing style of this book is truly stunning. The way the words flowed had me begging for more. It has been a while since I was absolutely in love with an author’s writing style, but now I found one.
This book deals with a lot of tough subjects, addiction, epilepsy, sexual abuse, death, grief, suicide and many more. Looking at all these topics written out makes me personally think the story should just not work, there is too much going on. Boy was I wrong, the author touched on each of the subjects with the knowledge and respect they deserve. You could tell either a lot of research was done or it was from personal experience. I commend the author for being brave enough to just go for it.
As for characters, I think they were all well detailed. Andria was portrayed in a way that I felt like she was one of my good friends, I was completely sucked into her life and I loved that. She was a pessimist for sure, but not to the point where I was getting annoyed with her. She lost her sister and was dealing with so many issues I feel the author could have easily over done it, but she didn’t. I think she did an amazing job with Andria as a whole.
Overall this book was just amazing. It’s a contemporary with less focus on the love more on tough subjects. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it with no doubts.