Reviews

The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe

jessicalouise25's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 Stars/4 Stars
Firstly I love the cover however that really doesn’t mean anything for what is inside of the book which although I found relatively enjoyable was also slightly lacking. I understand that when a book is written in verse the depth of a story if often compromised however I felt like there could have been more in the way of character developments throughout the story.

Due to the structure of the story I read this very quickly however it is quite a slow paced book and not all that much actually happens. That is fine because I still felt like I got something from the message delivered throughout the book however I didn’t feel the emotional connection I would have liked with the story or the characters.

I was worried about how the story may conclude thinking that it may be rushed which it was slightly but overall I was satisfied with the ending as I felt it was a nice conclusion to the story.

Also I really don’t think the description describes the book all that well as it promises more of a rebellion and a change in Daisy than is actually seen in the book. There was definitely a lack of depth in her relationship with Dave and very few interactions with Cal which isn’t what I was expecting from the synopsis. I did like her relationship with Dave although I wanted to become more invested in it that I could due to the limitations of this writing style.

The writing is some parts is quite beautiful and poetic although I did wish for a deeper connection between myself and the characters, which I felt could have been achieved whilst staying true to the style of writing used.

Overall I did enjoy this book although it isn’t particularly enthralling or exciting, it’s a quick read with a lovely message and a very pretty cover. I do love books written in verse and this is quite a good one which I'm glad I read and did really enjoy.

khairun_atika's review against another edition

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3.0

This book is sheer poetry. It is a careful, sensitive exploration of the selfless Daisy Meehan, who does not hang out much. She is the hardworking student, the filial daughter, the prodigal musician. Yet Daisy finds it hard to deal with her autistic brother, who is becoming a danger to himself and her family, and she questions whether she does what she does out of duty or love. Daisy is so used to having to sacrifice, that she finds it hard to imagine or live a life without sacrificing. I find Daisy an endearing character, as she tries to navigate the daily life of a teenager as a third parent. Kehoe had written the entire book in poetry form, which makes the flow all the more raw and beautiful. An amazing read :)

blakehalsey's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is a pure and beautiful story. I have a lot of experience with autism and Daisy's story really broke my heart and lifted it all at once. There were no shocking twists and turns in this book, no scandals, but that's part of what made it so wonderful. The easy, lilting narrative verse added to the overall feel of stopping and starting and figuring things out. It felt a lot like life. Beautiful!

sc104906's review against another edition

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3.0

Daisy is the perfect child with perfect grades, who plays her trumpet perfectly. Daisy's brother, Stephen, is a 13 and has autism. The changes that are occurring with his body has forced Daisy's family to make changes. In reaction to these changes, Daisy begins to make noise and speak up for her wants and needs.

I liked this book, but I could never tell if this was an accurate portrayal of someone who is going through Daisy's life experiences. I am hesitant to completely love this novel because I don't know how well the author knows about her subject matter. I am going to research it. However, I believe that the experiences discussed did bring up valid points. The character interactions weren't well developed and seemed unrealistic, but it could be a reflection of characteristics of autism and the effects its presence has on people impacted by it.

clmzta83's review against another edition

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4.0

This one has been on my shelf for quite some time now and I wish I'd read it sooner! It was so heartbreaking but yet hopeful and beautiful all at the same time!

tarnkaur99's review against another edition

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1.0

The book would have been much better if it wasn't in verses.

jhahn's review against another edition

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3.0

This book is written in verse so a very quick read. It was an interesting take on the perceptions of a sibling of a child with severe autism. Difficult decisions.

sngick's review against another edition

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4.0

Achingly heart breaking and realistic. I have always gravitated towards books with autistic characters because of my teaching experiences. This book showed a very different side of life for caregivers and siblings of a family member with severe disabilities. The verse novel format seemed more sense than others I've read and encompassed the story well.

hazelstaybookish's review against another edition

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3.0

The writing and the story was lovely- heartbreaking and hopeful towards the end. The depiction of an autism family was well-done, insightful for those who are in the dark about the dynamics of such a family, but I didn't really get the MC's actions. I empathized with her feelings of confusion whether to feel guilty or relieved that her growing violent special child younger brother was being sent away but didn't understand why she felt inclined to 'rebel' against her parents. I liked the incorporation of music though- Daisy being in a jazz concert band kind of reminded me of Lennie from The Sky Is Everywhere. Also, liked how Daisy and Dave's relationship turns out although I didn't think the gothh makeover in the middle was necessary. I think The Sound of Letting Go is a satisfactory verse novel, if only a little short of a certain intensity that could really move the reader. Still, it's a good read.