linesiunderline's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-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
This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. A quiet read that as you are reading, you might not expect to linger, but with so many layers that you find yourself realizing days after finishing that it had such a reality about it. The kind of book where you wonder, “What’s that character doing now?”
I suppose what I mean is this is a complex book by a talented writer. It would be difficult to sell to a kid in an elevator style pitch because it is all about the subtleties, and you wouldn’t want to overemphasize the mystery aspect because that would create the wrong expectations.
This is a book about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, navigating scary times, and perhaps most of all, about art as a way to process, communicate, and heal.
There are great friendships, many moments of humour, and some truly fine prose. Rebecca Stead blurbed it and I can see why. This book belongs in the hands of readers who love Stead’s stories. I hope for more from this author.
I suppose what I mean is this is a complex book by a talented writer. It would be difficult to sell to a kid in an elevator style pitch because it is all about the subtleties, and you wouldn’t want to overemphasize the mystery aspect because that would create the wrong expectations.
This is a book about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, navigating scary times, and perhaps most of all, about art as a way to process, communicate, and heal.
There are great friendships, many moments of humour, and some truly fine prose. Rebecca Stead blurbed it and I can see why. This book belongs in the hands of readers who love Stead’s stories. I hope for more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Chronic illness
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