Scan barcode
monicadery's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I am surprised at how much I liked it. It got more serious as it went on but it wasn’t out of place or forced. I definitely recommend this story if you’re looking for a gossip girl-esque kind of drama. It young adult but definitely on the more mature side.
kayco's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good! Goes back and forth between the perspectives of the 2 main characters and has such a good message about communication and justice
deschatjes's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. This book packs quite a few punches. Even more so when you read the author's note at the end - in fact start with the author's note.
I have experience with "Parachutes" in Singapore, and their lives may appear free and untethered by parental issues, but the truth is anything but. There's that thing about what happens to young elephants when the adults have been killed for their tusks, and that's what happens here.
My students and I loved Front Desk, and this first foray into YA shows the versatility of Kelly Yang to authentically write across age groups and not be put into a pigeon-hole.
The worst part of this novel is just how true it rings. We all know people (or are people) who have experienced the self-same issues - with coaches, teachers, adults; with hot and cold relationships that turn sour. Where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't bring things out into the light. And where money can paper over the cracks of all kinds of evil.
Review based on draft copy provided by Edelweiss.
I have experience with "Parachutes" in Singapore, and their lives may appear free and untethered by parental issues, but the truth is anything but. There's that thing about what happens to young elephants when the adults have been killed for their tusks, and that's what happens here.
My students and I loved Front Desk, and this first foray into YA shows the versatility of Kelly Yang to authentically write across age groups and not be put into a pigeon-hole.
The worst part of this novel is just how true it rings. We all know people (or are people) who have experienced the self-same issues - with coaches, teachers, adults; with hot and cold relationships that turn sour. Where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't bring things out into the light. And where money can paper over the cracks of all kinds of evil.
Review based on draft copy provided by Edelweiss.
jayarna's review against another edition
5.0
TW: rape and sexual assualt.
Rarely do I enjoy contemporary this much, simply because I find them to usually be very similar to one another, and often I find them shallow. I prefer books that delve deep into topics, and this did that for me.
This follows two girls - Dani and Claire, who are existing in the same world but coming from two different backgrounds. This makes for two very different perspectives and it was really enjoyable to see them both navigate different areas in this world, both of them experiencing similar things.
I did find Dani's perspective less engaging than Claire's - this book was quite long for a contemporary and while Claire's benefitted from this length I think Dani's suffered a little.
However i think the book is written well, and does what it sets out to do. Be careful of the TW's in the beginning of the book, this one is a heavy one.
I would highly recommend this book - and definitely read the author's note at the end.
Rarely do I enjoy contemporary this much, simply because I find them to usually be very similar to one another, and often I find them shallow. I prefer books that delve deep into topics, and this did that for me.
This follows two girls - Dani and Claire, who are existing in the same world but coming from two different backgrounds. This makes for two very different perspectives and it was really enjoyable to see them both navigate different areas in this world, both of them experiencing similar things.
I did find Dani's perspective less engaging than Claire's - this book was quite long for a contemporary and while Claire's benefitted from this length I think Dani's suffered a little.
However i think the book is written well, and does what it sets out to do. Be careful of the TW's in the beginning of the book, this one is a heavy one.
I would highly recommend this book - and definitely read the author's note at the end.
thisstoryaintover's review against another edition
freaking incredible. this book had such incredibly flawed characters trying their best at every turn. another book with an author's note at the end that begs to be read—knowing the author's inspiration behind this story made it all the more meaningful. i felt so much for Claire and Dani and for girls like them in the world, and i hope more people will pick up this book. CW: rape, sexual assault
_xsngo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
allison_sirovy's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent must-read about sexual harassment and sexual assault. This book is a true YA book, and I’d only recommend for very mature 8th graders and up.