belle_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Akemi Dawn Bowman does it again!! My heart and my head are so full right now! She is truly one of the best YA contemporary authors <3
More thoughts to come.
Akemi Dawn Bowman does it again!! My heart and my head are so full right now! She is truly one of the best YA contemporary authors <3
More thoughts to come.
sophie5927's review against another edition
5.0
I was so excited that my library had such a new release, especially because they didn't have [b:Starfish|29456598|Starfish|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485256458l/29456598._SY75_.jpg|49731957] or [b:Summer Bird Blue|35716237|Summer Bird Blue|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516638251l/35716237._SY75_.jpg|57219113]. I absolutely loved this, I was so happy not to have been let down by it.
Just like when I read [b:Starfish|29456598|Starfish|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485256458l/29456598._SY75_.jpg|49731957], I felt incredibly seen when I read this book. I have struggled with my identity as someone who is part Asian and part white, like the protagonists of [a:Akemi Dawn Bowman|15068129|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1584360966p2/15068129.jpg]'s books. I have wondered, especially a few years ago when I was in high school, what my child's racial experience might be depending on the race of the father, particularly if he was also mixed. I thought, back then, that it might eliminate some of the issues I have faced when feeling pulled between two or three aspects of my identity, as the pull from each part would be weaker on my child. I never considered that it might have the opposite effect and create a feeling of alienation from any part of their culture, like what Harley experienced. I have never expected to see this explored in a book, so I was pleasantly surprised when it was addressed in this one.
I also strongly related to the undiagnosed mental illness aspect of this book, like feeling that I don't have a "right" to it because it doesn't have a label. I also don't feel like I can discuss it openly with my family, as I have heard them say stuff like "everyone has something, so none of it means anything" and "what do they have to be depressed about" in regards to some of my friends.
Harley was such an imperfect character, and witnessing her mood shifts and seeing her make decisions I could personally never make was very interesting and enjoyable to read about. She wasn't a very likeable character at the beginning of the book in my opinion but she grew in strength and in character throughout the story so I respected and liked her a lot more at the end. I also really loved the love interest, and I always appreciate how [a:Akemi Dawn Bowman|15068129|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1584360966p2/15068129.jpg] is able to include great romance in her books without making them romance novels, at least in my opinion.
There were a couple of things that I wasn't very fond of. First, everything wrapped up a little too nicely in the end, and although I am a fan of closure, it was a bit too "happily ever after" for me. I also feel like we were missing a huge aspect of Harley's life, as her circumstances before this story takes place were never really addressed. Sure, we get a few pages about her friendship with Chloe, but not much on why they're friends, or any other friends outside of her parents' circus. I think some more fleshed out backstory, for example a bit of insight on her high school experience, could've helped to back up why she felt that college wasn't the right option for her. Otherwise, I enjoyed the tidbits of her life that are sprinkled in through conversation, I just think some details could've been fleshed out better.
Finally, one of my absolute favourite things to read about is circuses. I'm not entirely sure why, but I love every book I read that is set in a circus (that being said, please recommend me some circus books below :)) and this did not disappoint. It was so atmospheric and I loved the setting, and one of my favourite images from this book was when Vas brought Harley to the lighthouse to show her the circus from afar.
Just like when I read [b:Starfish|29456598|Starfish|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485256458l/29456598._SY75_.jpg|49731957], I felt incredibly seen when I read this book. I have struggled with my identity as someone who is part Asian and part white, like the protagonists of [a:Akemi Dawn Bowman|15068129|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1584360966p2/15068129.jpg]'s books. I have wondered, especially a few years ago when I was in high school, what my child's racial experience might be depending on the race of the father, particularly if he was also mixed. I thought, back then, that it might eliminate some of the issues I have faced when feeling pulled between two or three aspects of my identity, as the pull from each part would be weaker on my child. I never considered that it might have the opposite effect and create a feeling of alienation from any part of their culture, like what Harley experienced. I have never expected to see this explored in a book, so I was pleasantly surprised when it was addressed in this one.
I also strongly related to the undiagnosed mental illness aspect of this book, like feeling that I don't have a "right" to it because it doesn't have a label. I also don't feel like I can discuss it openly with my family, as I have heard them say stuff like "everyone has something, so none of it means anything" and "what do they have to be depressed about" in regards to some of my friends.
Harley was such an imperfect character, and witnessing her mood shifts and seeing her make decisions I could personally never make was very interesting and enjoyable to read about. She wasn't a very likeable character at the beginning of the book in my opinion but she grew in strength and in character throughout the story so I respected and liked her a lot more at the end. I also really loved the love interest, and I always appreciate how [a:Akemi Dawn Bowman|15068129|Akemi Dawn Bowman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1584360966p2/15068129.jpg] is able to include great romance in her books without making them romance novels, at least in my opinion.
There were a couple of things that I wasn't very fond of. First, everything wrapped up a little too nicely in the end, and although I am a fan of closure, it was a bit too "happily ever after" for me. I also feel like we were missing a huge aspect of Harley's life, as her circumstances before this story takes place were never really addressed. Sure, we get a few pages about her friendship with Chloe, but not much on why they're friends, or any other friends outside of her parents' circus. I think some more fleshed out backstory, for example a bit of insight on her high school experience, could've helped to back up why she felt that college wasn't the right option for her. Otherwise, I enjoyed the tidbits of her life that are sprinkled in through conversation, I just think some details could've been fleshed out better.
Finally, one of my absolute favourite things to read about is circuses. I'm not entirely sure why, but I love every book I read that is set in a circus (that being said, please recommend me some circus books below :)) and this did not disappoint. It was so atmospheric and I loved the setting, and one of my favourite images from this book was when Vas brought Harley to the lighthouse to show her the circus from afar.
myleejmiller's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Harley in The Sky was the second book I read this year, but it did not come in second place. The storyline kept me reading for hours on end. The characters were diverse and unique, always adapting and growing and shining brightly through the novel. The settings were well-described, visionary, and easy to remember. Everything connected so easily to each other that it felt less like reading a book and more like watching a motion picture. The only reason this book is four stars, for me, is because of the information dump chapter near the beginning of the novel. That portion of the story felt as though the author wanted to self-insert and make a point, rather than showcase the character's emotions through internal dialogue. However, the novel was well worth the read!
rebeccalovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing book!
There is no way I can do it justice in a review but I will try in the hopes that other will want to read it as well.
The story begins by introducing Harley and her parents who own a circus. As other characters join in, the author starts to really explore Harleys Mental Health. I’ve never read prose that describes depression in such an understandable and relatable manner.
As the story progresses, we are voyuers as Harley begins to figure out who she really is as a person. The friends she meets along the way and the foes that challenge her only add to the narrative.
I cannot stop gushing about how beautiful this book is and what a joy it was to read!
There is no way I can do it justice in a review but I will try in the hopes that other will want to read it as well.
The story begins by introducing Harley and her parents who own a circus. As other characters join in, the author starts to really explore Harleys Mental Health. I’ve never read prose that describes depression in such an understandable and relatable manner.
As the story progresses, we are voyuers as Harley begins to figure out who she really is as a person. The friends she meets along the way and the foes that challenge her only add to the narrative.
I cannot stop gushing about how beautiful this book is and what a joy it was to read!
blondeeishere's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book!!!! And totally connected with the main character!!! I felt her happiness. I felt her pain. Love love love. 5 STARS +
megs_s's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
The second [b:circus|43809328|Trapeze|Leigh Ansell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549068100l/43809328._SY75_.jpg|39933767] book I've read in as many months. In both books, the heroines have grown up around the circus, but in Harley in the Sky, the bulk of the plot takes place in circus life.
But for all that Harley has grown up around the circus, she's not grown up performing, and her parents don't want her involved in the circus. Instead she ends up with a travelling circus that is, from the very beginning (seriously, not a spoiler) described as having wildly unethical practices. It's Harley who tells us this first, but it's also Harley who leaps eyes wide open into that cesspit (and then is surprised and upset when she's mistreated).
And that's...hard to take at times. She's so willing to screw over not only her parents but her entirely community, and while later in the book she decides that what she did is unforgivable, it feels pretty surface (not to mention utterly devoid of consequences). I couldn't help but think that it would have been much more complex if Harley hadn't known at first what Maison du Mystère's practices were—or, better, if she'd had to make ethical choices more than once, and faced ethical quandaries that she didn't bring back to her own options and opportunities. It's painful to see her whine to her parents and friends that said parents didn't give her a choice, that her only options were to do what her parents wanted (go to college) or screw them over. What about the many many middle-ground options? What about other circuses that aren't described as terrible places? What about asking her parents why they are so anti-circus when they literally own a circus? How has this never come up before? Everything else, including the maybe-bipolar disorder or maybe-depression (to some extent discussed, but not fully and not named) feels like window dressing on top of this.
But for all that Harley has grown up around the circus, she's not grown up performing, and her parents don't want her involved in the circus. Instead she ends up with a travelling circus that is, from the very beginning (seriously, not a spoiler) described as having wildly unethical practices. It's Harley who tells us this first, but it's also Harley who leaps eyes wide open into that cesspit (and then is surprised and upset when she's mistreated).
And that's...hard to take at times. She's so willing to screw over not only her parents but her entirely community, and while later in the book she decides that what she did is unforgivable, it feels pretty surface (not to mention utterly devoid of consequences). I couldn't help but think that it would have been much more complex if Harley hadn't known at first what Maison du Mystère's practices were—or, better, if she'd had to make ethical choices more than once, and faced ethical quandaries that she didn't bring back to her own options and opportunities. It's painful to see her whine to her parents and friends that said parents didn't give her a choice, that her only options were to do what her parents wanted (go to college) or screw them over. What about the many many middle-ground options? What about other circuses that aren't described as terrible places? What about asking her parents why they are so anti-circus when they literally own a circus? How has this never come up before? Everything else, including the maybe-bipolar disorder or maybe-depression (to some extent discussed, but not fully and not named) feels like window dressing on top of this.
danyalvy's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite movies is The Greatest Showman, so when I read the description of this book, I knew I had to give it a shot. The flow of the writing is smooth and easy to read. The story deals with finding oneself, love, betrayal, family, friendship, and most importantly, mental illness. It made me angry, it made me cry, it made me smile, it made me Feel. I was wrapped up in this story and Harley’s fight to prove herself.
*SPOILERS*
I loved the relationship between her and Vas, and really enjoyed following her on a journey of understanding herself and her mental illness. I do admit, before I was aware she was dealing with bipolar disorder (it does bother me a bit that the author never straight out said the name of it), I thought she was a bit whiny, destructive, and trying too hard to make everyone like her. When I understood where she was coming from though, her character changed for me, and I saw the ups and downs of dealing with this disorder and how difficult it is. The only thing that really annoyed me, and this was minor, was how hard she tried to fit pop culture references into the story. Overall, I didn’t want this book to end!
*SPOILERS*
I loved the relationship between her and Vas, and really enjoyed following her on a journey of understanding herself and her mental illness. I do admit, before I was aware she was dealing with bipolar disorder (it does bother me a bit that the author never straight out said the name of it), I thought she was a bit whiny, destructive, and trying too hard to make everyone like her. When I understood where she was coming from though, her character changed for me, and I saw the ups and downs of dealing with this disorder and how difficult it is. The only thing that really annoyed me, and this was minor, was how hard she tried to fit pop culture references into the story. Overall, I didn’t want this book to end!
kirstyreadsblog's review against another edition
4.0
Content warnings: Depression, heart attack, suicide ideation
I’m a huge fan of Akemi Dawn Bowman after loving her first 2 books, and Harley in the Sky was no different.
I love Bowman’s attention to mental health. It was a bit more subtle in Harley in the Sky than it was in her previous novels, however, it was still pretty prevalent. Harley’s mental health problem isn’t defined but I liked that as it meant that a reader can take comfort from it regardless of their own mental health status.
Harley also struggles a lot with her identity. She is Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and American and never really feels at home in any of these identities. I think a lot of bi-/multiracial readers and diaspora readers could take a lot from this story.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.com/2020/03/09/harley-in-the-sky-by-akemi-dawn-bowman-blog-tour-review/
I’m a huge fan of Akemi Dawn Bowman after loving her first 2 books, and Harley in the Sky was no different.
I love Bowman’s attention to mental health. It was a bit more subtle in Harley in the Sky than it was in her previous novels, however, it was still pretty prevalent. Harley’s mental health problem isn’t defined but I liked that as it meant that a reader can take comfort from it regardless of their own mental health status.
Harley also struggles a lot with her identity. She is Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and American and never really feels at home in any of these identities. I think a lot of bi-/multiracial readers and diaspora readers could take a lot from this story.
Continue my review here: https://kirstyreadsblog.com/2020/03/09/harley-in-the-sky-by-akemi-dawn-bowman-blog-tour-review/
rorygilmore's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5