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lara_bookish_turtle's review against another edition
4.0
Wow wow wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I state the obvious in saying that books tell a story, but dammnnnnnnnnn THIS BOOK TOLD A STORY!!!!!
The book was short but it packed so much into so few pages it was incredible!!
Although it's a short read, it's not really a light-hearted one and it gave all the feels and emotions!!
It just felt so real all the way through and the way that the characters were written really made you forget that they were fictional.
This book did come with quite a lot of feels and some heavy content, so I would recommend being prepared, but definitely worth a read!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
I state the obvious in saying that books tell a story, but dammnnnnnnnnn THIS BOOK TOLD A STORY!!!!!
The book was short but it packed so much into so few pages it was incredible!!
Although it's a short read, it's not really a light-hearted one and it gave all the feels and emotions!!
It just felt so real all the way through and the way that the characters were written really made you forget that they were fictional.
This book did come with quite a lot of feels and some heavy content, so I would recommend being prepared, but definitely worth a read!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
queenoflexis's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed @ Reviewed @ The Queen of Teen Fiction
THE PLOT
We join Lucy during her final summer before starting a new school. Her life is seemingly the one that girls her age would dream of having. But inside, her world is crumbling. Her father is mixed up in things he shouldn’t be after biting off more than he can chew in his work, her mother is unhappy with their homelife, and Lucy is left confused and scared about what their future might hold. All she wants is for things to go back to how they were a few years previously.
The one place Lucy has to herself, to collect her thoughts, is the attic that no one else uses. The attic above her house is connected to all the houses on the street. Over the course of the story, Lucy begins to collect secrets from those who live around her.
THE CHARACTERS
Lucy is one of those characters who you can’t help but root for. Even when she was making decisions that weren’t quite right, she always questioned whether she should be doing it. Her learning curve is an important one. Though she ends up in situations that invade other characters’ privacy, she works through her emotions to do what’s best.
There are plenty of interesting characters who we meet during Lucy’s journey, even if it’s briefly or from afar. Getting to see the variety of people around her shows us exactly how complex people can be. Nothing is ever what it seems from the outside, and that’s something that Lucy begins to understand by the end of the story.
REASONS TO LOVE
- Her friendship with Megan. They’re tested throughout the book and faced with difficult situations together.
- The dark side of Lucy’s father. He’s the type of character who always gets his way and I loved how the story shows that winning doesn’t always mean being the best person.
- Lucy’s art. Despite being talented, she’s constantly told by her father that her artistic abilities aren’t a real talent. Her learning to accept that she’s good and that she wants art to be her future is such an inspiring part of the story.
- Lucy and her mother. I adored their relationship. Though the household can turn toxic because of the situations that Lucy’s father brings home, Lucy and her mother are a solid team.
THE FINAL WORD
This book is the perfect mixture of relatable, in-depth characters, and a plot with slightly dark and sinister tones. There are mysteries to be figured out and Lucy’s adventures through the attic are as thrilling as they are nerve-wracking. I read this is one sitting, which says a lot about how addictive the story is, given the fact that I’ve been in a huge reading slump for months! Lucy is one of those characters who will stay with me for a while.
THE PLOT
We join Lucy during her final summer before starting a new school. Her life is seemingly the one that girls her age would dream of having. But inside, her world is crumbling. Her father is mixed up in things he shouldn’t be after biting off more than he can chew in his work, her mother is unhappy with their homelife, and Lucy is left confused and scared about what their future might hold. All she wants is for things to go back to how they were a few years previously.
The one place Lucy has to herself, to collect her thoughts, is the attic that no one else uses. The attic above her house is connected to all the houses on the street. Over the course of the story, Lucy begins to collect secrets from those who live around her.
THE CHARACTERS
Lucy is one of those characters who you can’t help but root for. Even when she was making decisions that weren’t quite right, she always questioned whether she should be doing it. Her learning curve is an important one. Though she ends up in situations that invade other characters’ privacy, she works through her emotions to do what’s best.
There are plenty of interesting characters who we meet during Lucy’s journey, even if it’s briefly or from afar. Getting to see the variety of people around her shows us exactly how complex people can be. Nothing is ever what it seems from the outside, and that’s something that Lucy begins to understand by the end of the story.
REASONS TO LOVE
- Her friendship with Megan. They’re tested throughout the book and faced with difficult situations together.
- The dark side of Lucy’s father. He’s the type of character who always gets his way and I loved how the story shows that winning doesn’t always mean being the best person.
- Lucy’s art. Despite being talented, she’s constantly told by her father that her artistic abilities aren’t a real talent. Her learning to accept that she’s good and that she wants art to be her future is such an inspiring part of the story.
- Lucy and her mother. I adored their relationship. Though the household can turn toxic because of the situations that Lucy’s father brings home, Lucy and her mother are a solid team.
THE FINAL WORD
This book is the perfect mixture of relatable, in-depth characters, and a plot with slightly dark and sinister tones. There are mysteries to be figured out and Lucy’s adventures through the attic are as thrilling as they are nerve-wracking. I read this is one sitting, which says a lot about how addictive the story is, given the fact that I’ve been in a huge reading slump for months! Lucy is one of those characters who will stay with me for a while.
lisaconn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
ellamorleyx's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lilshell's review against another edition
4.0
I was given this ARC by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions on the book. Firstly, I was immediately drawn to this book from its colorful cover, it’s interesting description and from recommendations from others that this book was worth a read. It lived up to its expectations and is certainly worth it. I rated this book four out of five stars. If you have ever been bullied and just accepted that it was normal, the this book is something you need to read. Seeing it from the outside, you realize you probably let this behavior happen daily and just deal with it because, well we just think that is life! There are strong themes of abuse and bulling throughout the book.
The main character Lucy is a strong-willed, independent and creative individual. We see this world through her gaze and what a gaze it is. We see people being outcast for no reason other than they don’t ‘fit in’. We see teenage girls bullying each other but it is accepted as the normal thing for them to experience. We witness a teenage girls dreams being crushed by her less than supportive father. Finally, we see a family turned upside down, but for the right reasons. I could immediately feel a connection to Lucy. She knew what she believed in and refused to let go of it. She is a character you feel you already know. Throughout the book we witness the growth of her character and her voice as she begins to stand up for what she believes in.
The theme of abuse is dealt with a lot throughout the book. However, I believe that Carroll dealt with it well. It is spoken about with raw emotion and ignites a fire within. The book shows us how to stand up to the bullies we don’t know as well as the bullies we know all to well. We are shown bullying between teenagers and adults. We are shown how the victim in each case is naive and needs help to see that they’re not alone and deserve better. “I hope you feel safe all day” is a quote which will stay with me for quite some while.
Overall it is a very emotionally engaging novel. It grasps a hold of you and hooks you in until the very end. This is a book about friendship, self-discovery and finding your voice. Tissues may be required when reading this book, just a little tip. Thank you again to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
The main character Lucy is a strong-willed, independent and creative individual. We see this world through her gaze and what a gaze it is. We see people being outcast for no reason other than they don’t ‘fit in’. We see teenage girls bullying each other but it is accepted as the normal thing for them to experience. We witness a teenage girls dreams being crushed by her less than supportive father. Finally, we see a family turned upside down, but for the right reasons. I could immediately feel a connection to Lucy. She knew what she believed in and refused to let go of it. She is a character you feel you already know. Throughout the book we witness the growth of her character and her voice as she begins to stand up for what she believes in.
The theme of abuse is dealt with a lot throughout the book. However, I believe that Carroll dealt with it well. It is spoken about with raw emotion and ignites a fire within. The book shows us how to stand up to the bullies we don’t know as well as the bullies we know all to well. We are shown bullying between teenagers and adults. We are shown how the victim in each case is naive and needs help to see that they’re not alone and deserve better. “I hope you feel safe all day” is a quote which will stay with me for quite some while.
Overall it is a very emotionally engaging novel. It grasps a hold of you and hooks you in until the very end. This is a book about friendship, self-discovery and finding your voice. Tissues may be required when reading this book, just a little tip. Thank you again to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
ruthie_the_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Read & reviewed for The Bookbag: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Words_That_Fly_Between_Us_by_Sarah_Carroll
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
5.0
Warning, you will need tissues, this will leave you emotionally aching at points. But this is such a thought provoking and essential read. The character Lucy is completely relatable, well written and so much so you want to protect her, cry for her and love her so much. Such a great read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
maia_nowlan's review against another edition
4.0
A lot of unfinished themes but fast paced and exciting.
novelstorian's review against another edition
4.0
Lucy doesn't hope for much these days. She hopes her father, a successful lawyer and all around workaholic, is in a good mood. Because he does not get angry when he's in a good mood. Dad doesn't bully Lucy with harsh words or order poor mum around when he’s in a good mood.
Lucy also hopes that one day, she can be an artist.
Whenever Lucy’s parents start to argue, she would climb to the attic and lie on the floor, hoping that soon everything will be back to normal again. One night in the attic, Lucy discovers that every building on her row is connected- through the attic. As she peaks into the lives of those who live on her street, Lucy finds a sense of connection and realisation that maybe she is not the only one who is suffering in silence.
“Lucy is forced to realise that while she can affect the lives of others from the safety of the attic, she will need to climb down to face her own fears.”
This beautifully written novel by Sarah Carroll highlights the courage of a young girl facing her own fears, and finding the voice that will power above the silence that had been suffocating her all along. I really enjoyed Lucy’s journey of finding comfort and safety in the attic and then meeting other people who are going through similar hardships as her and finding some comfort in that too. It was great to see Lucy gradually finding the strength to face her own fears in order to pursue her dream of being an artist one day. Highly recommend to anyone who wants an uplifting and heartwarming read.
3.5 stars
“I hope you feel safe all day”
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK Children’s for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of The Words That Fly Between Us.
My review will be posted on my blog by February 27th 2019
Lucy also hopes that one day, she can be an artist.
Whenever Lucy’s parents start to argue, she would climb to the attic and lie on the floor, hoping that soon everything will be back to normal again. One night in the attic, Lucy discovers that every building on her row is connected- through the attic. As she peaks into the lives of those who live on her street, Lucy finds a sense of connection and realisation that maybe she is not the only one who is suffering in silence.
“Lucy is forced to realise that while she can affect the lives of others from the safety of the attic, she will need to climb down to face her own fears.”
This beautifully written novel by Sarah Carroll highlights the courage of a young girl facing her own fears, and finding the voice that will power above the silence that had been suffocating her all along. I really enjoyed Lucy’s journey of finding comfort and safety in the attic and then meeting other people who are going through similar hardships as her and finding some comfort in that too. It was great to see Lucy gradually finding the strength to face her own fears in order to pursue her dream of being an artist one day. Highly recommend to anyone who wants an uplifting and heartwarming read.
3.5 stars
“I hope you feel safe all day”
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK Children’s for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of The Words That Fly Between Us.
My review will be posted on my blog by February 27th 2019
phoenixfaie's review against another edition
4.0
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster for providing me with a digital ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw the synopsis of this on Netgalley I couldn’t help but be drawn to it.
Sarah did a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere that even made me as a reader feel the tension and frustration that Lucy felt at home with her parents.
I loved the idea that the negativity and belittling comments were just *There* floating around taking up space long after they had actually been said.
So even when Lucy’s father was acting nice in front of other people, what had been said beforehand could never be unsaid.
The topic of abuse was apparent throughout the whole novel- not only the abuse that Lucy witnesses at home, but also bullying amongst her peers- her best friend Megan being on the receiving end of trolling comments on her popular blog from someone she had considered a friend.
I adored how Sarah wrote about Lucy and her artwork- especially the piece of the girl in the sterile room, there was something so raw about that.
I was so proud of Lucy for standing up to her dad in regards to the email and his lies, and her mother for kicking him out, it was interesting to see her slowly find her own freedom from his abuse by going out and applying for a job to get her own money and get away from him.
This novel is truly an emotional rollercoaster, especially for a short novel, the issues that Lucy and Megan both had to deal with are very easy to relate to regardless of your age, and Sarah writes in such a personal way. You could literally feel the love that Lucy’s mum had for her when she tried to protect her.
I adored the ending of Lucy opening all the windows to “clean out the house” and get rid of all those horrible words and memories of her dad.
Abuse is never ok, so try to speak out about it.
“I hope you feel safe all day”
When I saw the synopsis of this on Netgalley I couldn’t help but be drawn to it.
Sarah did a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere that even made me as a reader feel the tension and frustration that Lucy felt at home with her parents.
I loved the idea that the negativity and belittling comments were just *There* floating around taking up space long after they had actually been said.
So even when Lucy’s father was acting nice in front of other people, what had been said beforehand could never be unsaid.
The topic of abuse was apparent throughout the whole novel- not only the abuse that Lucy witnesses at home, but also bullying amongst her peers- her best friend Megan being on the receiving end of trolling comments on her popular blog from someone she had considered a friend.
I adored how Sarah wrote about Lucy and her artwork- especially the piece of the girl in the sterile room, there was something so raw about that.
I was so proud of Lucy for standing up to her dad in regards to the email and his lies, and her mother for kicking him out, it was interesting to see her slowly find her own freedom from his abuse by going out and applying for a job to get her own money and get away from him.
This novel is truly an emotional rollercoaster, especially for a short novel, the issues that Lucy and Megan both had to deal with are very easy to relate to regardless of your age, and Sarah writes in such a personal way. You could literally feel the love that Lucy’s mum had for her when she tried to protect her.
I adored the ending of Lucy opening all the windows to “clean out the house” and get rid of all those horrible words and memories of her dad.
Abuse is never ok, so try to speak out about it.
“I hope you feel safe all day”