lorathelibrarian's review
3.0
This was a sweet story. One that I will remember, but not forever. And it's definitely something to recommend to younger kids because it's a "gentle" read...nothing too crazy or inappropriate happens. The main character is a sophomore in high school so it is a YA for sure.
readingundertheradar's review
4.0
I'm giving away an ARC of this right here : http://www.happybookloversblog.com/2013/07/blog-tour-imperfect-spiral.html
Levy tackled the process of grief and tragedy so well. I was amazed at how deep this book went into Danielle's summer and dealing with the loss of Humphrey, as well as battling through all the town's feelings and opinions on the matter. The book begins about 40 seconds after the accident, with Danielle experiencing everything as if it's in slow motion. From there, we see her life after the accident mixed with chapters of her adventures with Humphrey before he died.
And let me just say, what an interesting kid. He was one of those children that was totally believable as a child, but at the same time, he posed interesting questions to Danielle and always wanted to learn more and grow (all while running around an imaginary place called Thrumble-Boo). He helped her make realizations about her own life and growing up even though he was only 5.
Not only does Levy write a story about grief, she also weaves it in with the "life around you goes on" sort of theme. While Danielle just wants someone to ask her about the darling child she knew, the town is in an outrage because the driver was an illegal alien. So now, on top of grieving, Danielle is receiving phone calls and is asked to be interviewed on her opinions on illegal immigrants, and whether or not she thinks it would have saved Humphrey's life if the town had done anything about it. She handles the situation well, trying to avoid the nosy townsfolk as best she can.
It was a pretty predictable book, but not in a bad way. I knew Danielle was eventually going to come to some sort of terms with her grief and with Humphrey's memory, but I wasn't sure how. This was a genuinely lovely book about sadness and moving on. And the cover art goes so perfectly with the story, I truly love it.
Read When: You want to break out of the traditional beach summer novel and are ready for a little seriousness and sweetness.
Levy tackled the process of grief and tragedy so well. I was amazed at how deep this book went into Danielle's summer and dealing with the loss of Humphrey, as well as battling through all the town's feelings and opinions on the matter. The book begins about 40 seconds after the accident, with Danielle experiencing everything as if it's in slow motion. From there, we see her life after the accident mixed with chapters of her adventures with Humphrey before he died.
And let me just say, what an interesting kid. He was one of those children that was totally believable as a child, but at the same time, he posed interesting questions to Danielle and always wanted to learn more and grow (all while running around an imaginary place called Thrumble-Boo). He helped her make realizations about her own life and growing up even though he was only 5.
Not only does Levy write a story about grief, she also weaves it in with the "life around you goes on" sort of theme. While Danielle just wants someone to ask her about the darling child she knew, the town is in an outrage because the driver was an illegal alien. So now, on top of grieving, Danielle is receiving phone calls and is asked to be interviewed on her opinions on illegal immigrants, and whether or not she thinks it would have saved Humphrey's life if the town had done anything about it. She handles the situation well, trying to avoid the nosy townsfolk as best she can.
It was a pretty predictable book, but not in a bad way. I knew Danielle was eventually going to come to some sort of terms with her grief and with Humphrey's memory, but I wasn't sure how. This was a genuinely lovely book about sadness and moving on. And the cover art goes so perfectly with the story, I truly love it.
Read When: You want to break out of the traditional beach summer novel and are ready for a little seriousness and sweetness.
lifeinmybook's review
5.0
This book was so sweet & incredible! I loved it sooo much! Thanks Joelle for the recommendation!
thehodgenator's review
5.0
This book made me feel all kinds of feelings.
As the novel opens, Humphrey has been lost to a terrible accident while walking home with his babysitter Danielle. And while this should have been a novel about how to deal and recover, it turned into something else toward the end.
While some may have a problem with that, I did not. Here’s why: when a tragedy happens, people are always looking beyond the tragedy itself for self gain (whether personally, professionally, politically, etc.). That is what happens in the novel. We shift from the loss of Humphrey to why we need stronger immigration laws.
I felt that this shift mirrored a truth in our society—and why we need to keep our eye on the true victim. In this case, it isn’t America with illegal immigrants; it is five-year-old Humphrey. He is getting lost in the accident, and Danielle works to make sure his not forgotten and overshadowed.
Oh Danielle, talk about a heart-breaker. This character absolutely melts my heart. She has a good head on her shoulders, but she feels lost. Humphrey is dead, on her watch, and she doesn’t know how to move forward. To mirror this, the author gives us flashbacks into their relationship, from the first day Danielle meets the quirky child until his last moments. Okay, where is my towel?!
You can read my full review on my blog.
As the novel opens, Humphrey has been lost to a terrible accident while walking home with his babysitter Danielle. And while this should have been a novel about how to deal and recover, it turned into something else toward the end.
While some may have a problem with that, I did not. Here’s why: when a tragedy happens, people are always looking beyond the tragedy itself for self gain (whether personally, professionally, politically, etc.). That is what happens in the novel. We shift from the loss of Humphrey to why we need stronger immigration laws.
I felt that this shift mirrored a truth in our society—and why we need to keep our eye on the true victim. In this case, it isn’t America with illegal immigrants; it is five-year-old Humphrey. He is getting lost in the accident, and Danielle works to make sure his not forgotten and overshadowed.
Oh Danielle, talk about a heart-breaker. This character absolutely melts my heart. She has a good head on her shoulders, but she feels lost. Humphrey is dead, on her watch, and she doesn’t know how to move forward. To mirror this, the author gives us flashbacks into their relationship, from the first day Danielle meets the quirky child until his last moments. Okay, where is my towel?!
You can read my full review on my blog.
library_brandy's review
4.0
Danielle loves her summer job babysitting 5-year-old Humphrey. Humphrey is a fantastic kid, and the two of them have an unusual, but strong, friendship. But Danielle's summer job comes to an abrupt stop when Humphrey runs into the path of an oncoming car, chasing after a ball. His death weighs heavily on Danielle, who feels guilty for the accident and alone in her grief: how can she explain to anyone what Humphrey meant to her? Meanwhile, the town is using the accident to push for safety improvements along the road as well as legislation against undocumented immigrants, as one was driving the car that struck Humphrey.
A realistic portrait of friendship and grief, as well as outsiders' response to an incident to further their own political agendas. Discussion of real issues never overshadows the plot, but is woven in to become a part of the story. Side characters are developed and each has their own issues to deal with; the rest of the world doesn't stop because Danielle's world did.
Good relationships with siblings and parents, and the growing understanding of her own friendships.
A realistic portrait of friendship and grief, as well as outsiders' response to an incident to further their own political agendas. Discussion of real issues never overshadows the plot, but is woven in to become a part of the story. Side characters are developed and each has their own issues to deal with; the rest of the world doesn't stop because Danielle's world did.
Good relationships with siblings and parents, and the growing understanding of her own friendships.
audreylee's review
4.0
Well, this was more than a little devastating. A look at the aftermath of a tragic accident and the grief and guilt that becomes part of a young girl's life. There is also a searing look into the "blame game" played after accidents and looking for someone "other" to pin things on. This was recommended to me by a teen reader and it was worth my evening.
kellyhager's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. It's mostly told in present day although there are flashbacks of Danielle and Humphrey. They have a sweet, fun relationship that's all the more poignant because we know what happened to him.
Not surprisingly, Danielle blames herself for his death (she was, after all, the person supposed to be responsible for him when he ran into the road and was struck by a car) but she's also one of the people who knew him best.
She's not even really allowed to mourn him (his parents say they don't blame her, but would prefer she not attend the funeral and she becomes the center of a few big debates surrounding the accident---is the road unsafe? are illegal aliens the problem?) and as a result of everything, she begins to completely withdraw...until she meets Justin.
The thing that really struck me about this book is how Danielle was the only person who focused on Humphrey*; almost everyone else uses the death to further their own political agenda. (A neighbor is determined to get a sidewalk and a crosswalk at the intersection, but many others are focused on illegal aliens and how they are clearly what's to blame.)
There is a great deal to discuss and I think this book would be ideal for book clubs. Highly recommended.
* = well, presumably his parents did, too, but we don't spend much time with them throughout the course of the story.
Not surprisingly, Danielle blames herself for his death (she was, after all, the person supposed to be responsible for him when he ran into the road and was struck by a car) but she's also one of the people who knew him best.
She's not even really allowed to mourn him (his parents say they don't blame her, but would prefer she not attend the funeral and she becomes the center of a few big debates surrounding the accident---is the road unsafe? are illegal aliens the problem?) and as a result of everything, she begins to completely withdraw...until she meets Justin.
The thing that really struck me about this book is how Danielle was the only person who focused on Humphrey*; almost everyone else uses the death to further their own political agenda. (A neighbor is determined to get a sidewalk and a crosswalk at the intersection, but many others are focused on illegal aliens and how they are clearly what's to blame.)
There is a great deal to discuss and I think this book would be ideal for book clubs. Highly recommended.
* = well, presumably his parents did, too, but we don't spend much time with them throughout the course of the story.
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