samslib's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
“As a science nerd, do you believe in other universes? Do you think there’s another dimension where we’re happy? Where you still have your dad and I still have Maddie? Where we’re just a normal boy and a normal girl at the carnival?”
I have a million quotes I'd put in this review, but this quote crushed my soul. Two broken teenagers who just want to die, but not alone. If not for the black slug, they'd be normal pals spending their time at the carnival. And all Roman was able to do was fantasize about it happening in another universe, because he'd lost hope for his universe. This book cracked me open, exposed me, and made me feel every bit of emotion.
Spoiler
I was very much hoping for a tragic ending. I am a sucker for tragic romances (in fiction), I know. As a hopeless romantic, they make me see the other side of love. But, I was so glad to be met with a happy ending. I don't think I could've handled Roman and Aysel not ending up with each other. They deserve lives so, so much. The ending was too short, though. And yes, I know that this book's nearly a decade old, but I'm still going to hope for these two things:Spoiler
A movie adaptation to bring back the spark or hype within the readers/fans (since I read this late);Spoiler
A special chapter of their happily built family. Please. I am begging you.
And of course, great thanks to the author! I searched Warga up and found out she also wrote Other Words for Home — one of my most anticipated books in my TBR! Can't wait. Such great work you crafted there with My Heart and Other Black Holes. Kudos to you! 💪
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide attempt
ecravens's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Mental illness, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Death, Grief, Alcohol, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Panic attacks/disorders
mochiimin_jimin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
spostma's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
janalg's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This has very simple but pleasant writing and so many important things to tell but fumbles it so, oh so hard.
If I was still a suicidal teenager I would read this a couple more times in hopes of cringing myself to death.
Then again, my teenage self would probably have fallen for this mess of a story.
Props for processing your trauma in this (arguably) healthy way, but the "you just need the right person" bullshit is fucking infuriating to me.
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Suicide, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm, Bullying, and Alcohol
samcsmith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Forced institutionalization
kanthereader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I first gave this book a 3 stars right after reading it. Since then, I’ve remembered how much I actually enjoyed it.
The beginning of the novel was quite boring and didn’t hold my interest. I almost DNF’d this book. Albeit, the characters were so well thought out accompanied by a thoroughly developed plot. I felt for Aysel and Roman reading. It felt like, to me, I was living their lives. Georgia and her mother was just as annoying to me as I’m sure she was Aysel.
And don’t get me started on the ending. Reading about Aysel finding Roman in the shed against the wheel at the end of the book was so sad. Not to mention the guilt she felt for not telling his mother about it. Just thinking about it makes me sympathize for both characters.
How much this book sticks out in my brain makes it deserving of much more than a mere 3 stars.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Injury/Injury detail
rem_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Child death
psliz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Grief, and Child death
aprilyvonne's review against another edition
3.5
“My Heart & Other Black Holes” by Jasmine Warga was quite a depressing YA read. Throughout the story, readers follow the main characters, Aysel and Roman, both of which are seriously depressed after traumatic experiences. Despite their differences or reasons why they want to die, they gravitate over a suicide pact to escape their misery.
I think the author attempted to give readers a dark experience in order to demonstrate the darkness that is depression. How it sucks so much “life” out of a person. Yet, on the other hand Hope can help heal and create a reason to never give up.
I’m not completely sure if this is actually suitable or ideal for anyone struggling with their mental health to read. It was heavy with reasons to give up. I would’ve liked more closure in the end of the story, but I don’t want to spoil the story so I’ll refrain from expanding.
Overall, I’m glad I read it, but won’t likely share with my students.
Make note of the triggers and be cautious going into the book, fellow readers. And remember just existing in the world is reason enough to know we’re all worthy of living. ❤️🩹
Graphic: Murder, Racism, Death, Suicide, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Islamophobia, Mental illness, and Grief