nikischmidt's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kcoccia's review against another edition
4.0
This one hit really close to home.
I wont't go into a lot of detail but Layla's life is incredibly familiar to me. Like Layla I grew up with drug addict parents and I had a younger brother that I had to take care of and we're familiar with the foster care system.
Everyone should read this book. It's important for people to know that these things really do happen. Maybe it would help stop the bullying and open people's eyes to what is going on around them. It's also important to know that Layla and Andy are some of the lucky ones.
I wont't go into a lot of detail but Layla's life is incredibly familiar to me. Like Layla I grew up with drug addict parents and I had a younger brother that I had to take care of and we're familiar with the foster care system.
Everyone should read this book. It's important for people to know that these things really do happen. Maybe it would help stop the bullying and open people's eyes to what is going on around them. It's also important to know that Layla and Andy are some of the lucky ones.
chaiteaolg's review against another edition
3.0
i don’t think i was the target audience for this book
leahhoulton's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I did read it fast and I actually cried a bit near the end which doesn't tend to happen in books.
chucklesq's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
5.0
ireadbookssopleasehelpme's review against another edition
4.0
A small but beautiful book, that will both amaze you and break your heart. Layla is 14 with a Mum from hell and a little brother who she pretty much raises and looks after in their bio-hazard of a living situation.
The author did a great job of en-visioning the mind of a 14 year old girl and the struggles with her life while making a story that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished.
The plot was fast paced, developing quickly and the writing was also extraordinary casting the story up perfectly.
4 star read!
The author did a great job of en-visioning the mind of a 14 year old girl and the struggles with her life while making a story that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished.
The plot was fast paced, developing quickly and the writing was also extraordinary casting the story up perfectly.
4 star read!
mercipourleslivres's review against another edition
3.0
The descriptions of child neglect and hoarding were spot on, and the mom was a total witch. That said the novel(la?) had its issues. I couldn’t buy any of the peer relationships Layla had. Kristi wasn’t really her friend, Jane was a one note bully, and the rest of the classmates and adults had as much personality and character as a stadium full of cardboard cut outs.
I’m thinking this was a short story that was expanded into a novel but wasn’t fully fleshed out enough.
Also, the prominent use of of Twitter / tweeting seemed a bit dated. Aren’t all the kids on tiktok now?
I’m thinking this was a short story that was expanded into a novel but wasn’t fully fleshed out enough.
Also, the prominent use of of Twitter / tweeting seemed a bit dated. Aren’t all the kids on tiktok now?
jennywithaz's review
4.0
This is a great fictional readalike to Rex Ogle's [b:Free Lunch|43726584|Free Lunch|Rex Ogle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555688327l/43726584._SY75_.jpg|68053706], with a similar subject matter, length, and easy readability for reluctant readers. But really this book is for anyone - it tells the story of a whip-smart fourteen year old girl who aspires to be a scientist and observes the world around her as both subject and observer. Her story is a resonant one, defty tackling issues of poverty, abuse, neglect, and resilience in the span of under 200 pages, and reminding readers that one never knows what's going on behind students' and classmates' closed doors. Layla's powerful, distinctive voice will keep readers engaged and rooting for her the entire time.