autumnleeves's review against another edition
3.0
This was a refreshing read - easy to keep reading and very engaging. It didn't feel like a storyline, family or main character I'd read about before. Tiffany's struggles to understand what family means to her while dealing with anxiety were easy to relate to.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into as I started reading it - Tiffany's new family are Jehovah's Witnesses and I do not enjoy books that feature religion, but I was able to move past that, especially because the main character had to deal with the huge culture shock of being plunged into the midst of this strong belief system.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into as I started reading it - Tiffany's new family are Jehovah's Witnesses and I do not enjoy books that feature religion, but I was able to move past that, especially because the main character had to deal with the huge culture shock of being plunged into the midst of this strong belief system.
melaninmystic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
maryam162424's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good book. There are many aspects of this book that were so new to me that it was a nice read. I’m always amazed by how much I can learn from reading a book.
Truthfully, I never even heard of Jehovah’s Witnesses so reading about and seeing a family that are witnesses was interesting. I really liked how the author shows the hypocrisy that can be in a person even though they claim to be firm believers. Many people are like in each distinct religion and I loved how this book acknowledges the fact that religion does mean to hate towards others.
I also loved the aspect of family in this book, especially between Tiffany and her new sisters. The way she was with her sisters and the way she helped them was really nice. Especially when Tiffany supported a sister after she confessed of committing a sin. I think Tiffany was extremely understanding at that point even though she had different beliefs.
I liked how true Tiffany’s voice was. She felt everything around her so deeply and was so compassionate. Each character in this book has some kind of development and I think that was so
Important to show because since Tiffany was new to this family, obviously things would change.
A nice read but also important. It talks a lot about religion and the existence of God (at the end of this book, I knew I was supposed to walk away knowing everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, even if I may not agree, it should not change the way we treat them, with respect). It also talks about anxiety and ocd, something I really appreciated. I thought the presentation of these things were pretty accurate. It also acknowledges the fact that EVERYONE is different. In race, personality, beliefs, etc., but it does not change the fact that everyone deserves the same treatment.
Truthfully, I never even heard of Jehovah’s Witnesses so reading about and seeing a family that are witnesses was interesting. I really liked how the author shows the hypocrisy that can be in a person even though they claim to be firm believers. Many people are like in each distinct religion and I loved how this book acknowledges the fact that religion does mean to hate towards others.
I also loved the aspect of family in this book, especially between Tiffany and her new sisters. The way she was with her sisters and the way she helped them was really nice. Especially when Tiffany supported a sister after she confessed of committing a sin. I think Tiffany was extremely understanding at that point even though she had different beliefs.
I liked how true Tiffany’s voice was. She felt everything around her so deeply and was so compassionate. Each character in this book has some kind of development and I think that was so
Important to show because since Tiffany was new to this family, obviously things would change.
A nice read but also important. It talks a lot about religion and the existence of God (at the end of this book, I knew I was supposed to walk away knowing everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, even if I may not agree, it should not change the way we treat them, with respect). It also talks about anxiety and ocd, something I really appreciated. I thought the presentation of these things were pretty accurate. It also acknowledges the fact that EVERYONE is different. In race, personality, beliefs, etc., but it does not change the fact that everyone deserves the same treatment.
ladym23's review against another edition
5.0
I wanted to read this book as soon as I heard about is several months ago. And it did not disappoint. I adore this book, I read the local library copy but I had to buy it because I want to own it and I know in a few months I will read this story again. First things first being a child born and raised in LA I love that the story is based in LA and brings up In- N-Out within the first chapter makes my heart happy. But most importantly the story is a realistic depiction of a young black girl moving to Simi Valley and trying not to perpetuate stereotypes that the world thinks of black people. Also all the reference that Dana L. Davis put included, my favorite being Sly and the Family Stone (*wink*) Hot Fun in the Summertime put this book as one of my favorite books in life.
asiyahrana's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
I got this as an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After her mother dies from a long battle with cancer, Tiffany is sent to California to live with a father she never knew about. Tiffany is desperate to go back to her old neighborhood and live with her elderly grandmother. However, before she can go back, she must first give her father’s house a try. New house means new rules and Tiffany’s dad is super strict. He monitors her social communications, won’t let her have a weave (which she uses to cover her alopecia), and is working to take away her anti-anxiety medications. Tiffany stays truthful and stays respectful even in the face of her ruthless father. Tiffany begins hanging with the next door neighbor, whom she is forbidden to see. While the neighbor is the weird kid at school, she finds him extremely intelligent and insightful. He is working on writing a book about his after-life experience. Can Tiffany find a way to fit with her new family and home?
Overall, I thought that this was an important narrative to add to the YA collection. It provides a character of color with issues like Alopecia and Anxiety, which is typically not found in YA books. I enjoyed many of the characters, though I could never warm up to the father. I had serious issues with the treatment of mental health. I think that the consequences and issues surrounding mental health needed more weighty language.
After her mother dies from a long battle with cancer, Tiffany is sent to California to live with a father she never knew about. Tiffany is desperate to go back to her old neighborhood and live with her elderly grandmother. However, before she can go back, she must first give her father’s house a try. New house means new rules and Tiffany’s dad is super strict. He monitors her social communications, won’t let her have a weave (which she uses to cover her alopecia), and is working to take away her anti-anxiety medications. Tiffany stays truthful and stays respectful even in the face of her ruthless father. Tiffany begins hanging with the next door neighbor, whom she is forbidden to see. While the neighbor is the weird kid at school, she finds him extremely intelligent and insightful. He is working on writing a book about his after-life experience. Can Tiffany find a way to fit with her new family and home?
Overall, I thought that this was an important narrative to add to the YA collection. It provides a character of color with issues like Alopecia and Anxiety, which is typically not found in YA books. I enjoyed many of the characters, though I could never warm up to the father. I had serious issues with the treatment of mental health. I think that the consequences and issues surrounding mental health needed more weighty language.
shakehreereads's review
5.0
Definitely A Must-Read!
It was enthralling and captivating, especially as things begin to pick up pace. I loved the heroine for her fierceness and boldness to call people on the BS. Takes a brave person to capture all of Tiffany and Marcus on pages.
It was enthralling and captivating, especially as things begin to pick up pace. I loved the heroine for her fierceness and boldness to call people on the BS. Takes a brave person to capture all of Tiffany and Marcus on pages.
cgreens's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a well-done and satisfying read!
I was honestly a little concerned when I started and first read that the author is originally an actress without a writing background, but this book is SO engaging and thought-provoking. I loved Tiffany as a character--one of the best YA heroines I've read in a long time. She is sweet, brave, flawed, and so funny ("You a white boy.").
I really appreciated the commentary on "passing" and Tiffany's yearning to have "good hair." I loved that the characters were all interesting and believable, especially her struggle to like Anthony as a person. The portrayal of Marcus and Jehovah's Witnesses was such a great twist that was woven through without coming across as odd.
This book seemed natural and like it could really happen while still staying engaging and interesting.
I hate LA/Ventura so rolled my eyes at how much of the plot was spent driving around and describing McMansion-sounding places, but I also enjoyed the easy flow of the plot. I came to believe in Tiffany so much that I almost didn't care about the actual plot points--she had already been through so much that it didn't seem to matter who ended up being her dad, if she lost Marcus, what happened to London, etc. because the book did such a good job being an engaging character study with wonderful development and growth.
I was honestly a little concerned when I started and first read that the author is originally an actress without a writing background, but this book is SO engaging and thought-provoking. I loved Tiffany as a character--one of the best YA heroines I've read in a long time. She is sweet, brave, flawed, and so funny ("You a white boy.").
I really appreciated the commentary on "passing" and Tiffany's yearning to have "good hair." I loved that the characters were all interesting and believable, especially her struggle to like Anthony as a person. The portrayal of Marcus and Jehovah's Witnesses was such a great twist that was woven through without coming across as odd.
This book seemed natural and like it could really happen while still staying engaging and interesting.
I hate LA/Ventura so rolled my eyes at how much of the plot was spent driving around and describing McMansion-sounding places, but I also enjoyed the easy flow of the plot. I came to believe in Tiffany so much that I almost didn't care about the actual plot points--she had already been through so much that it didn't seem to matter who ended up being her dad, if she lost Marcus, what happened to London, etc. because the book did such a good job being an engaging character study with wonderful development and growth.
storytimed's review against another edition
3.0
Charming but weightless. Tiffany Sly herself is an effortlessly cool protagonist, but she's not given enough to do.