sierra_color's review against another edition
1.0
Okay, so I got an early copy of this book. I was excited for it because it seemed like such an interesting concept!
But boy, was I wrong.
Let’s start with a summary, so this book is about an all too cliché main character who has epilepsy and who’s mother is making her go to public school. That’s all that’s important really.
So, what do I hate about it?
The main character.
It seemed to me that she wasn’t really all that dedicated to staying at home like she seemed to be, and I say that because with this character she literally sees a guy and changes her tune in the snap of a finger. It was almost as if the conflict wasn’t treated as a REAL conflict, it didn’t have tension or weight and was just there so the author could tell a story. This book was such a frustrating read that it got to the point where I wanted to throw it in the recycling bin, because the change wasn’t natural, it felt too forced and it didn’t seem realistic at all.
I also felt that she was just too boy crazy throughout the book and that the author didn’t take her character seriously. I couldn’t find myself relating to her because she was such a frustrating character! She couldn’t make a single decision on her own! It was like the author was trying to convey uncertainty about her facing new situations, but did it very poorly. She just seemed (for the lack of a better word) like a whiny brat with no sense.
Did I finish this book?
No.
Did I like this book?
No.
The character really didn’t grow at all! And maybe I can’t comment about this because I read a little beyond the middle or so, but usually, with books like this, you see some form of character growth by this time— such as a character realizing that their goal is unrealistic or they mature, but with this book it didn’t happen. The author tried to make it seem as if she was changing, but she really wasn’t, she was just.. very annoying and frustrating because she didn’t try to either not like public school or like it, and plus, the whole conflict with not telling people about her disability was so, so frustrating! She was a very passive character and that the story was an overused cliché that’s all too common in YA— a whiny girl who’s determined to do something until she sees a boy and falls head over heels!
The writing was alright at first, but then again it got repetitive and she just got whiny. I wouldn’t recommend this book. It could’ve been executed so much better if the character actually had a personality, if the conflict was treated like an actual conflict, and if we actually saw reasons for her to want to stay in public school, or reasons as to why she likes the people she likes— the story needed more story and the characters needed more character, is what I’m trying to say. They all felt like cut outs you’d get in the back of a cereal box. So, in conclusion, this book seemed promising but the main character and the writing of her POV just made her annoying.
But boy, was I wrong.
Let’s start with a summary, so this book is about an all too cliché main character who has epilepsy and who’s mother is making her go to public school. That’s all that’s important really.
So, what do I hate about it?
The main character.
It seemed to me that she wasn’t really all that dedicated to staying at home like she seemed to be, and I say that because with this character she literally sees a guy and changes her tune in the snap of a finger. It was almost as if the conflict wasn’t treated as a REAL conflict, it didn’t have tension or weight and was just there so the author could tell a story. This book was such a frustrating read that it got to the point where I wanted to throw it in the recycling bin, because the change wasn’t natural, it felt too forced and it didn’t seem realistic at all.
I also felt that she was just too boy crazy throughout the book and that the author didn’t take her character seriously. I couldn’t find myself relating to her because she was such a frustrating character! She couldn’t make a single decision on her own! It was like the author was trying to convey uncertainty about her facing new situations, but did it very poorly. She just seemed (for the lack of a better word) like a whiny brat with no sense.
Did I finish this book?
No.
Did I like this book?
No.
The character really didn’t grow at all! And maybe I can’t comment about this because I read a little beyond the middle or so, but usually, with books like this, you see some form of character growth by this time— such as a character realizing that their goal is unrealistic or they mature, but with this book it didn’t happen. The author tried to make it seem as if she was changing, but she really wasn’t, she was just.. very annoying and frustrating because she didn’t try to either not like public school or like it, and plus, the whole conflict with not telling people about her disability was so, so frustrating! She was a very passive character and that the story was an overused cliché that’s all too common in YA— a whiny girl who’s determined to do something until she sees a boy and falls head over heels!
The writing was alright at first, but then again it got repetitive and she just got whiny. I wouldn’t recommend this book. It could’ve been executed so much better if the character actually had a personality, if the conflict was treated like an actual conflict, and if we actually saw reasons for her to want to stay in public school, or reasons as to why she likes the people she likes— the story needed more story and the characters needed more character, is what I’m trying to say. They all felt like cut outs you’d get in the back of a cereal box. So, in conclusion, this book seemed promising but the main character and the writing of her POV just made her annoying.
jombienerd's review against another edition
2.0
I didn’t love the book. Here’s why:
Going into this book, I was expecting a story highlighting epilepsy as a main drive for the plot. In this book, it just felt like something on the side. Like fried chicken and ketchup. The ketchup was her epilepsy when really I expected it to be the dressing to a salad.
The story was a cliche and it was just boring. It’s been seven seconds since I read the book and I’ve forgotten the main character’s name. Nothing much happened in this book. A really irritating girl with epilepsy gets forced to go to a public high school. She hates her mom and her dad is dead. She falls for a handsome jock guy in her English class. And she lies to everyone about her epilepsy and screws herself over. Then realizes her mistake and magically turns it all around in one chapter.
Character development is supposed to happen throughout the book. This girl went through it all in a few pages.
I wasn’t really digging the writing either.
She was probably one of the most irritating characters to read about. Ever. I’m sorry but having epilepsy is not a personality trait. She was just whiny and hateful all throughout the book. She was a bitch to her mom who honestly deserved so much better than her. She was an idiot when she disappointed her friend. Ahhh I really don’t like her.
The only reason this book is a two is because of Hitch, her golden retriever. He was the highlight of this book. I finished the book for Hitch. He helped me pull through. I just loved that dog so much. He was probably the only character I could bear. Along with Ayla.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book to anyone unless they wanna fall asleep.
Going into this book, I was expecting a story highlighting epilepsy as a main drive for the plot. In this book, it just felt like something on the side. Like fried chicken and ketchup. The ketchup was her epilepsy when really I expected it to be the dressing to a salad.
The story was a cliche and it was just boring. It’s been seven seconds since I read the book and I’ve forgotten the main character’s name. Nothing much happened in this book. A really irritating girl with epilepsy gets forced to go to a public high school. She hates her mom and her dad is dead. She falls for a handsome jock guy in her English class. And she lies to everyone about her epilepsy and screws herself over. Then realizes her mistake and magically turns it all around in one chapter.
Character development is supposed to happen throughout the book. This girl went through it all in a few pages.
I wasn’t really digging the writing either.
She was probably one of the most irritating characters to read about. Ever. I’m sorry but having epilepsy is not a personality trait. She was just whiny and hateful all throughout the book. She was a bitch to her mom who honestly deserved so much better than her. She was an idiot when she disappointed her friend. Ahhh I really don’t like her.
The only reason this book is a two is because of Hitch, her golden retriever. He was the highlight of this book. I finished the book for Hitch. He helped me pull through. I just loved that dog so much. He was probably the only character I could bear. Along with Ayla.
I wouldn’t really recommend this book to anyone unless they wanna fall asleep.
khairun_atika's review against another edition
3.0
The Thing With Feathers is a bittersweet story about Emilie Day, a self-professed reincarnation of Emily Dickinson, figuratively. She was homeschooled because of her epilepsy, and became even more withdrawn as she continues to grieve for her father. Things take a turn when she is encouraged to attend public school, where Emilie tries to fit in despite hiding her history of seizures, and also finds solace in the few friends she makes. This is a story of overcoming one's fears, of hopes and dreams and how one will find true courage when faced with challenges. Emilie figures out what she truly wants and what is best for herself after dealing with several turbulences. It is a heartwarming story.
chocolatsalade's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
burstnwithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
More like ~ 3.8 stars.
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was a super unique and interesting perspective and the characters were intriguingly flawed. It was a fun story and I rated it down a bit because it wrapped up a bit too perfectly, but again, it was sweet, and I had a great time reading it. And OH MY GOSH that cover. *swoons*
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was a super unique and interesting perspective and the characters were intriguingly flawed. It was a fun story and I rated it down a bit because it wrapped up a bit too perfectly, but again, it was sweet, and I had a great time reading it. And OH MY GOSH that cover. *swoons*
littlefoot10's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely love this cover. While minimalist; it's stunning and sums up this novel perfectly. Especially the colours. This book was such a treat to read because it was not what I was expecting. This novel covers some very tough topics, like losing a parent, abuse and having a condition that you have really no control over. This novel really depicts what it is like for someone who has epilepsy, and their daily struggles and thoughts. Emilie as a character is both relateable and frustrating at the same time. You can understand where she is coming from even if you don't have epilepsy. She's afraid of being different and of not fitting in. But the whole novel I was waiting for her lies to catch up with her and for her to become exposed. My heart was racing while reading just anticipating what I knew was coming. Chatham is probably one of the most sweetest characters ever written. He is just genuinely a wonderful person. I really related a lot to the relationship between Emilie and her mom. It's hard when something or someone tears your relationship a part and it's hard to find a way back to the way it once was. I also really thought McCall did a wonderful job of writing what it's like to lose a parent. And how every day can be a struggle. Overall this novel is just definitely worth a read, and I highly recommend it.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
I received this as an eARC through Netgalley.
Emilie has been seizure free for three months, so her mom and doctors have decided it is time for her to transition back into public school. Emilie is nervous about this change because she doesn't want to be ostracized for her condition and she can't take her best friend and seizure dog with her. Emilie soon finds herself experiencing the normal teenage life, but she hasn't told anyone about her epilepsy and she fears that the others will find out and judge her. Along with these new issues related to school, Emilie's mother has started the healing process after her father's death three years ago, and Emilie's young neighbor's parent's fights are getting scarier by the day. Can Emilie stop things from moving forward or protect those in need.
This was a solid fluffy novel. It offered several meaty layers to the plot, but they could have been developed better. I did enjoy the characters and the easy flow of the book.
Emilie has been seizure free for three months, so her mom and doctors have decided it is time for her to transition back into public school. Emilie is nervous about this change because she doesn't want to be ostracized for her condition and she can't take her best friend and seizure dog with her. Emilie soon finds herself experiencing the normal teenage life, but she hasn't told anyone about her epilepsy and she fears that the others will find out and judge her. Along with these new issues related to school, Emilie's mother has started the healing process after her father's death three years ago, and Emilie's young neighbor's parent's fights are getting scarier by the day. Can Emilie stop things from moving forward or protect those in need.
This was a solid fluffy novel. It offered several meaty layers to the plot, but they could have been developed better. I did enjoy the characters and the easy flow of the book.
sophia_readrebelliously's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
saber77's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-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
3.75
katkinney's review against another edition
5.0
I was so impressed with what a professional and sensitive job MCall Hoyle did in portraying a teen with epilepsy while keeping in mind that this was only one aspect of her life and she had all the other typical high school anxieties... does that cute boy like me... will people make fun of me if I am authentically myself? And it was really great that one theme running centrally throughout the book was that everyone, or nearly every character, had some sort of issue they were struggling with. Emilie at the start truly felt isolated, and that with the death of her father and the medical issue she faced, she had been dealt a hand worse than the rest, that all the other students surrounding her lived shallow and empty lives. It was rewarding to watch her character grow and realize that there was more to everyone around her than she had originally assumed.
I particularly loved the relationship between Emilie and Hitch, and also between Emilie and her mother. The second was flawed, and very painful to read at times, but so realistically portrayed. This novel was simply a delight to read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I particularly loved the relationship between Emilie and Hitch, and also between Emilie and her mother. The second was flawed, and very painful to read at times, but so realistically portrayed. This novel was simply a delight to read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.