chaiteaolg's review against another edition
3.0
i don’t think i was the target audience for this book
leahhoulton's review
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 against another edition
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.
shanonkluttz's review against another edition
4.0
Great fast reaf
Not normally a big fan of young adult fiction but this was really good. A story of unimaginable heartache and difficulty with sibling bonds and coping. I want to know more about Layla
Not normally a big fan of young adult fiction but this was really good. A story of unimaginable heartache and difficulty with sibling bonds and coping. I want to know more about Layla
jfbfsf's review against another edition
4.0
So good. Compelling and heartbreaking, the book is hard to put down. I stayed up way too late reading - and my book never slipped down onto my chest as I drifted off, as so often happens with reading at night. I had to force myself to put it down, and I finished it in two sittings.
Hard to put a finger on it exactly - the protagonist is clearly a sympathetic character, living through something terrible. It's hard to imagine - and hard to turn away. I think I read it too fast to really question how realistic all of her choices were - but at no point did I want to roll my eyes, or even think to myself "really?"
Just a fast, emotionally compelling read.
Hard to put a finger on it exactly - the protagonist is clearly a sympathetic character, living through something terrible. It's hard to imagine - and hard to turn away. I think I read it too fast to really question how realistic all of her choices were - but at no point did I want to roll my eyes, or even think to myself "really?"
Just a fast, emotionally compelling read.