ethan_bridgesgarcia's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’m sure I’ll get a lot of hate for this but my God! the longest allegory for depression in the world awarded goes to this book. Also why did it take forever to answer all of the mysteries? And why was it so flat? I didn’t enjoy any of the characters and the idea for a fantasy was very misleading. Almost DNF.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Classism, Mental illness, Addiction, Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness
_teoeo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Was really excited about the book, thought it would be at least 4 out of 5 stars. As this review shows I'm a bit disappointed. Finley seems not 11 but at least 14 (if not older) and I think the is a bit unnecessary and not on a child-level but teenager-level. But I still like the allegory in the everwood-chapters and I love the poetic writing. There are a lot sentences or parts that are worth to be quoted.
Spoiler
crush thing between her an Jack
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcohol
Minor: Classism and Fire/Fire injury
flordemaga's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A thoughtful book that almost is magical realism, but what it really is is a complex look at family, love, secrets, and mental illness.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Child death, and Classism
christabelle_v's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death
inkedinpages's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This middle grade read by Claire Legrand follows Finley Hart as she navigates her transition to her estranged grandparents home for the summer. While staying at Hart House for the summer, Finley finds solace in The Everwood, a magical realm with knights, pirates, and of course, the Queen. Finley enlists the help of her cousins to save The Everwood and at the same time, finds new ways of saving herself.
It's not often that I find myself reading middle grade fiction, but more and more, it seems like when I do I quickly fall in love. Every character in this sweet book struck a chord and I couldn't help but cheer for them all. This seemed to be the perfect read to open 2022 with as it tackles hardship, mental health, resiliency and courage all while keeping things light and fun. I didn't know it was possible but Legrand did it beautifully.
For those who loved Bridge to Terabithia and We Were Liars, this is another story that will captivate you from the beginning.
It's not often that I find myself reading middle grade fiction, but more and more, it seems like when I do I quickly fall in love. Every character in this sweet book struck a chord and I couldn't help but cheer for them all. This seemed to be the perfect read to open 2022 with as it tackles hardship, mental health, resiliency and courage all while keeping things light and fun. I didn't know it was possible but Legrand did it beautifully.
For those who loved Bridge to Terabithia and We Were Liars, this is another story that will captivate you from the beginning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Cancer
olivia_piepmeier's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I can’t remember how long ago or even how this crossed my path, but I could tell from the description it felt very familiar. Having read it, it definitely lived up to that expectation. I mean, there was no major family secret drama in my childhood, just the concept of a kid having mental health issues but not knowing what it was, divorced parents, big imagination, etc. Honestly the mental health bit felt a bit too real sometimes. I wish I had this as a kid! It still felt satisfying to read as an adult from this perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death and Death
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