gyspybibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing story. Just make sure to have a box of tissues on stand by. Such a heartbreaking tale of a mother and son; of a son’s journey to come to terms with the emotions surrounding his circumstances in life. I, as a mom, just wanted to reach through the pages and hold him tight.
abeth_parker's review against another edition
5.0
This book is both gut-wrenching and healing. My words won't do it justice. Tip: read the version with the illustrations. Really.
novelheartbeat's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
I have heard of this book through many bloggers, and have seen TONS of glowing reviews for it. I’ve seen people talk about how it changed their life. (This was actually my first foray into the Middle Grade genre.) Honestly, I don’t even know how to review and rate this because this book didn’t really do anything for me.
It was deep…almost too deep for the audience it was meant for. But at the same time, it felt like kind of a pointless story for me (I feel like I’m going to get a lot of flak for saying that). I think maybe it’s just because it’s not my cup of tea, or maybe it’s that the story was so short and I didn’t have time to really get into it. I’m not sure, exactly.
With the subject matter, I should have cried. I didn’t. Why? Lack of connection, I suppose. I just didn’t care. Again, it was over so fast that I didn’t really have time to make a connection to the characters. Aside from the stories the monster told (which were the most interesting part of the story), most of this was just every day life stuff. I didn’t care about the bullies. Or the interactions with his grandmother or father. I was actually rather bored for most of the story. I was curious, though – I wanted to know what “the truth” was.
It is a beautiful story. Just because I didn’t care for it doesn’t mean YOU shouldn’t try it…most of you would probably love it!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
seroose's review
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
mad_henshall's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.25
*read for school*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Violence
amaliaparas's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
jesswagner__'s review
5.0
One of the best books I’ve read this year!! Such an emotional book. Yes… I did cry. IT WAS SO SAD!!!!
paperlove's review against another edition
4.0
Ein berührendes Buch über ein Schicksal, das so viele Familien erleben müssen.
cloudycolour's review against another edition
5.0
I had to read this in one sitting, it was too good to put down.
Also, this is one of the few books that has made me cry. So there’s that.
Also, this is one of the few books that has made me cry. So there’s that.
nunderhill's review against another edition
5.0
what a unique and heartbreaking story. I absolutely loved this book.