cathbennett's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
notwithoutmybook's review against another edition
4.0
My enjoyment of this book was based entirely on the characters, whom Non Pratt writes really well...the storyline, however, fell a bit flat for me. The friendships formed made for a cute story and some parts are actually quite funny, it just didn't really feel like it went anywhere; the flashback scenes all seemed to be leading to some big reveal that never quite happened. I do like how diverse the book is and I love the way a non-binary character was portrayed, it was also nice to see some awareness of chronic illness.
elliecaitlin16's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nicoleeyates's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shibh's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
annaavian's review against another edition
1.0
To me, the book felt boring and slow and it just didn't spark my interest. I would put the book down and not really have the urge to pick it up again because I simply didn't find anything intriguing about the story.
1librarianspath's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciated the varied backgrounds and voices that the main characters had. I never truly bought into the storyline though, or really cared about the characters. If I had to summarise, then I’d describe it as a cross between ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘13 Reasons Why’, but toned down. Sadly, it wasn’t to my taste.
nylee's review
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
makexbelieve's review against another edition
5.0
I love Non Pratt's stories so I was really excited to start this one. It's another brilliant contemporary YA told from the perspective of four very different but equally engaging characters.
Non captures teenage life in a way that will resonate with teen readers without feeling patronising. Sophie's refusal to think about her exams, the whole-life encompassing impact of friendships, family fallings out are just a few of the ways she creates authentic teenage characters.
It was interesting to read about a teenage character with a chronic illness and Non's author note at the end is really informative. It's clear that Non really did her research before writing Every Little Piece of My Heart, and I've finished it feeling more empathetic, and also having learnt a lot about Lupus. But Sophie is far more than just her illness, and it doesn't define her character. She is loyal and funny and in desperate need of a friend.
Every POV character was fun to read, and I was never disappointed when they switched. Win was strong and stable and she kept the peace. Her story will resonate with lots of readers. Lucas's toxic friendship with Kellan is something many teenagers will relate to as well - the conflict between knowing someone isn't a good friend for you, but wanting to keep them in your life because you're afraid of letting go. Ryan was different again, believing himself to be unloveable and pushing everyone away.
Although the shining star of Every Little Piece of My Heart wasn't a POV character at all, but Sunny. She was an absolute delight and impossible not to love. I also found it fascinating how much Freya dominated the narrative, despite her absence.
I loved the way the timeline flipped back and forth, so the story slowly fell into place. There's a great mystery element to the plot which will keep readers going late into the night.
This is a wonderful story of friendship, growing up, and being yourself. Every Little Piece of My Heart is a must-buy for school libraries this September.
Non captures teenage life in a way that will resonate with teen readers without feeling patronising. Sophie's refusal to think about her exams, the whole-life encompassing impact of friendships, family fallings out are just a few of the ways she creates authentic teenage characters.
It was interesting to read about a teenage character with a chronic illness and Non's author note at the end is really informative. It's clear that Non really did her research before writing Every Little Piece of My Heart, and I've finished it feeling more empathetic, and also having learnt a lot about Lupus. But Sophie is far more than just her illness, and it doesn't define her character. She is loyal and funny and in desperate need of a friend.
Every POV character was fun to read, and I was never disappointed when they switched. Win was strong and stable and she kept the peace. Her story will resonate with lots of readers. Lucas's toxic friendship with Kellan is something many teenagers will relate to as well - the conflict between knowing someone isn't a good friend for you, but wanting to keep them in your life because you're afraid of letting go. Ryan was different again, believing himself to be unloveable and pushing everyone away.
Although the shining star of Every Little Piece of My Heart wasn't a POV character at all, but Sunny. She was an absolute delight and impossible not to love. I also found it fascinating how much Freya dominated the narrative, despite her absence.
I loved the way the timeline flipped back and forth, so the story slowly fell into place. There's a great mystery element to the plot which will keep readers going late into the night.
This is a wonderful story of friendship, growing up, and being yourself. Every Little Piece of My Heart is a must-buy for school libraries this September.
girlglitch's review against another edition
4.0
One thing that I love about contemporary UKYA is that writers aren't afraid to take a simple idea and run with it. Every Little Piece of My Heart is essentially an exploration of friendship, and how complex, confusing and all-consuming it can be.
The story takes place over two days (with the help of a few flashbacks), but somehow it never feels rushed. There's not all that much plot, but there is a lot of character development, with each of the cast of characters going on their own emotional journey.
It's an effortless read, a YA that explores a whole range of issues and diversity without being reductive or overly didactic. Every Little Piece of My Heart is real and relatable, smart and understated - with just enough of a mystery to keep you turning those pages.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
The story takes place over two days (with the help of a few flashbacks), but somehow it never feels rushed. There's not all that much plot, but there is a lot of character development, with each of the cast of characters going on their own emotional journey.
It's an effortless read, a YA that explores a whole range of issues and diversity without being reductive or overly didactic. Every Little Piece of My Heart is real and relatable, smart and understated - with just enough of a mystery to keep you turning those pages.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*