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a_blue_stocking's review
2.5
I really like the idea and the setup. There was a lot of potential to have dynamic characters. However, it all fell flat. Things were just stated, it felt like there was an attempt to add heart to the story but it failed to facilitate an emotional connection for the reader which ended up making the whole thing feel soulless.
Also, whatever happened to Olga?!
That being said, I think this would be really cool adapted to a mini series. I would definitely revisit the story if it was released in that medium.
Also, whatever happened to Olga?!
That being said, I think this would be really cool adapted to a mini series. I would definitely revisit the story if it was released in that medium.
sherwoodreads's review
Sadie is a high school junior who hung out with the seniors, as her own class was full of losers. The summer after she said goodbye to them all, including her bestie, she goes to work at a local fruit and veg stand--at least, she starts the summer doing that. Then comes the Incident. Which changes everything.
Sadie is our narrator, fiercely observant, full of big questions, full of heart. She ends up at a community lunch where she meets some other local teens. The group of them get together, and then decide to form a secret organization that does random acts of kindness.
The story involves them all--goals, setbacks, motivations, promises. Problems, such as one girl's horrible descent into heroin addiction. Misunderstandings. Along the way, parents slowly become human beings, with pasts and problems of their own.
It's a fast-paced, vivid book full of typical teen humor, passion, grim things and good things. A dash of wish fulfillment, but in the best way. I found the book nearly impossible to put down.
I think teens and up would enjoy it, though parents who are on the watch for such things should know that there are some f-bombs here and there, and under-eighteens having casual sex. But I hope that those elements won't turn away possible readers: such a book, encountering various differing points of view and problems head on, and dealing with the consequences, has the potential to get parents and kids talking together about their own life choices. Communication, as illustrated here so well (sometimes heartbreakingly well), is so vital.
Copy provided courtesy of NetGalley
Sadie is our narrator, fiercely observant, full of big questions, full of heart. She ends up at a community lunch where she meets some other local teens. The group of them get together, and then decide to form a secret organization that does random acts of kindness.
The story involves them all--goals, setbacks, motivations, promises. Problems, such as one girl's horrible descent into heroin addiction. Misunderstandings. Along the way, parents slowly become human beings, with pasts and problems of their own.
It's a fast-paced, vivid book full of typical teen humor, passion, grim things and good things. A dash of wish fulfillment, but in the best way. I found the book nearly impossible to put down.
I think teens and up would enjoy it, though parents who are on the watch for such things should know that there are some f-bombs here and there, and under-eighteens having casual sex. But I hope that those elements won't turn away possible readers: such a book, encountering various differing points of view and problems head on, and dealing with the consequences, has the potential to get parents and kids talking together about their own life choices. Communication, as illustrated here so well (sometimes heartbreakingly well), is so vital.
Copy provided courtesy of NetGalley
ashezbookz's review
5.0
4.5/5* This book was such a pleasant surprise - randomly picking it up at the library (and reading 30 pages while standing there) I decided to take it home - I finished it within a day I was so addicted. The ragtag group of teens battling bullying and drugs - trying to find themselves through the summer. I think the hometown hero aspect was so fun, each person doing something great and trying to make a difference, learning not all choices are going to be cut and dry, and even the romance was great. Such an awesome book.
eggjen's review
4.0
This book was heavier than I expected, but engrossing. I thought the premise was really interesting and the characters were so inspiring. We should all be Unlikelies.
amandalyn's review
4.0
This book was very uplifting, touching, and inspiring. Not to mention funny and sometimes a little sad. I thought the portrayal of addiction was done very well. Not a hint of romanticism which happens in some ya books. I really enjoyed this book and I’m definitely going to read more by this author soon!
sienaro's review
5.0
Go to the bookstore and go read this book right now. The story is lovely, The characters are so real and well developed, There isn’t any sex or violence (although there is the occasional swear word and mentions of drug abuse (but always in a bad light)) and the problems are real. Like, everyone is honest with each other and solves problems with clear heads and they get mad about things you legitimately would get mad about. And since its about *nice people* they’re forgiving and kind and THIS BOOK IS JUST SO GOOD.
Gordie is literally the most adorable, swoon-worthy male character I have ever encountered. Sadie is so cute and relatable and I totally want to make care packages and give gifts to everyone I know. And the group of misfits that all befriend her are the greatest.
Gordie is literally the most adorable, swoon-worthy male character I have ever encountered. Sadie is so cute and relatable and I totally want to make care packages and give gifts to everyone I know. And the group of misfits that all befriend her are the greatest.
christiana's review
3.0
Not my usual kind of book, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Dialogue was a little rough at times, but I was taken with the characters and liked the plot once it got going. A good early career book from an author to watch. Kind of reminded me of Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy, so could be a good read alike.
alannar2422's review
5.0
I loved this book. It truly shows how being a light in the darkness makes a difference. If people showed kindness, one person at a time the world would be a better place. Another message I loved was being kind to even your enemies, the people who pushed you down or treated you wrong. This book had wonderful messages and I savored each one. :)
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Unlikelies was not exactly the book I was expecting it to be, but in some ways it was better. I was expecting it to be mostly a story about how Sadie and her friends are trying to right wrongs in their community—and it was about that a bit, but really it was more about Sadie discovering that she can move on after she loses the things in her life that she defined herself with—mainly her relationship with her best friend. Sadie hadn’t expected to find anything new in her town the summer before her senior year. She hadn’t expected to move on—just to mope. She also has to move on from the fear that surrounds her after being attacked. She tells people she’s fine, but she really isn’t past it all. In some ways it makes her braver, though—she doesn’t want to shrink back from helping, no matter what.
The one issue that I had with the book was that Sadie and her friends put themselves in some very dangerous situations in order to help their friend with the drug addiction, and they don’t really ever see the consequences of that. I kind of wanted to scream at them to smarten up a little because helping doesn’t have to mean taking extreme risks—not when there are other options. Still, I loved that Sadie and her friends aren’t willing to just leave well enough alone. They fight back when most people would just sit back and complain. For that, I applaud them!
This book was a bit of a more serious read than I was expecting, but that was just fine with me. It was still fun in parts and really highlighted friendships, something that’s needed more in YA. Plus, the romance was sweet and easy to root for. Overall, I give this book 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
The Unlikelies was not exactly the book I was expecting it to be, but in some ways it was better. I was expecting it to be mostly a story about how Sadie and her friends are trying to right wrongs in their community—and it was about that a bit, but really it was more about Sadie discovering that she can move on after she loses the things in her life that she defined herself with—mainly her relationship with her best friend. Sadie hadn’t expected to find anything new in her town the summer before her senior year. She hadn’t expected to move on—just to mope. She also has to move on from the fear that surrounds her after being attacked. She tells people she’s fine, but she really isn’t past it all. In some ways it makes her braver, though—she doesn’t want to shrink back from helping, no matter what.
The one issue that I had with the book was that Sadie and her friends put themselves in some very dangerous situations in order to help their friend with the drug addiction, and they don’t really ever see the consequences of that. I kind of wanted to scream at them to smarten up a little because helping doesn’t have to mean taking extreme risks—not when there are other options. Still, I loved that Sadie and her friends aren’t willing to just leave well enough alone. They fight back when most people would just sit back and complain. For that, I applaud them!
This book was a bit of a more serious read than I was expecting, but that was just fine with me. It was still fun in parts and really highlighted friendships, something that’s needed more in YA. Plus, the romance was sweet and easy to root for. Overall, I give this book 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***