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A review by sierra_color
Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr
4.0
This book is a wonderful read!
I have some little complaints about it, like how Dixie’s character would go back and forth between being mad at her parents and Gem, but that was expected. I’ve been through that confusing anger myself.
I’d definitely recommend this book, it was so relatable and it felt so.. refreshing to have a character like Gem, who was done with the bull but didn’t know how to scrape herself out. Plus, I love the message of the book, you aren’t responsible for everybody. It’s a great thing to say, and it’s not something I see a lot in YA. Speaking of YA, this book isn’t a romance book! Woo!
Plus, it isn’t overly philosophical or pessimistic, it’s just real. That’s what really hooked me, the writing isn’t anything too descriptive, but it’s brutally honest. You really see how Gem feels in the book and understand her frustrations and feeling trapped in that type of household. It’s really remarkable to see this sort of life represented, because it isn’t seen a lot in literature (unless it’s a memoir or a romance), but with this book, it’s none of those things! As I said before! I just love how Gem doesn’t need to be saved by anyone but herself. So congrats to the author on that!
But, even though this book is great, I feel like the portrayal of the mom wasn’t so realistic, mostly because I’ve been around people who get drunk and become ballistic, plus I’ve been around high people, and let me tell you, they don’t just pass out.
Other than that though, the book was fine, and a pretty good read. I would read again!
I have some little complaints about it, like how Dixie’s character would go back and forth between being mad at her parents and Gem, but that was expected. I’ve been through that confusing anger myself.
I’d definitely recommend this book, it was so relatable and it felt so.. refreshing to have a character like Gem, who was done with the bull but didn’t know how to scrape herself out. Plus, I love the message of the book, you aren’t responsible for everybody. It’s a great thing to say, and it’s not something I see a lot in YA. Speaking of YA, this book isn’t a romance book! Woo!
Plus, it isn’t overly philosophical or pessimistic, it’s just real. That’s what really hooked me, the writing isn’t anything too descriptive, but it’s brutally honest. You really see how Gem feels in the book and understand her frustrations and feeling trapped in that type of household. It’s really remarkable to see this sort of life represented, because it isn’t seen a lot in literature (unless it’s a memoir or a romance), but with this book, it’s none of those things! As I said before! I just love how Gem doesn’t need to be saved by anyone but herself. So congrats to the author on that!
But, even though this book is great, I feel like the portrayal of the mom wasn’t so realistic, mostly because I’ve been around people who get drunk and become ballistic, plus I’ve been around high people, and let me tell you, they don’t just pass out.
Other than that though, the book was fine, and a pretty good read. I would read again!