A review by tangleroot_eli
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

adventurous emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

A magical realism adventure that's also an allegory for depression. A few notes don't resonate with me, but overall, what a symphony.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, and Grief

Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting

Minor: Bullying

Moderate: Mind control