A review by ravensandlace
Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest

4.0

Title: Where You See Yourself

Author: Claire Forrest

Genre: YA Contemporary

Format: hardback library book

Series: NA

Star Rating: 4 stars

tw: ableism (pretty prevalent throughout the book), cursing

When I first started this book, I didn’t care for it or the main character, Effie. To be honest, I struggled with her woe-is-me attitude. She didn't seem like a good friend and her negative attitude started to wear me down. I was pretty unforgiving with her anxiety even though I have anxiety. I have no idea why I am like that but I tend to judge main characters when they have anxiety. 

But then something changed. I saw Effie try her hardest to stand up for herself time and time again. I saw her realize she wasn’t being a good friend. I saw her actively work on herself. I realized that this girl was just a teen doing her best to navigate her life. I realized I was being too hard on Effie. She reminded me of myself in high school. Trying so hard to stand up for myself. That's why I was so hard on Effie. I wanted her to be better because I wanted high school me to be better. 

I bonded so much with Effie when she said she had cerebral palsy. My brother has it also I’ve seen the effects of it. I think this is where my heart truly bonded with Effie and I looked at her like she was my little sister. She was so incredibly strong and my heart was so happy whenever she had any little triumph. I just wanted the best for her, as any big sister would want for their younger sibling. 

Overall, I loved this book a lot, in case you didn’t notice, it just took me a little bit to get there. I think anyone, no matter their age, would truly enjoy this book and understand Effie and her struggles and triumphs. I feel like everyone can see themselves in Effie. I guarantee you will love Effie in the same way I do.