Scan barcode
A review by joyreadsbuku
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars - TLDR: A book written in verse about 2 teens dealing with mental health (clinical depression) and the layers it has. Characters were likeable, pace and plot were okay, but the ending was too fast. Make sure to be (emotionally) ready for this one.
Long(er) review: I liked the main characters (Whimsy & Faerry) and that they start talking to each other again. They go through the same trauma and help each other through it. I did not like how one parent basically told the mc to forget what happened, making the parent no help at all. But this is a reality for a lot of people, so it's important to raise this issue.
Speaking of, another character in the book said "Black boys don't get to feel things", which is also a crucial point to speak on. I liked the Fantasy and Magical Realism, but sometimes the magical aspect felt like a lot, which leads to feeling so out of touch with reality. As a result, it's actually well done because that is how depression can feel for some.
The middle was a bit long because it kept hovering over what happened in the past without explicitly saying what happened (it dragged on a little bit). If it didn't, it would leave space for the ending to be more explained.
Overall a good book, but please be prepared before reading this book and pay attention to the trigger warnings (which are mentioned in the beginning of this book, and are in this case; depression, self-harm, trauma, death, panick attacks, grief).
Long(er) review: I liked the main characters (Whimsy & Faerry) and that they start talking to each other again. They go through the same trauma and help each other through it. I did not like how one parent basically told the mc to forget what happened, making the parent no help at all. But this is a reality for a lot of people, so it's important to raise this issue.
Speaking of, another character in the book said "Black boys don't get to feel things", which is also a crucial point to speak on. I liked the Fantasy and Magical Realism, but sometimes the magical aspect felt like a lot, which leads to feeling so out of touch with reality. As a result, it's actually well done because that is how depression can feel for some.
The middle was a bit long because it kept hovering over what happened in the past without explicitly saying what happened (it dragged on a little bit). If it didn't, it would leave space for the ending to be more explained.
Overall a good book, but please be prepared before reading this book and pay attention to the trigger warnings (which are mentioned in the beginning of this book, and are in this case; depression, self-harm, trauma, death, panick attacks, grief).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Self harm