A review by kaleyb25
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury
3.0
Strong 5/10. It was okay.
While I can appreciate how this was based on a true event involving an autistic kid, and I think the autism representation was alright, most of the story was framed with repetitive Christian themes and too many character perspectives that were too similar.
Holden was definitely the best character; he was sweet and most positive character. Ella was kind with good intentions and was willing to learn for Holden. I grew to like Tracy (Holden's mom) as she did only want what's best for her child. I wish the book stuck with those three perspectives, cuz every one else didn't really provide much. I do wanna mention that one side character did commit suicide and he only had a perspective cuz of it, and I think it could've been handled better.
The first 100 pages aren't the best; it had negative messages about Holden and I didn't like it. The last 2/3 of the book were better, was more positive and encouraging. It wouldn't be the first mental health contemporary I recommend, but I did think the author handled the topic as best as she could.
While I can appreciate how this was based on a true event involving an autistic kid, and I think the autism representation was alright, most of the story was framed with repetitive Christian themes and too many character perspectives that were too similar.
Holden was definitely the best character; he was sweet and most positive character. Ella was kind with good intentions and was willing to learn for Holden. I grew to like Tracy (Holden's mom) as she did only want what's best for her child. I wish the book stuck with those three perspectives, cuz every one else didn't really provide much. I do wanna mention that one side character did commit suicide and he only had a perspective cuz of it, and I think it could've been handled better.
The first 100 pages aren't the best; it had negative messages about Holden and I didn't like it. The last 2/3 of the book were better, was more positive and encouraging. It wouldn't be the first mental health contemporary I recommend, but I did think the author handled the topic as best as she could.