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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“This book is dedicated to all the kids whose arms are filled with too much for them to hold, but who are trying their best not to drop a single thing." / "You were always the better king."
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TW: panic attacks, hallucinations, toxic friendships, fire, unhealthy coping mechanisms, mental illness, underage smoking, ableist slurs
Wow gang, let K. Ancrum rip my heart out.
This was a lot but it was so damn good, like I can't even describe it. The characters are just— like I don't even know how to properly describe it, but lawrd, I love everything about this book. Like the characters are all so complex and I love every single one of them and their complexities. And the way the story is told, the buildup to the end, the relationships the chapter setout. Gosh, K. Ancrum went all the way!
And the images attached. I love books like that, with pictures that accompany the story, it makes it feel more real, makes me feel more attached to it.
Wow.
I feel like this going to be one of those book that I'll think about in the middle of the night and just be like holy shit because HOLY SHIT!
Wow gang, let K. Ancrum rip my heart out.
This was a lot but it was so damn good, like I can't even describe it. The characters are just— like I don't even know how to properly describe it, but lawrd, I love everything about this book. Like the characters are all so complex and I love every single one of them and their complexities. And the way the story is told, the buildup to the end, the relationships the chapter setout. Gosh, K. Ancrum went all the way!
And the images attached. I love books like that, with pictures that accompany the story, it makes it feel more real, makes me feel more attached to it.
Wow.
I feel like this going to be one of those book that I'll think about in the middle of the night and just be like holy shit because HOLY SHIT!
-¿Qué harías por mí?
-No lo sé. Cualquier cosa, probablemente.
Definitivamente no esperaba nada sobre este libro; había leído muy buenas recomendaciones, pero definitivamente no vi venir nada de lo que sucedió en él. El rey de mimbre es una historia sobre enfermedad: física, psicológica, familiar. Me refiero a enfermedad en su sentido más general, en que algo está mal y las cosas no funcionan como deben. Si acaso, me hubiera gustado más que se hiciera un énfasis mayor en que los chicos no debieron pasar por eso solos; aunque el mensaje está ahí, algo más explícito hubiera sido lo mejor para mí (especialmente porque en la versión que compré, a diferencia de la americana, no tenía la nota de la autora que tan importante era).
Una cosa que me gustaría destacar de este libro es lo hermoso de la edición. Las páginas van cambiando de blanco a negro conforme la historia avanza, haciendo referencia también a los temas que toca. Me pareció un toque importante y funciona bastante bien con el resto de los elementos visuales.
No recomendaría este libro a nadie que busque la representación de una relación sana. Esto definitivamente no es lo que están buscando. Pero definitivamente la relación entre August y Jack es algo que merece ser leído: tiene muchos matices, la mayoría teñidos por la desesperación de tenerse el uno al otro. Es una historia controvertida, pero creo que vale la pena leerla y discutirla críticamente.
En general es una buena historia, que exige reflexión, pero definitivamente no una de mis favoritas. La narración es fuertemente poética, lo que es un punto tanto a favor como en contra. Muchas veces funcionaba bien, especialmente en todo lo relacionado con Jack, pero otras hacía que se sintiera fuera de lugar. Creo que después de esta iré por la historia corta en el punto de vista de Jack, donde seguramente el estilo funcionará mucho mejor ;D
Wow....
I've waited too long to write this review, but I still remember being in awe of this book. It is an emotional ride, more so because I really wished I could jump into the book and give those boys some of the help they needed before they self-destructed.
The characters are so very real and it was easy to feel for them. This is a toxic relationship and I can only hope that with the events that transpired at the end that perhaps they will heal and get healthy.
I think there is a really good look at mental health as well. There are times when we can't know for sure if the fantasy elements are real or not -- we have a slightly unreliable narrator-- and isn't this how it can be for someone with issues?
Look, this is a beautiful book, one I might return to later, and definitely one that I will be recommending to people. It deserves to be widely read.
I've waited too long to write this review, but I still remember being in awe of this book. It is an emotional ride, more so because I really wished I could jump into the book and give those boys some of the help they needed before they self-destructed.
The characters are so very real and it was easy to feel for them. This is a toxic relationship and I can only hope that with the events that transpired at the end that perhaps they will heal and get healthy.
I think there is a really good look at mental health as well. There are times when we can't know for sure if the fantasy elements are real or not -- we have a slightly unreliable narrator-- and isn't this how it can be for someone with issues?
Look, this is a beautiful book, one I might return to later, and definitely one that I will be recommending to people. It deserves to be widely read.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'll take my criticisms back. The narration from Augusts pov made complete sense in the end.
What still stands, is that this book is frustrating and complicated. It a good way though 😂
I actually really ended up enjoying this book, even tho the first half of the book was a bit underwhelming. It wasn't a thriller, but more an exploration of Jacks hallucinations and Jacks and August's relationship, that is completely unhealthy and codependent, but necessary for them to actually get through life.
I have a bit of trouble calling their relationship problematic tho. I think it made sense for them? In a way? Their relationship turned downright destructive towards the end, but I think they need each other and no other person could compensate for that if August left Jack or the other way around. I don't they are totally lost, I think they are able to work to a place where they can have a more stable und supportive relationship. But that is also a thought I have, can an umhealthy relationship turn healthy, when the people work through their issues? I guess it could, when the partners are willing to constantly work for it. But that's the case in all relationships ...
What I do have a small problem with tho, is how some things were handled or not handled at all? Like these boys do some fucked up shit, and it's just ... Mentioned and not properly discussed? SPOILERS AHEAD: for example August nearly drowns himself during their quest and it's just ... Not talked about? That is where my main frustration came from reading this book. All these things happen or are done and no one takes a step back and actually thinks 'huh, maybe that was a shit idea, maybe we should get help, since we nearly accidentally KILLED OURSELVES!' The author explained in her notes that both Jack and August are both severely neglected by every adult in their lives, no parents and the teachers don't give a fuck. So I guess it makes sense that they didn't ask for help since they feel like thy are completely on their own? Ughhh, I don't know how I feel about this.
Haha, sorry for this weird review, it's more a stream of consciousness than actual facts 😅😂
What still stands, is that this book is frustrating and complicated. It a good way though 😂
I actually really ended up enjoying this book, even tho the first half of the book was a bit underwhelming. It wasn't a thriller, but more an exploration of Jacks hallucinations and Jacks and August's relationship, that is completely unhealthy and codependent, but necessary for them to actually get through life.
I have a bit of trouble calling their relationship problematic tho. I think it made sense for them? In a way? Their relationship turned downright destructive towards the end, but I think they need each other and no other person could compensate for that if August left Jack or the other way around. I don't they are totally lost, I think they are able to work to a place where they can have a more stable und supportive relationship. But that is also a thought I have, can an umhealthy relationship turn healthy, when the people work through their issues? I guess it could, when the partners are willing to constantly work for it. But that's the case in all relationships ...
What I do have a small problem with tho, is how some things were handled or not handled at all? Like these boys do some fucked up shit, and it's just ... Mentioned and not properly discussed? SPOILERS AHEAD: for example August nearly drowns himself during their quest and it's just ... Not talked about? That is where my main frustration came from reading this book. All these things happen or are done and no one takes a step back and actually thinks 'huh, maybe that was a shit idea, maybe we should get help, since we nearly accidentally KILLED OURSELVES!' The author explained in her notes that both Jack and August are both severely neglected by every adult in their lives, no parents and the teachers don't give a fuck. So I guess it makes sense that they didn't ask for help since they feel like thy are completely on their own? Ughhh, I don't know how I feel about this.
Haha, sorry for this weird review, it's more a stream of consciousness than actual facts 😅😂
THIS NOVEL IS AMAZING. i am convinced that anything that this woman writes is a masterpiece. i finished this book in one sitting and it's currently 2am and i'm losing my mind over it. august and jack i love you.