Reviews

Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh

lalibraconlibros's review

emotional funny reflective sad fast-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

3.0

roseleaf24's review

4.0

The poetry gets right to the heart of the matter. This was a focused coming-of-age story, as Ada` graduates, begins college, and starts to figure it who she really is and what she really wants to do. Sections, though, show us scenes from her past, helping us to understand.

blep's review against another edition

reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

Meh 🤷
The writing is phenomenal its just not that great of a plot

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship

jadedandylions's review

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

thebookkeepers's review

emotional reflective medium-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

3.25

This book started off strong for me, but the ending came abruptly and the tale felt unfinished. I enjoyed the nonlinear format and how we bounce between current day college & flashback scenes from various times of her childhood. There were some heavy themes in this I was looking forward to seeing the main character over come but didn’t feel like it truly was flushed out once I reached the final page. I was craving more closure for this main character and to know what’s next for her.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Addiction, and Sexual assault

talkativetaylor11's review

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition

fast-paced

3.0

gi_reads30's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While this is an extremely fast read, and a very honest and raw coming of age story, I found myself wanting more. I guess because its is so short, a lot of things were left out to the readers interpretation, but I really wanted to know what will be of our main character's Ada's life. 

Other than that, the writing was beautiful and I will definitely look into more of Candice's work.

mmotleyu's review

4.0

Coming of age verse novel about teen whose family wants her to study business. At college, she slowly learns that only she can define her worth after letting boys as well as her Aunt, father and mother do it for her. Dance opens this window for her. Not much but really everything happens in this novel.

gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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? No

3.5

This was a beautifully written, heavily autobiographical story of Ada, trying to fit into a world of conflicting messages. Never feeling enough for those she loves, lacking privacy and information on her body and growing up, this was an emotional story told in verse.

The slice of life style of this was easy to listen to, despite the hardhips Ada went through. I still enjoyed seeing her grow into herself and find her identity as she navigated home, school, tumultuous relationships and toxic family.

Ultimately, Ada's story was about distancing oneself from the emotional abuse and finally loving for you and only you.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Sexual content, and Gaslighting