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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.
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
unicornjessie4's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rasunshiny's review against another edition
3.0
Cukup membosankan dan tidak cukup kuat untuk menggetarkan emosiku. Kalimatnya seperti tercerai berai dan tidak menyatu. Hal itu yang kadang membuatku bingung apa yang ingin disampaikan penulis. Sebab kalimat yang tidak begitu berdampak dan banyak perihal yang diulang aku jadi bosan dan malam untuk mengikuti kisahnya.
ahhhhhhlexa's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thebookgiraffe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Emotional abuse
jacesherman's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
readsbylaura's review
4.0
Review also posted on my blog, Reads by Laura.
This was my first time reading a novel written in verse and I can gladly say that I am impressed with the way Iloh was able to capture a full story in verse and make Ada feel so real and relatable without all the extra details and descriptions that are in a "regular" novel. You're able to feel the emotions and realness of Ada's character with little detail and still get the full story of what she's going through.
Every Body Looking is a coming of age story that takes you through life of Ada, a young woman who has taken on heavy expectations that her father placed on her for being his first born daughter. You get to see Ada struggle with wanting to please her father, but also find a way to be who she desperately needs and wants to be. You also get to experience Ada as a young child in the first and second grade, which makes the story a lot more interesting because you get to see how Ada grows up and deals with the tramua of a mother with addiction and rape.
I thoroughly enjoyed Every Body Looking because of how it was written and how I get to see Ada move through life to eventually figure out exactly what she wants to do with her life and passion for dance. For me, there was so much life and realness in this story and the way Iloh was able to convey all of it in verse was beautiful. I'm excited to see what else Iloh is able to write.
I definitely believe that this is a story worth picking up especially if you enjoy novels in verse or would like to experience a novel written in verse.
This was my first time reading a novel written in verse and I can gladly say that I am impressed with the way Iloh was able to capture a full story in verse and make Ada feel so real and relatable without all the extra details and descriptions that are in a "regular" novel. You're able to feel the emotions and realness of Ada's character with little detail and still get the full story of what she's going through.
Every Body Looking is a coming of age story that takes you through life of Ada, a young woman who has taken on heavy expectations that her father placed on her for being his first born daughter. You get to see Ada struggle with wanting to please her father, but also find a way to be who she desperately needs and wants to be. You also get to experience Ada as a young child in the first and second grade, which makes the story a lot more interesting because you get to see how Ada grows up and deals with the tramua of a mother with addiction and rape.
I thoroughly enjoyed Every Body Looking because of how it was written and how I get to see Ada move through life to eventually figure out exactly what she wants to do with her life and passion for dance. For me, there was so much life and realness in this story and the way Iloh was able to convey all of it in verse was beautiful. I'm excited to see what else Iloh is able to write.
I definitely believe that this is a story worth picking up especially if you enjoy novels in verse or would like to experience a novel written in verse.
readmoreyall's review
5.0
Refreshing and deep. Lovely writing. Excellent characterization. Excellent pick for teen readers. Younger teens may need a content warning re:sexual assault scene.
sunshine169's review
4.0
Books in verse can be frustrating! This one is no exception. Every Body Looking is a wonderful coming into yourself story about a girl names Ada. She has to juggle the expectation upon expectation that has been put on her from family and her culture. I wanted to read more but the verse styles does not leave room for fleshing out stories. However, this is still excellent, it is powerful, and would recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley for a e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for a e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.