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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
southernmomma's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
I loved this book! I remember reading Crank as a teenager and this was definitely more light hearted, but such a beautiful story.
alboyer6's review against another edition
4.0
A good book that shows the frustrations of the daughter while still be very empathetic to the cousin who had faced so much trauma in his life. Told in alternating points of view between each character. A great age appropriate story.
kenziefulcher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
krisboss's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read Closer to Nowhere.
Hannah and Cal are cousins that have been living together since Cal's mother died. It explores the family relationships that exist. It is told in verse.
I haven't read Ellen Hopkins and I'm not a big reader of middle grade. I typically enjoy books in verse only audibly. This book is fantastic. I have have several family members who are at this age and they are all getting a copy once it is released. I am pressing it into the hands of every person who can appreciate middle grade.
I was shocked at how well I know the characters since it is written in verse. I was really drawn in to their story and having it in verse did not detract from it at all.
Please pick up this book for anyone who loves a great middle great story.
Hannah and Cal are cousins that have been living together since Cal's mother died. It explores the family relationships that exist. It is told in verse.
I haven't read Ellen Hopkins and I'm not a big reader of middle grade. I typically enjoy books in verse only audibly. This book is fantastic. I have have several family members who are at this age and they are all getting a copy once it is released. I am pressing it into the hands of every person who can appreciate middle grade.
I was shocked at how well I know the characters since it is written in verse. I was really drawn in to their story and having it in verse did not detract from it at all.
Please pick up this book for anyone who loves a great middle great story.
aashi2106's review against another edition
5.0
This story was so beautiful and impactful. I cried a lot reading this because I could relate to Cal so much. This book made me feel understood and this story is going to stay with me for a long time.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Hopkins' novels-in-verse are always well-written and compelling. Her first foray into MG is no exception. CLOSER TO NOWHERE is fast-paced, engrossing, and even funny in places despite its heavy subject matter. Both Cal and Hannah are sympathetic characters who are easy to root for. The book teaches important lessons about seeking to understand before judging, the need for kindness and compassion, the true meaning of family, and standing up for one another. It also shows the far-reaching consequences of addiction and how dealing with it in its many forms affects all members of an addict's family. Hopkins' personal note at the end is especially poignant. Hopefully, it will help kids dealing with tough situations feel seen and understood while teaching all readers to be kinder and more empathetic.
adambwriter's review against another edition
5.0
Probably my favorite Hopkins novel, after Tricks and up there with People Kill People. We're so lucky to have Hopkins' courageous and talented voice in young people's fiction right now.
Extended thoughts available 11/15 at https://roofbeamreader.com/2020/11/15/closer-to-nowhere-by-ellen-hopkins/.
Extended thoughts available 11/15 at https://roofbeamreader.com/2020/11/15/closer-to-nowhere-by-ellen-hopkins/.