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clymistra's review
3.0
Review of the manuscript uploaded on swoonreads.
This manuscript was a bit of a mixed bag for me. For starters, as a lifelong resident of the Willamette valley I always get excited when I find Oregon rep in literature, especially when the author is familiar with the area, as [a:Paula Stokes|6549373|Paula Stokes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1408899676p2/6549373.jpg] clearly is. I really enjoyed all the name dropping of actual places in the Portland Metro Area and, though I've never personally been big on Portland myself, Ms. Stokes very clearly and articulately captured the feel of living in that city.
Secondly, I really connected with Mackenzie's struggles to learn how to speak again. While I have never suffered anything close to a stroke, I have struggled with a speech impediment since childhood so I know how frustrating it can been when you can't always express your thoughts in as articulate or as timely a manner as your peers. Also, it's evident that Ms. Stokes put a lot of time into researching strokes and the kinds of rehabilitation stroke patients go through on their path to recovery which ultimately lends credence to the believability and flow of the overall narrative.
One trivial thing I liked: Wheels enjoying car rides. For many years I was the proud owner of an orange and cream tabby who loved to go on car rides. I've never encountered an instance of a cat enjoying car rides in a work of fiction so it was a pleasant surprise to read about a cat so similar to one I used to own.
There were a few things, however, that didn't work for me in this book. One of them being, minor inconsistencies in the plot. In one chapter, for example, Mackenzie mentions that Dalton dropped her off at home after returning from a trip to the vet. The very next chapter, which takes place a day later, however, Dalton texts her asking her where she lives so he will know where to pick her up - something he should already know. There are also minor things that I feel were never fully explained to the reader - why did Mackenzie feel like she had to do all 120 hours of community service before her meeting with the board when the judge gave her till the end of the year to complete her service hours? How did Dalton know she had a stroke? Did Rosa tell him before he met Mackenzie? Did he make an educated guess after googling medical conditions online? And why were there never any other volunteers at the animal rescue center aside from Dalton? Since Mackenzie volunteers on the weekends, and most people are off work/off school on the weekends, one would assume there would be at least a few other volunteers helping out at the center when Mackenzie is there. Again, it's never really clear. I assume if this book ever gets picked up for publication, a decent editor would point out the inconsistencies and areas that aren't totally clear and they would suggest minor edits to those segments.
My biggest issue with the text, however, is with the characterizations of some of the characters. For starters, let's look at Cheyenne. She is arguably the most fleshed-out/ well-written character in the book. However, this strength is also a bit of a weakness unfortunately as pretty much all the other characters pale in comparison to her. As at least one other reviewer pointed out, the mother, in particular suffers from Cheyenne being such a strong character. The majority of the time Cheyenne came across as being more adult/mature/rational than the mother, which was extremely unfortunate. Given that Mackenzie didn't really have any friends during the course of the novel, I think that it would have had worked better if Cheyenne's characteristics (her love of volunteering, political activism, vegetarianism, etc.) had been transplanted onto another character, perhaps another animal shelter volunteer, who Mackenzie could interact with on a regular basis/befriend.
On a similar note, let's look at Simi, the only friend of Mackenzie's that we ever meet over the course the summer. I was really disappointed by Simi's treatment or lack there of throughout the course of the book. First mentioned in the first few pages of the book, she quickly disappears from the text by around the 20-25% mark only to reappear from the abyss around the 80-85% mark for a brief moment to reveal some critical info to Mackenzie. She then promptly disappears again. It occurred to me while reading that this character was clearly a plot device and not a 'true' character. In my opinion, a reader should never feel that a character is superfluous and serves no purpose except to help move the plot forward and yet this description fits Simi to a tee. As stated above, I would have liked to see Mackenzie have at least one true, well-fleshed out friend over the course of the novel - perhaps Simi could fill this role one day with some creative re-envisioning of her place in the overall novel as either a school friend or a new acquaintance at the animal rescue center.
Lastly, let's talk about Dalton. As much as I liked Dalton, I couldn't help but think he was just a slightly more insecure version of Jordy from Ms. Stokes' earlier work [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. Both boys come from affluent families (both boys comment that their parents' are really the one's paying for food they buy for the McGuire and Mackenzie), their houses are described very similarly (big screen TVs in multiple rooms of the house, a very big clean and orderly home that Mackenzie and McGuire are afraid to mess up/make dirty), their parents (especially their mothers) are described very similarly (wanting to control their sons' lives, critical of their sons wanting to get involved with McGuire and Mackenzie), and both boys being a bit hesitant to express to their parents what they really want in life. Don't get me wrong, I really liked Dalton and I really liked Jordy when I read [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. However, I just wish Dalton was a more unique character and didn't fall back on the same tropes Ms. Stokes explored previously in her earlier work. Again, with some creative rewrites, I think Dalton could be a truly special and unique character and not just a less confident, shyer shade of Jordy.
One trivial thing I didn't like: what is up with the cover? Two teens huddled under an umbrella in the rain? This book takes place in the summer - the one time of year you are pretty much guaranteed to not to need an umbrella in the otherwise notoriously rainy pacific northwest.
My final thoughts: [a:Paula Stokes|6549373|Paula Stokes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1408899676p2/6549373.jpg] is a talented author in the YA verse. Her characters come across as actual teens and not as an adult trying to sound like a teen. I have enjoyed several of her previous works, particularly [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. While I had my issues with this book, overall, it was an enjoyable read. With some edits, I think it could become an even stronger piece. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This manuscript was a bit of a mixed bag for me. For starters, as a lifelong resident of the Willamette valley I always get excited when I find Oregon rep in literature, especially when the author is familiar with the area, as [a:Paula Stokes|6549373|Paula Stokes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1408899676p2/6549373.jpg] clearly is. I really enjoyed all the name dropping of actual places in the Portland Metro Area and, though I've never personally been big on Portland myself, Ms. Stokes very clearly and articulately captured the feel of living in that city.
Secondly, I really connected with Mackenzie's struggles to learn how to speak again. While I have never suffered anything close to a stroke, I have struggled with a speech impediment since childhood so I know how frustrating it can been when you can't always express your thoughts in as articulate or as timely a manner as your peers. Also, it's evident that Ms. Stokes put a lot of time into researching strokes and the kinds of rehabilitation stroke patients go through on their path to recovery which ultimately lends credence to the believability and flow of the overall narrative.
One trivial thing I liked: Wheels enjoying car rides. For many years I was the proud owner of an orange and cream tabby who loved to go on car rides. I've never encountered an instance of a cat enjoying car rides in a work of fiction so it was a pleasant surprise to read about a cat so similar to one I used to own.
There were a few things, however, that didn't work for me in this book. One of them being, minor inconsistencies in the plot. In one chapter, for example, Mackenzie mentions that Dalton dropped her off at home after returning from a trip to the vet. The very next chapter, which takes place a day later, however, Dalton texts her asking her where she lives so he will know where to pick her up - something he should already know. There are also minor things that I feel were never fully explained to the reader - why did Mackenzie feel like she had to do all 120 hours of community service before her meeting with the board when the judge gave her till the end of the year to complete her service hours? How did Dalton know she had a stroke? Did Rosa tell him before he met Mackenzie? Did he make an educated guess after googling medical conditions online? And why were there never any other volunteers at the animal rescue center aside from Dalton? Since Mackenzie volunteers on the weekends, and most people are off work/off school on the weekends, one would assume there would be at least a few other volunteers helping out at the center when Mackenzie is there. Again, it's never really clear. I assume if this book ever gets picked up for publication, a decent editor would point out the inconsistencies and areas that aren't totally clear and they would suggest minor edits to those segments.
My biggest issue with the text, however, is with the characterizations of some of the characters. For starters, let's look at Cheyenne. She is arguably the most fleshed-out/ well-written character in the book. However, this strength is also a bit of a weakness unfortunately as pretty much all the other characters pale in comparison to her. As at least one other reviewer pointed out, the mother, in particular suffers from Cheyenne being such a strong character. The majority of the time Cheyenne came across as being more adult/mature/rational than the mother, which was extremely unfortunate. Given that Mackenzie didn't really have any friends during the course of the novel, I think that it would have had worked better if Cheyenne's characteristics (her love of volunteering, political activism, vegetarianism, etc.) had been transplanted onto another character, perhaps another animal shelter volunteer, who Mackenzie could interact with on a regular basis/befriend.
On a similar note, let's look at Simi, the only friend of Mackenzie's that we ever meet over the course the summer. I was really disappointed by Simi's treatment or lack there of throughout the course of the book. First mentioned in the first few pages of the book, she quickly disappears from the text by around the 20-25% mark only to reappear from the abyss around the 80-85% mark for a brief moment to reveal some critical info to Mackenzie. She then promptly disappears again. It occurred to me while reading that this character was clearly a plot device and not a 'true' character. In my opinion, a reader should never feel that a character is superfluous and serves no purpose except to help move the plot forward and yet this description fits Simi to a tee. As stated above, I would have liked to see Mackenzie have at least one true, well-fleshed out friend over the course of the novel - perhaps Simi could fill this role one day with some creative re-envisioning of her place in the overall novel as either a school friend or a new acquaintance at the animal rescue center.
Lastly, let's talk about Dalton. As much as I liked Dalton, I couldn't help but think he was just a slightly more insecure version of Jordy from Ms. Stokes' earlier work [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. Both boys come from affluent families (both boys comment that their parents' are really the one's paying for food they buy for the McGuire and Mackenzie), their houses are described very similarly (big screen TVs in multiple rooms of the house, a very big clean and orderly home that Mackenzie and McGuire are afraid to mess up/make dirty), their parents (especially their mothers) are described very similarly (wanting to control their sons' lives, critical of their sons wanting to get involved with McGuire and Mackenzie), and both boys being a bit hesitant to express to their parents what they really want in life. Don't get me wrong, I really liked Dalton and I really liked Jordy when I read [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. However, I just wish Dalton was a more unique character and didn't fall back on the same tropes Ms. Stokes explored previously in her earlier work. Again, with some creative rewrites, I think Dalton could be a truly special and unique character and not just a less confident, shyer shade of Jordy.
One trivial thing I didn't like: what is up with the cover? Two teens huddled under an umbrella in the rain? This book takes place in the summer - the one time of year you are pretty much guaranteed to not to need an umbrella in the otherwise notoriously rainy pacific northwest.
My final thoughts: [a:Paula Stokes|6549373|Paula Stokes|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1408899676p2/6549373.jpg] is a talented author in the YA verse. Her characters come across as actual teens and not as an adult trying to sound like a teen. I have enjoyed several of her previous works, particularly [b:Girl Against the Universe|22297294|Girl Against the Universe|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460011581l/22297294._SY75_.jpg|41685437]. While I had my issues with this book, overall, it was an enjoyable read. With some edits, I think it could become an even stronger piece. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
half_bloodreader's review
4.0
Review of the manuscript uploaded to swoonreads.
When I woke up after my stroke, I felt like the life I’d always planned for was impossible, like everything I’d ever wanted was suddenly out of reach, and would be forever. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe everything is still there, and all I have to do is find my way back to it.
[b:Stronger Than Words|50129828|Stronger Than Words|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577676556l/50129828._SY75_.jpg|75080579] is a story about recovery, family, resilience and inner growth.
Mackenzie Craig is a fighter, someone strong, ambitious, someone who perseveres. A debate champion, aiming to become a lawyer, she has experienced first hand some big hardships, which have motivated her to work hard so she'll never be poor or homeless again.
After her stroke, she must once again put her perseverance to the test, as she recovers from aphasia and reduced mobility.
This is a compelling story: fighting your way up not once, but twice, this time after having been ripped off your biggest strength is, frankly, empowering! Mackenzie's forte are her words, I'm the same, and I could feel her panic at having this weapon, this shield, this professional tool, this means of expression taken away.
My stroke didn’t affect my intelligence, but it’s hard not to feel academically impaired when I can’t really speak or write. I mean, I know all of my knowledge is still inside me, but does anyone else know that?
During the course of the book, through many experiences, Kenzie realizes who she wants to be as a person and allows herself to change certain perspectives about life and how to live it.
I absolutely loved Mackenzie's relationship with her sister, Cheyenne! And I loved Chey. They are such a united front, always there for each other - really, such a healthy sibling relationship.
Due to Kenzie's community service, we get to meet all these cute animals for us to coo at, and some romance. But never fear, it does not take over the plot! This is very much Mackenzie's journey to acceptance of her new reality and maturing as a person, maybe in ways she wouldn't have if circumstances were different. Thank the animals, the animals bring out her softie side, it's endearing!
I hope this book, as well as sources from real people who have gone through this, will open people's minds about some ableist ideas floating around and make them question what is "normal", and does it even exist?
There are so many important messages present, but I don't want to quote the manuscript excessively, so I'll leave you with my words: you're important and your feelings are valid. You can do anything you set your mind to.
When I woke up after my stroke, I felt like the life I’d always planned for was impossible, like everything I’d ever wanted was suddenly out of reach, and would be forever. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe everything is still there, and all I have to do is find my way back to it.
[b:Stronger Than Words|50129828|Stronger Than Words|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577676556l/50129828._SY75_.jpg|75080579] is a story about recovery, family, resilience and inner growth.
Mackenzie Craig is a fighter, someone strong, ambitious, someone who perseveres. A debate champion, aiming to become a lawyer, she has experienced first hand some big hardships, which have motivated her to work hard so she'll never be poor or homeless again.
After her stroke, she must once again put her perseverance to the test, as she recovers from aphasia and reduced mobility.
This is a compelling story: fighting your way up not once, but twice, this time after having been ripped off your biggest strength is, frankly, empowering! Mackenzie's forte are her words, I'm the same, and I could feel her panic at having this weapon, this shield, this professional tool, this means of expression taken away.
My stroke didn’t affect my intelligence, but it’s hard not to feel academically impaired when I can’t really speak or write. I mean, I know all of my knowledge is still inside me, but does anyone else know that?
During the course of the book, through many experiences, Kenzie realizes who she wants to be as a person and allows herself to change certain perspectives about life and how to live it.
I absolutely loved Mackenzie's relationship with her sister, Cheyenne! And I loved Chey. They are such a united front, always there for each other - really, such a healthy sibling relationship.
Due to Kenzie's community service, we get to meet all these cute animals for us to coo at, and some romance. But never fear, it does not take over the plot! This is very much Mackenzie's journey to acceptance of her new reality and maturing as a person, maybe in ways she wouldn't have if circumstances were different. Thank the animals, the animals bring out her softie side, it's endearing!
I hope this book, as well as sources from real people who have gone through this, will open people's minds about some ableist ideas floating around and make them question what is "normal", and does it even exist?
There are so many important messages present, but I don't want to quote the manuscript excessively, so I'll leave you with my words: you're important and your feelings are valid. You can do anything you set your mind to.
samwlabb's review
5.0
Rating: 4.5 stars
Another beautifully told story from Paula Stokes!
Kenzie was 18 years old, and the future she had worked so hard for, was finally within her grasp. But, when she suffers a stroke, her plans seem to be on shaky ground, and now she might lose everything she had worked so hard for.
The book definitely started with some serious heartbreak, but I knew there was no way but up for Mackenzie. She was just a phenomenal character. She had grit, determination, and drive, and I couldn't help but admire her. She had been knocked down before, but she never let it stop her from going after what she wanted, and I knew she would overcome these setbacks as well.
It was a rocky journey, though, but luckily, Mackenzie had a great team behind her. The greatest source of support came in the form of her sister, Cheyenne. She seemed to really understand Kenzie on a different level. She knew when to push and when to retreat, but mostly, she just was there for Kenzie with an open mind and lots of love. A good sibling relationship will always score points with me, and this one, was a great one.
I enjoyed seeing Kenzie make progress with her speech, but I really loved the way her worldview changed. Once upon a time, she was always running towards her goals - go, go, go! The stroke forced her to slow down, and it afforded her time to take a look around and focus on things outside of her goals. She grew to embrace her life changes, and to not just see the stroke as something that robbed her of her speech and mobility, but something that gave her back her close relationship with her sister, as well as introducing her to the animal shelter, where she met Dalton.
Dalton was such a wonderful love interest for Kenzie. He was so kind and patient, and we all know, if animals like someone, they are good people. I appreciated his passion for filmmaking, as well as his adorable interactions with Kenzie.
There's quite a bit of messaging contain within this story, but two stood out for me. I love that idea that as humans, we are messy. We make mistakes and bad choices, but they do not define us. We pay the price, and we are free to move on from there. There was also the idea that no man is an island. It is not a sign of weakness to need or accept help from others. This was a big lesson for Kenzie, but an important one.
Overall: I greatly enjoyed taking this journey with Mackenzie, who faced each challenge that presented itself head-on, and persevered until she conquered it.
* I read a manuscript of this book on SwoonReads, which does not affect my opinion in any way.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Another beautifully told story from Paula Stokes!
Kenzie was 18 years old, and the future she had worked so hard for, was finally within her grasp. But, when she suffers a stroke, her plans seem to be on shaky ground, and now she might lose everything she had worked so hard for.
The book definitely started with some serious heartbreak, but I knew there was no way but up for Mackenzie. She was just a phenomenal character. She had grit, determination, and drive, and I couldn't help but admire her. She had been knocked down before, but she never let it stop her from going after what she wanted, and I knew she would overcome these setbacks as well.
It was a rocky journey, though, but luckily, Mackenzie had a great team behind her. The greatest source of support came in the form of her sister, Cheyenne. She seemed to really understand Kenzie on a different level. She knew when to push and when to retreat, but mostly, she just was there for Kenzie with an open mind and lots of love. A good sibling relationship will always score points with me, and this one, was a great one.
I enjoyed seeing Kenzie make progress with her speech, but I really loved the way her worldview changed. Once upon a time, she was always running towards her goals - go, go, go! The stroke forced her to slow down, and it afforded her time to take a look around and focus on things outside of her goals. She grew to embrace her life changes, and to not just see the stroke as something that robbed her of her speech and mobility, but something that gave her back her close relationship with her sister, as well as introducing her to the animal shelter, where she met Dalton.
Dalton was such a wonderful love interest for Kenzie. He was so kind and patient, and we all know, if animals like someone, they are good people. I appreciated his passion for filmmaking, as well as his adorable interactions with Kenzie.
There's quite a bit of messaging contain within this story, but two stood out for me. I love that idea that as humans, we are messy. We make mistakes and bad choices, but they do not define us. We pay the price, and we are free to move on from there. There was also the idea that no man is an island. It is not a sign of weakness to need or accept help from others. This was a big lesson for Kenzie, but an important one.
Overall: I greatly enjoyed taking this journey with Mackenzie, who faced each challenge that presented itself head-on, and persevered until she conquered it.
* I read a manuscript of this book on SwoonReads, which does not affect my opinion in any way.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
theresajs's review
5.0
So many great things in this story, especially the bond between the two sisters - MacKenzie and Cheyenne - I think Cheyenne's optimism played a key role in MacKenzie's recovery.
I loved seeing how much MacKenzie pushed herself and learned so much about herself along the way that she might have not have, had she not had the stroke. Yes, she was one to push herself because of things that happened to her and her family when she was younger, but the recovery from the stroke put things on another level.
I also liked the relationship between MacKenzie and Dalton. Meeting at an animal shelter, slowly getting to know each other and communicating.
My favorite part: 'people deserve a second chance'. Something we all need to remember.
I loved seeing how much MacKenzie pushed herself and learned so much about herself along the way that she might have not have, had she not had the stroke. Yes, she was one to push herself because of things that happened to her and her family when she was younger, but the recovery from the stroke put things on another level.
I also liked the relationship between MacKenzie and Dalton. Meeting at an animal shelter, slowly getting to know each other and communicating.
My favorite part: 'people deserve a second chance'. Something we all need to remember.
ohthathayley's review
4.0
This was so good.
I really loved the relationship between Cheyenne and Mackenzie, it's really nice to see a positive sisterly relationship, where they support each other and help each other.
Dalton was a really sweet love interest, and I like that that storyline wasn't the main point, but more of an added extra.
And Wheels! SO FREAKING CUTE.
Well worth the read, I would love to see this published one day.
I really loved the relationship between Cheyenne and Mackenzie, it's really nice to see a positive sisterly relationship, where they support each other and help each other.
Dalton was a really sweet love interest, and I like that that storyline wasn't the main point, but more of an added extra.
And Wheels! SO FREAKING CUTE.
Well worth the read, I would love to see this published one day.
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