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rustbeltredux's review against another edition
4.5
As I’ve said about a gazillion times, I’m a sucker for a well written boy meets boy and this one definitely ticked all my boxes. A beautiful story of overcoming adversity, even when it comes at you again and again and again, the only bad thing I can say is that it’s really hard to read with constant tears in my eyes. Absolutely unputdownable.
hattie_mc's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
5.0
FLAWLESS!
And Matt from Play school narrating, well it was the cherry on top that added even more perfection! And then... Both Tobias and Matt having the cutest Q&A at the end of the audiobook... I could've died from cuteness overload.
I love all the characters in this book, but a big shout out to Luca's dad. What a beautiful man, if only all dads were like him.
Did I already mention that I absolutely adored everything about this book? No!? OK, well in the words of Luca "I fucking loved this book!"
And Matt from Play school narrating, well it was the cherry on top that added even more perfection! And then... Both Tobias and Matt having the cutest Q&A at the end of the audiobook... I could've died from cuteness overload.
I love all the characters in this book, but a big shout out to Luca's dad. What a beautiful man, if only all dads were like him.
Did I already mention that I absolutely adored everything about this book? No!? OK, well in the words of Luca "I fucking loved this book!"
lorenaxcouch's review against another edition
4.0
I could totally see this being made into a movie, loved it!
millibee's review against another edition
5.0
Anything But Fine was honestly EVERYTHING I needed when I picked it up. I devoured this book in one sitting which is something I really never do. It's so strange sometimes, the way that I love books in general so much but then pick up an Australian YA and it immediately feels like I've come home. Our main character, Luca, is special in a way that is completely out of this world. His voice is so real and unique, I knew who he was instantly. His journey through seeing his dreams of being a professional ballet dancer shatter, moving schools and navigating friendships and relationships is something that I could read over and over. Luca's friendship with Amina is something I cherished. I loved how well she was written, that her ethnicity and faith was treated by Tobias Madden with such care and that her interests involved teaching, studying, and One Direction. I would like to dedicate a specific shout out to the term 'old-mate Styles' in reference to the one-and-only Harry Styles. Thank you, Luca, I will never call him anything but this ever again.
Update:
I have also received and listened to the audiobook ARC of the US release thanks to NetGalley!
I was so excited to experience this wonderful book in a new format and the narrator, Matthew Backer, absolutely nailed Luca’s voice! Listening to Luca’s story was so lively and I enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I connected to Luca’s struggles with letting his dreams go even more and his feelings towards his friends truly hit home when I heard it all out loud. Kudos to both Tobias and Matthew for bringing such a beautiful and, at times, hilarious story into my life.
Update:
I have also received and listened to the audiobook ARC of the US release thanks to NetGalley!
I was so excited to experience this wonderful book in a new format and the narrator, Matthew Backer, absolutely nailed Luca’s voice! Listening to Luca’s story was so lively and I enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I connected to Luca’s struggles with letting his dreams go even more and his feelings towards his friends truly hit home when I heard it all out loud. Kudos to both Tobias and Matthew for bringing such a beautiful and, at times, hilarious story into my life.
cinnamooney's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
It's just Heartstopper in Ballarat. Which is somehow adorable. I never thought anything in Ballarat could could be adorable.
takingoverthesun's review against another edition
3.75
Trying to review this 2-3 weeks after I finished it wasn’t a good idea because this book was not memorable to me at all. I think my favorite part was the Australian accent in the narration and learning a little bit more about Australia. Also I’m very confused by the cover? To me it doesn’t match physical description of MC at all?