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emmalemonnz's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book because it has a pretty cover and the author's name is similar to mine. I know picking a book based on its cover isn't wise, and I've been let down before, but I still do it. I probably won't stop.
The Names They Gave Us is a very easy read. The plot is very YA - which is not an insult, just a pattern. The difference between this book and so many others is the protagonist's Christian faith. Which would usually turn me off completely, especially because the book (through its characters) insists on abstinence of the no-sex-until-marriage kind. Even making out shirtless is not okay. But I still enjoyed it. It's one of those books that I can safely recommend for teens whose parents don't want them reading about teenagers who have sex.
The setting is a summer camp for troubled kids, and its vibe is definitely more "summer camp" than "troubled kids". Although it respectfully addresses a number of issues like cancer, suicide, addiction, teen pregnancy, and LGBT+ (including a trans character), it never gets very dark.
I didn't really buy the we-never-told-you-about-your-half-sister-because-"Your mom worried that it would be harder to guide you, morally, if you knew her past" line, but I guess it's no more messed up to me than belief in a god anyway. I did appreciate that the protagonist's (pastor) father said that the guilt she carried about it was "VERY misguided guilt".
It doesnt properly sit right with me because even though the protagonist becomes less judgmental, it's never actually acknowledged how harsh she was in judging people previously. She's very aware of people judging her for being Christian, but never stops to think about what a bitch she was about a pregnant 14 year old, or the "hippy camp" in general. Yes, she comes to like Tara, the pregnant girl, but she still implicitly considers sex-havers to be inferior to Christians-who-don't-have-sex-before-marriage.
The Names They Gave Us is a very easy read. The plot is very YA - which is not an insult, just a pattern. The difference between this book and so many others is the protagonist's Christian faith. Which would usually turn me off completely, especially because the book (through its characters) insists on abstinence of the no-sex-until-marriage kind. Even making out shirtless is not okay. But I still enjoyed it. It's one of those books that I can safely recommend for teens whose parents don't want them reading about teenagers who have sex.
The setting is a summer camp for troubled kids, and its vibe is definitely more "summer camp" than "troubled kids". Although it respectfully addresses a number of issues like cancer, suicide, addiction, teen pregnancy, and LGBT+ (including a trans character), it never gets very dark.
I didn't really buy the we-never-told-you-about-your-half-sister-because-"Your mom worried that it would be harder to guide you, morally, if you knew her past" line, but I guess it's no more messed up to me than belief in a god anyway. I did appreciate that the protagonist's (pastor) father said that the guilt she carried about it was "VERY misguided guilt".
It doesnt properly sit right with me because even though the protagonist becomes less judgmental, it's never actually acknowledged how harsh she was in judging people previously. She's very aware of people judging her for being Christian, but never stops to think about what a bitch she was about a pregnant 14 year old, or the "hippy camp" in general. Yes, she comes to like Tara, the pregnant girl, but she still implicitly considers sex-havers to be inferior to Christians-who-don't-have-sex-before-marriage.
honestlyyours77's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I’ll start by saying that this book just wasn’t for me and it’s a me thing. While individually all of the topics should be a home run for me to read, I found it boring and “too much”.
I am guessing this title is being rereleased as the publication date for the audio “ARC” I received is the end of May 2024 yes the book is 7 years old. But I thank NetGalley and the publish for a chance to listen and give an honest review.
My issue is I kept falling asleep. The book didn’t stay engaging and maybe it’s due to the narrator? I don’t think it’s completely their fault, it’s just that the main character is just boring and whiney.
That being said, having many issues intersect is a great way for teens to learn about acceptance, especially with the intersection of religion and X situations. However, it was too much. It was as though the author had a check list of hot topics that they wanted to cram in. That’s not enjoyable reading nor realistic.
Many of the characters (besides our main one) are very rich and great characters. It’s a shame that Lucy had to dampen that all but it is what it is.
If you can get past the above, the book is probably a 4 insofar as the impact it could have on a person. So give it a go.. maybe not the audiobook though…
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
I am guessing this title is being rereleased as the publication date for the audio “ARC” I received is the end of May 2024 yes the book is 7 years old. But I thank NetGalley and the publish for a chance to listen and give an honest review.
My issue is I kept falling asleep. The book didn’t stay engaging and maybe it’s due to the narrator? I don’t think it’s completely their fault, it’s just that the main character is just boring and whiney.
That being said, having many issues intersect is a great way for teens to learn about acceptance, especially with the intersection of religion and X situations. However, it was too much. It was as though the author had a check list of hot topics that they wanted to cram in. That’s not enjoyable reading nor realistic.
Many of the characters (besides our main one) are very rich and great characters. It’s a shame that Lucy had to dampen that all but it is what it is.
If you can get past the above, the book is probably a 4 insofar as the impact it could have on a person. So give it a go.. maybe not the audiobook though…
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I needed a quick, light contemporary read and picked this up... I guess I should have read the synopsis first bc this was depressing as hell :((
readwithkiekie's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
This was my first Emery Lord novel and it certainly will not be my last. This book broke my heart, made me cry and then mended me all back together only to break my heart twice over. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Just a simply stunning novel of a girl finding herself amid a difficult circumstance while finding new friends and her faith.
Incredible.
This was my first Emery Lord novel and it certainly will not be my last. This book broke my heart, made me cry and then mended me all back together only to break my heart twice over. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Just a simply stunning novel of a girl finding herself amid a difficult circumstance while finding new friends and her faith.
Incredible.
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
Lucy has a close relationship with her boyfriend and parents. She spends each summer helping her parents run a Bible camp until her life drastically changes when her boyfriend puts their relationship on "pause" and her mother's cancer returns for a second time. Her parents convince her to spend a summer working at a camp for troubled kids instead of her usual plan. Faith, doubt and grief is dealt with in a natural, realistic way, despite these being topics that I often find a little cringe-y in novels.
scarly09's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
novabear_25's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mtayl341's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kalliste's review against another edition
3.0
Initially, this book was very hard to read. The main character, Lucy, has a very religious background and is overall very sheltered. I found myself rolling my eyes at the "Oh no, God must hate me now" inner dialogue and found it difficult to relate to as someone who isn't religious. I also wondered if this was the type of struggle highly religious people have on a day to day basis.
The story improves as Lucy loosens up a bit and realises there's more to life than her boring boyfriend, swim club and religion. That, although she's dealing with her Mum's cancer, perhaps other people have their own problems to deal with too. Maybe she isn't the most special butterfly.
In general, it was a decent read but a little slow and just as you were starting to know all the characters it ended. Would be interested to see a second book based on some of the events at the end of this one, as the ending makes it feel unfinished.
The story improves as Lucy loosens up a bit and realises there's more to life than her boring boyfriend, swim club and religion. That, although she's dealing with her Mum's cancer, perhaps other people have their own problems to deal with too. Maybe she isn't the most special butterfly.
In general, it was a decent read but a little slow and just as you were starting to know all the characters it ended. Would be interested to see a second book based on some of the events at the end of this one, as the ending makes it feel unfinished.