Scan barcode
apagetoturn's review against another edition
1.0
Two big issues... Two prologues and I just couldn't relate to or believe in these characters.
riverdogbookco's review against another edition
4.0
Spoiler alert: No one with cancer dies in this story. They do play Uno, shave their head, get stabbed, make new friends, enjoy glitter, attend camp, get kissed (!), and above all else, discover they are brave enough to continue living life, and as a result maybe, just maybe, Casen Martin, teen and formerly the youngest dancer at the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory before the big C happened, believes she might dance again. A heartfelt addition to the #ourvoices canon by a debut author.
Full disclosure: I know Kati personally. I knew her before she was published, but after she got this book contract. I think that makes a difference, because I got to see how hard she worked to put this book out into the world, but I also met her after she'd already been working on this book for a while. That means I get to be excited about what projects she has coming up next, while applauding her first book baby out in the world.
This is very much a debut novel and that's a wonderful thing in a lot of ways. It's Kati exploring a story she's always wanted to tell - to paraphrase her own words, a story in which the people with cancer don't die, and the one-legged girl gets kissed. She did it! That's exactly what this book is, and it's such fun to read.
I really applaud Kati for not ending the story there, though. Her characters are multi-dimensional, and so this is also so much more than "just" a book about cancer. Davis is struggling with addiction issues and life in the drug trade, which you might not think immediately relates to the rest of the book, but Kati weaves it in really well. There are parents struggling for answers and to figure out how to process a child with cancer, which I think is also rare to see in a book focusing on a teenager with that illness. And there's the "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" question that's addressed; particularly relevant for a teenager who had a plan, but then it's interrupted by the big C. Even teenagers without as detailed a plan as Casen had will relate to trying to figure that question out.
Basically, this book has a little bit of something for everyone, and so teens and adults should find something new to learn, something to relate to, and ultimately, a lot to enjoy.
Full disclosure: I know Kati personally. I knew her before she was published, but after she got this book contract. I think that makes a difference, because I got to see how hard she worked to put this book out into the world, but I also met her after she'd already been working on this book for a while. That means I get to be excited about what projects she has coming up next, while applauding her first book baby out in the world.
This is very much a debut novel and that's a wonderful thing in a lot of ways. It's Kati exploring a story she's always wanted to tell - to paraphrase her own words, a story in which the people with cancer don't die, and the one-legged girl gets kissed. She did it! That's exactly what this book is, and it's such fun to read.
I really applaud Kati for not ending the story there, though. Her characters are multi-dimensional, and so this is also so much more than "just" a book about cancer. Davis is struggling with addiction issues and life in the drug trade, which you might not think immediately relates to the rest of the book, but Kati weaves it in really well. There are parents struggling for answers and to figure out how to process a child with cancer, which I think is also rare to see in a book focusing on a teenager with that illness. And there's the "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" question that's addressed; particularly relevant for a teenager who had a plan, but then it's interrupted by the big C. Even teenagers without as detailed a plan as Casen had will relate to trying to figure that question out.
Basically, this book has a little bit of something for everyone, and so teens and adults should find something new to learn, something to relate to, and ultimately, a lot to enjoy.
shelovestoread's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3.5
Thank you to NetGalley the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
The title of this book fits this story so well. This book is so bloody positive through and through. Being BRAVE is the theme throughout both Cason's and Davis's arc.
Things i liked:
- Cason's Journey; I quite enjoyed her arc. The journey from shock to acceptance and moving on (to some level).
- Davis’ struggle; The representation and the struggle of a former addict and all the temptation he faced all around and how real it was.
- How there were no extra over the top villains; this was one of my favorite thing about this book. It didn't had to make things and events extra like a soap opera. Like people asked for help and were able to maintain strength through out. Like no bad guys got away with being shit ass!
- All the help that was around when it was needed; i loved that their were so many people around to help all the support groups. It was just so positive and empowering that yes you can do this. And so many people are yes indeed around you rooting for you!!
- The representation of the disabled and sick; Their are so many diverse and disable and recovering people in this book. And all their view, struggles are discussed.
- Addiction Talk This book deals extensively with addiction, i found it so positive. It has like such a big message that YES HELP IS HERE FOR YOU! I loved that and their were support groups and the NA meeting. And how the parents, doctors and friends around were so supportive and helpful.
- Authenticity Since this book draws from the authors own experience with cancer. This felt real and genuine.
- Side Supporting Characters: Each one of the side characters were so different, fun diverse and supportive.
Things i didn't like:
-The insta love: I am so sad about this tbh. It had so much potential sigh like so bloody much!! But they ruined it. The like so instantly fall together ugh, it could have worked so well if it didn't just happen in an instant. I mean she doesn't even know him other than his name from school, when they meet and BAAM they end up together.
- Camp: The camp is mentioned like 3948348 times through out the book and in the end we just get glimpse of like two to three events not even day!??!?!?!?
- The mom Oh she start as such villain and a bitch but than she out of nowhere get a conscience?
-Lack of back story for: The story starts with the feeling that Davis knows of Cason and maybe kinda likes her. But we never get why and how he knew her from school.
P.s The struggle was real with Cason's name through out this review xD The amount times i wrote Canson and Canon was to darn high!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i got approved for it on net galley I MEAN WOW!! Now i get why people freak about net galley approvals!!!!
Thank you to NetGalley the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
This story is about Cason and Davis. Cason is the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory, But her life is turned a 360 degree when she gets diagnosed with Bone Cancer. Davis has survived cancer, but his drug addiction nearly killed him. Now 7 months sober sentenced to do community service on the cancer ward where he was treated, his life collides with Cason where she is also being treated....
The title of this book fits this story so well. This book is so bloody positive through and through. Being BRAVE is the theme throughout both Cason's and Davis's arc.
Things i liked:
- Cason's Journey; I quite enjoyed her arc. The journey from shock to acceptance and moving on (to some level).
- Davis’ struggle; The representation and the struggle of a former addict and all the temptation he faced all around and how real it was.
- How there were no extra over the top villains; this was one of my favorite thing about this book. It didn't had to make things and events extra like a soap opera. Like people asked for help and were able to maintain strength through out. Like no bad guys got away with being shit ass!
- All the help that was around when it was needed; i loved that their were so many people around to help all the support groups. It was just so positive and empowering that yes you can do this. And so many people are yes indeed around you rooting for you!!
- The representation of the disabled and sick; Their are so many diverse and disable and recovering people in this book. And all their view, struggles are discussed.
- Addiction Talk This book deals extensively with addiction, i found it so positive. It has like such a big message that YES HELP IS HERE FOR YOU! I loved that and their were support groups and the NA meeting. And how the parents, doctors and friends around were so supportive and helpful.
- Authenticity Since this book draws from the authors own experience with cancer. This felt real and genuine.
- Side Supporting Characters: Each one of the side characters were so different, fun diverse and supportive.
Things i didn't like:
-The insta love: I am so sad about this tbh. It had so much potential sigh like so bloody much!! But they ruined it. The like so instantly fall together ugh, it could have worked so well if it didn't just happen in an instant. I mean she doesn't even know him other than his name from school, when they meet and BAAM they end up together.
- Camp: The camp is mentioned like 3948348 times through out the book and in the end we just get glimpse of like two to three events not even day!??!?!?!?
- The mom Oh she start as such villain and a bitch but than she out of nowhere get a conscience?
-Lack of back story for: The story starts with the feeling that Davis knows of Cason and maybe kinda likes her. But we never get why and how he knew her from school.
Overall this book is filled with a nice, positive and authentic representation of cancer patients, survivors and addiction. You should definitely pick it up for that alone!...
P.s The struggle was real with Cason's name through out this review xD The amount times i wrote Canson and Canon was to darn high!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i got approved for it on net galley I MEAN WOW!! Now i get why people freak about net galley approvals!!!!
alexisneuville's review against another edition
3.0
An own-voices story about cancer. Great concept, but my one criticism is that it should have been written from first person. There was so much potential to get the thoughts of these characters, but that wasn't as prominent as it was written in third person.
booklovewithmelanie's review against another edition
5.0
First of all this cover is beautiful! I was a little concerned when it kind of jumped into the romance between the two main characters but was happy to see that that was not and didn't turn into the main focus of the story. Anyone who loved the tv show Red Band Society will love this! (I, of course, was one that loved it.) The storyline, the characters...there wasn't one thing I hated.
I'm so happy I was granted an eARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
I'm so happy I was granted an eARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
jaggededgereviews's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, so I may have accepted this book at first because the authors name is spelt the same as mine and that alone is a rare thing. But also because I read a few reviews and descriptions of this book and all came back as amazing! Then I got the book and by goodness this book is fantastic. I could not stop reading it. The characters are fantastic. I connected very well with Cason. Although yes I do kind of hate her name. This book is absolutely amazing and I loved it. Seriously I recommend picking it up and giving it a chance even if your heart may break a little.
rhappe13's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Brave Enough is a really touching story about life, loss, and acceptance. It deals with topics many people experience but most don't like talking about, which is one of the reasons this book is so important. The truth is teenagers deal with addiction, cancer, and death more than we would like to think about. Teenagers also deal with low self-esteem, first love, and discovering who they are. Brave Enough covers all of these topics and then some. Personally, I thought the writing style was a bit lacking and it didn't do much for me, but the content of the book and the characters were so well done and really stuck with me. I don't really see YA books that talk about the realities of cancer and addiction like Brave Enough does, and for that reason I am definitely going to purchase it for our library.
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/brave-enough/
Brave Enough is a really touching story about life, loss, and acceptance. It deals with topics many people experience but most don't like talking about, which is one of the reasons this book is so important. The truth is teenagers deal with addiction, cancer, and death more than we would like to think about. Teenagers also deal with low self-esteem, first love, and discovering who they are. Brave Enough covers all of these topics and then some. Personally, I thought the writing style was a bit lacking and it didn't do much for me, but the content of the book and the characters were so well done and really stuck with me. I don't really see YA books that talk about the realities of cancer and addiction like Brave Enough does, and for that reason I am definitely going to purchase it for our library.
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/brave-enough/
_honora_'s review against another edition
5.0
It was really really good. Really good.
I enjoyed reading a book where kids with cancer didn't die. Yes, there was a death but the kids with cancer survived!
I enjoyed reading a book where kids with cancer didn't die. Yes, there was a death but the kids with cancer survived!
cewhisenant's review against another edition
3.0
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
“I wander sometimes, but I’m not lost.”
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
This was an easy read. It was sweet and left you with a content and joyful fluttering in your gut. Add on that it handled cancer kids, drug addiction, and other life shattering situations, and this was a solid solution to a few hours of boredom.
I enjoyed both Cason’s and Davis’ characters. Both were going through serious issues (Cason losing her leg to cancer, ending her professional dancing career and Davis struggling with his sobriety and past as a cancer kid himself) but managed to be ‘brave enough’ to not only face their own demons but support each other as well. Toss in a blossoming romance and what’s not to love?
While this book was solid and enjoyable, it ran a tad slow at times. Other than a few murky sections in the middle though, this was a painless binge read that offered a unique perspective for YA: a YA author writing about cancer who actually had cancer. Yep, you read that right. The author’s personal experiences with cancer and other aspects of the book are apparent and lend serious credibility to the story. I also loved the author’s note at the end; it was so sweet and heartfelt. I'm a real sucker for good author's notes.
Overall, solid, easy read that tackles some tough topics but isn’t a downer. Highly recommend, especially the readers who appreciate #ownvoices narratives.
“I wander sometimes, but I’m not lost.”
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
This was an easy read. It was sweet and left you with a content and joyful fluttering in your gut. Add on that it handled cancer kids, drug addiction, and other life shattering situations, and this was a solid solution to a few hours of boredom.
I enjoyed both Cason’s and Davis’ characters. Both were going through serious issues (Cason losing her leg to cancer, ending her professional dancing career and Davis struggling with his sobriety and past as a cancer kid himself) but managed to be ‘brave enough’ to not only face their own demons but support each other as well. Toss in a blossoming romance and what’s not to love?
While this book was solid and enjoyable, it ran a tad slow at times. Other than a few murky sections in the middle though, this was a painless binge read that offered a unique perspective for YA: a YA author writing about cancer who actually had cancer. Yep, you read that right. The author’s personal experiences with cancer and other aspects of the book are apparent and lend serious credibility to the story. I also loved the author’s note at the end; it was so sweet and heartfelt. I'm a real sucker for good author's notes.
Overall, solid, easy read that tackles some tough topics but isn’t a downer. Highly recommend, especially the readers who appreciate #ownvoices narratives.
shamelesslyintroverted's review against another edition
4.0
To read the full review (and for other young adult book reviews / bookish content) visit my blog: www.travelthroughfiction.com!
In Brave Enough by Kati Gardner, we go to Chemo Camp and discover the strength that resides in places we didn’t know existed.
Cancer has touched all of us in one way or another. Either you battled it yourself or someone you know has battled it. Personally, I watched my father battle stage four head and neck cancer. Cancer affects us all and I’m happy that authors are still writing about it.
Brave Enough is not just a cancer kid book. There are plenty of cancer kid books out there, but this one is different. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll be vague, but this book oozes hope and realism.
In Brave Enough by Kati Gardner, we go to Chemo Camp and discover the strength that resides in places we didn’t know existed.
Cancer has touched all of us in one way or another. Either you battled it yourself or someone you know has battled it. Personally, I watched my father battle stage four head and neck cancer. Cancer affects us all and I’m happy that authors are still writing about it.
Brave Enough is not just a cancer kid book. There are plenty of cancer kid books out there, but this one is different. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll be vague, but this book oozes hope and realism.