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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
This was really cute and deep at the same time. It's not what I'm used to with Schwab's books but I still enjoyed it
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I too am in a mission to read everything Victoria Schwab has ever written. So here I am with one of the (apparently) least Schwab-esque books she’s written. I understand she wrote this as a commission, and you can tell it stands out from the rest of the books she’s written because it’s so different. Despite that, it’s still her book and it shows. From the writing, to specific ideas, to the way the world works, it’s her story and no one else’s. Even the theme of finding your own voice and your self goes with the rest of her books. This is what made me love this book, despite my age and the fact that I don’t gravitate towards this kind of stories. It isn’t my favorite book of hers, but it was like a warm hug. It made me laugh and it made me cry and it reminded me of being a child. It made me feel all the feels. So in the end I did enjoy this book, much more than I thought I would.
The story was pretty simple, what you’d expect of it being children’s lit. But it was still sweet and heartwarming. What I did enjoy about the plot were some of the small details that formed part of it. Like Aria changing colors or the bracelet she uses. The big picture was fine, but that’s okay because the characters are the true stars of this book. The pacing was super quick (it’s a short book) and easy to follow. Things happened all the time, even if they seemed small at the moment. The writing was simple and beautiful. But it also conveyed the characters’ emotions in a childlike way, immersing me more into the story. I think that was my favorite aspect of the book. At one point it says something about all problems being real, only some of them are louder than others and that quote has stayed with me days after I read it.
The characters were so sweet. I liked Gabby the most because I connected with her. She was struggling to find her voice and to be heard. Aria was the most fun, with her penchant for changing the colors of things. She’s loving and sweet and a supportive friend, which made her chapters a pleasure to read. Other than that the characters had minor roles, and all of them were nice, friendly kids. The mom wasn’t great at first, but she came around and it was such an emotional moment I even cried a bit (it’s not the only time I cried in the book).
New Beginnings was a sweet, fun read that gave me the warm hug I needed. In retrospect I did enjoy it more than I thought I had and it made me nostalgic for my childhood. That, and the fact it made me feel many things, is the reason I liked it. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
The story was pretty simple, what you’d expect of it being children’s lit. But it was still sweet and heartwarming. What I did enjoy about the plot were some of the small details that formed part of it. Like Aria changing colors or the bracelet she uses. The big picture was fine, but that’s okay because the characters are the true stars of this book. The pacing was super quick (it’s a short book) and easy to follow. Things happened all the time, even if they seemed small at the moment. The writing was simple and beautiful. But it also conveyed the characters’ emotions in a childlike way, immersing me more into the story. I think that was my favorite aspect of the book. At one point it says something about all problems being real, only some of them are louder than others and that quote has stayed with me days after I read it.
The characters were so sweet. I liked Gabby the most because I connected with her. She was struggling to find her voice and to be heard. Aria was the most fun, with her penchant for changing the colors of things. She’s loving and sweet and a supportive friend, which made her chapters a pleasure to read. Other than that the characters had minor roles, and all of them were nice, friendly kids. The mom wasn’t great at first, but she came around and it was such an emotional moment I even cried a bit (it’s not the only time I cried in the book).
New Beginnings was a sweet, fun read that gave me the warm hug I needed. In retrospect I did enjoy it more than I thought I had and it made me nostalgic for my childhood. That, and the fact it made me feel many things, is the reason I liked it. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
I didn't expect to love that book because I didn't like the cover. I thought it would be too girly for me...
How could I be so stupid? It's Queen Schwab after all!
Anyway, love that book. It made me cry, I cried with relief and happiness and hope that everything gets better if we give ourselves the chance. Of course, life is sad, of course, things happen but in life, we have two options: give up or go ahead.
It also showed us that we need to protect the people we love. Guardian angels don't exist so we need to be attentive and to help the ones who are desperate to be seen. One person can do the difference and if in this book it is Aria, why can't it be us?
I loved that book and I highly recommend it! Even if you are an adult, I think there are still things you could learn.
I also wanted to quickly speak about Queen Schwab writing. She doesn't have lots of complicated sentences or various vocabulary. Not at all. She has pretty simple sentences but the way she uses words to exactly put the finger on every feeling I can't express is truly incredible. I've never read an author who made me feel so well understood and less alone.
It's official, she's my favourite author.
How could I be so stupid? It's Queen Schwab after all!
Anyway, love that book. It made me cry, I cried with relief and happiness and hope that everything gets better if we give ourselves the chance. Of course, life is sad, of course, things happen but in life, we have two options: give up or go ahead.
It also showed us that we need to protect the people we love. Guardian angels don't exist so we need to be attentive and to help the ones who are desperate to be seen. One person can do the difference and if in this book it is Aria, why can't it be us?
I loved that book and I highly recommend it! Even if you are an adult, I think there are still things you could learn.
I also wanted to quickly speak about Queen Schwab writing. She doesn't have lots of complicated sentences or various vocabulary. Not at all. She has pretty simple sentences but the way she uses words to exactly put the finger on every feeling I can't express is truly incredible. I've never read an author who made me feel so well understood and less alone.
It's official, she's my favourite author.
*3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It shows you that your voice is important no matter in what kind of situation you are or your family is. In this story Gabby has lost her voice because of her brother's sickness, she puts herself on the background for her brother which results in Gabby losing herself.
This is where Aria comes in. She is an angel and it is her mission to help Gabby finding herself and her voice again.
It was a cute story with an important lesson. I do have to say that the first bit of the story stronger felt than the middle, but it did get better at the end and almost had me in tears.
I really enjoyed this book. It shows you that your voice is important no matter in what kind of situation you are or your family is. In this story Gabby has lost her voice because of her brother's sickness, she puts herself on the background for her brother which results in Gabby losing herself.
This is where Aria comes in. She is an angel and it is her mission to help Gabby finding herself and her voice again.
It was a cute story with an important lesson. I do have to say that the first bit of the story stronger felt than the middle, but it did get better at the end and almost had me in tears.
~5.0~
book 5 of schwab-athon done!
eek! I loved this book so much! It filled my heart with so much joy and happiness. Aria is a wonderful character and so quirky and I love her so much.
ahhh ve schwab! just send daggers in my heart for poor gabby. I cried once in this book AND IT WAS IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. LIKE COME ON. WHAT THE HECK. I can't believe I cried nine pages in the book, it's fine. i'm fine.
jk, i was not fine reading this entire book, I was put on the edge (and came VERY close to tears on many occasions) and I just - oianrg ouearhg oaergn aer.
the cover is horrible. SORRY, let me just get that out of the way. Lizzie told me today that she was embarrassed to take it out of her backpack today a school because it just looks like a middle grade book (not in a good way) BUT IT IS SOOOO GOOD. wayyyy better than the cover (and that's saying something...coming from me)
well, i must go calm myself down and study for my engineering test that is happening tomorrow (I just had to finish this book so I pushed it off...) so I must take my leave but it was sooo good and I feel both sorrow and happiness!
peace.
book 5 of schwab-athon done!
eek! I loved this book so much! It filled my heart with so much joy and happiness. Aria is a wonderful character and so quirky and I love her so much.
ahhh ve schwab! just send daggers in my heart for poor gabby. I cried once in this book AND IT WAS IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. LIKE COME ON. WHAT THE HECK. I can't believe I cried nine pages in the book, it's fine. i'm fine.
jk, i was not fine reading this entire book, I was put on the edge (and came VERY close to tears on many occasions) and I just - oianrg ouearhg oaergn aer.
the cover is horrible. SORRY, let me just get that out of the way. Lizzie told me today that she was embarrassed to take it out of her backpack today a school because it just looks like a middle grade book (not in a good way) BUT IT IS SOOOO GOOD. wayyyy better than the cover (and that's saying something...coming from me)
well, i must go calm myself down and study for my engineering test that is happening tomorrow (I just had to finish this book so I pushed it off...) so I must take my leave but it was sooo good and I feel both sorrow and happiness!
peace.
~~edit 11/18/21~~
man. i am emotionally not okay.
"Maybe none of this would be okay. Life wasn't fair. Death wasn't fair. And nothing she could say right now would make it easier to bear."
This book just is all the emotional feels - joy, anger, anxiety, grief - that a person could feel. My first review is undoubtedly better than this one, so I'm going to cut my self short here.
Have a wonderful evening.
~~original~~
ring ring
"hi, yes? oh, I'm calling because of the emotional *pain* this book put me through."
5.0 stars
I know. I know. But I promise the book is 100% better than the cover.I don't know who designed this book cover, but it is appealing to exactly no one.
Aaaaanyways. I just would like to pledge my love and appreciation to the amazing author who is Victoria Schwab. For always being there to make me bawl my eyes through a middle-grade book.
Thank you.
Characters. I appreciate V.E. so much for not being afraid to really dig deep psychologically when writing twelve-year-old characters. Our MC, Gabby (which I despise that nickname, I'm sorry), was absolutely fantastic. Her problems and situation felt so real, and I wishwishwish that I read this book when I was in middle school because, while my family was not going through something as taxing and heart-breaking as hers was at the time, I know that middle-school me could definitely relate to this protagonist so so much. It deals with some heavy stuff. Fear and anxiety, feeling invisible but not wanting attention at the same time, not knowing how to manage friendships--I could go on. Just so you know, I cried three times while reading this so, it's fine, I'm fine. Aria was also so delightful, and I felt like I was able to understand and appreciate all the side characters as well, so THANK YOU (my dear writing goddess) Victoria Schwab for just like being able to write.
Plot. This part of the book was so solid. Talk about an amazing idea-vs-execution type book. I thought the whole guardian angel concept was so sweet and fantastic. Honestly, I felt like I was watching It's a Wonderful Life and I dearly hope we hear a bell ring when Aria gets her wings. To be honest I could not say that this was "such a fun book," because well...picture me slouching over my laptop with dried tear tracks down my cheeks trying desperately hard not to start weeping ungracefully.
Writing. I mean, is there any more to be said. If you've committed yourself to read this far through my review, then you probably already know my passion and obsession with the breathtaking writing style of our dear Victoria Schwab. I don't say this lightly, but also don't take my word for it, but this book may be the most well-written middle-grade book I have ever read.
Well, have a fantastic evening--watch Shadow and Bone on Netflix (you won't regret it)
man. i am emotionally not okay.
"Maybe none of this would be okay. Life wasn't fair. Death wasn't fair. And nothing she could say right now would make it easier to bear."
This book just is all the emotional feels - joy, anger, anxiety, grief - that a person could feel. My first review is undoubtedly better than this one, so I'm going to cut my self short here.
Have a wonderful evening.
~~original~~
ring ring
"hi, yes? oh, I'm calling because of the emotional *pain* this book put me through."
5.0 stars
I know. I know. But I promise the book is 100% better than the cover.
Aaaaanyways. I just would like to pledge my love and appreciation to the amazing author who is Victoria Schwab. For always being there to make me bawl my eyes through a middle-grade book.
Thank you.
Characters. I appreciate V.E. so much for not being afraid to really dig deep psychologically when writing twelve-year-old characters. Our MC, Gabby (which I despise that nickname, I'm sorry), was absolutely fantastic. Her problems and situation felt so real, and I wishwishwish that I read this book when I was in middle school because, while my family was not going through something as taxing and heart-breaking as hers was at the time, I know that middle-school me could definitely relate to this protagonist so so much. It deals with some heavy stuff. Fear and anxiety, feeling invisible but not wanting attention at the same time, not knowing how to manage friendships--I could go on. Just so you know, I cried three times while reading this so, it's fine, I'm fine. Aria was also so delightful, and I felt like I was able to understand and appreciate all the side characters as well, so THANK YOU (my dear writing goddess) Victoria Schwab for just like being able to write.
Plot. This part of the book was so solid. Talk about an amazing idea-vs-execution type book. I thought the whole guardian angel concept was so sweet and fantastic. Honestly, I felt like I was watching It's a Wonderful Life and I dearly hope we hear a bell ring when Aria gets her wings. To be honest I could not say that this was "such a fun book," because well...picture me slouching over my laptop with dried tear tracks down my cheeks trying desperately hard not to start weeping ungracefully.
Writing. I mean, is there any more to be said. If you've committed yourself to read this far through my review, then you probably already know my passion and obsession with the breathtaking writing style of our dear Victoria Schwab. I don't say this lightly, but also don't take my word for it, but this book may be the most well-written middle-grade book I have ever read.
Well, have a fantastic evening--watch Shadow and Bone on Netflix (you won't regret it)
My goal is to read all of Victoria Schwab's books. This was a cute, little read and very different from her other writing I've read!
I read this during the PositiviTea and Books readathon and it was exactly the kind of gently uplifting book I was after.
Aria, a young new angel, comes to earth to find and protect her charge, Gabbie. Gabbie is just starting a new school and feels lost until Aria arrives and befriends her. Aria shows her the importance of friendship and honesty but also learns a lot about herself in the process. Gabbie realises she wants to make new school friends and find her passion in life and Aria helps her do both those things.
The plot is simple and straight forward, but that's what I'd expect from a middle grade series aimed at younger readers and it didn't stop me from enjoying it. There were messages about love, hope, and trust woven into this story and it was lovely to read a pretty innocent book about two young girls growing closer as friends and stronger as people.
This is a really positive story about helping others and being the best version of yourself you can be, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
Aria, a young new angel, comes to earth to find and protect her charge, Gabbie. Gabbie is just starting a new school and feels lost until Aria arrives and befriends her. Aria shows her the importance of friendship and honesty but also learns a lot about herself in the process. Gabbie realises she wants to make new school friends and find her passion in life and Aria helps her do both those things.
The plot is simple and straight forward, but that's what I'd expect from a middle grade series aimed at younger readers and it didn't stop me from enjoying it. There were messages about love, hope, and trust woven into this story and it was lovely to read a pretty innocent book about two young girls growing closer as friends and stronger as people.
This is a really positive story about helping others and being the best version of yourself you can be, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
BRO
i used to read these when I was younger
you're telling me
VICTORIA FUCKING SCHWAB WROTE THESE
I HAVE BEEN READING SCHWAB SINCE I WAS A FETUS
oh my god that makes me so happy
i used to read these when I was younger
you're telling me
VICTORIA FUCKING SCHWAB WROTE THESE
I HAVE BEEN READING SCHWAB SINCE I WAS A FETUS
oh my god that makes me so happy