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xtina_keren's review
2.0
A plus-size main character hell yeah!!, (but except the cover, I didn't see anything about being fat at all) I was so excited to read this book but I was really disappointed and kind of irritated. The whole book showed how Sklar is passionate about her apps but, aren't coders supposed to be intelligent how can Skylar be that dense. I didn't like skylar as her need to be controlling and in charge all the time was a bit annoying. Logan and Zane on the other hands are hilarious and adorable. There was more passion between Sklar and the app than Sklar and Zane. I really couldn't see the chemistry on sklar's until the last few chapters. The ending had a few aww moments. but overall this could've been an amazing book because the plot was really nice.
an_average_reader's review
4.0
Speak for Yourself was a fun read overall. It was filled with banter and told in mixed media. Seeing a girl coder was nice and it was cool to see what she developed. There was also a good amount of representation in here which is always nice. The main character had many flaws and the side characters felt unique and important to the plot. There were different types of relationships shown (friendship, siblings, and romantic) and explored. The ending felt a bit rushed and I wish it could have played out for longer but overall it was a fun read.
diamondxgirl's review
5.0
If you’ve read Technically You Started It, you know Lana is uniquely able to convey personalities and stories through mixed media. Speak for Yourself takes this to the next level and combines the story with the media elements. The media aspect is a driver within the story and enhances the reader experience. I appreciate the modern elements and that Lana includes them in an authentic way.
Skylar is the perfect storm – ambitious (overly), caring (to her own detriment), and smart as can be. Of course, I loved and identified with her. Skylar is one of a large cast of characters – Lana does an amazing job of building out her support system of friends, parents, and other adults. Unlike many YA stories, Lana provides a refreshing take on Skylar’s parents and sibling, who are integral to the story. We get to know her friends/teammates through not only their shared competitions, but through a series of app messages.
If you were an honor’s kid or a debate kid or in any kind of knowledge-based competition, this book’s setting will appeal to you. The story and setting are intertwined, with the setting becoming a character in its own right. It’s the way we get to know the characters and the world they live in. For unfamiliar readers, Lana paints both the self-imposed pressure and the pressure of the future with just the right amount of urgency.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I loved the relationships – romantic, friendship, and familial. I enjoyed the mixed-media format. I appreciated the flawed perfectionist that Skylar is, and the people she surrounds herself with. I look forward to Lana writing relatable characters and settings for the long haul!
Skylar is the perfect storm – ambitious (overly), caring (to her own detriment), and smart as can be. Of course, I loved and identified with her. Skylar is one of a large cast of characters – Lana does an amazing job of building out her support system of friends, parents, and other adults. Unlike many YA stories, Lana provides a refreshing take on Skylar’s parents and sibling, who are integral to the story. We get to know her friends/teammates through not only their shared competitions, but through a series of app messages.
If you were an honor’s kid or a debate kid or in any kind of knowledge-based competition, this book’s setting will appeal to you. The story and setting are intertwined, with the setting becoming a character in its own right. It’s the way we get to know the characters and the world they live in. For unfamiliar readers, Lana paints both the self-imposed pressure and the pressure of the future with just the right amount of urgency.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I loved the relationships – romantic, friendship, and familial. I enjoyed the mixed-media format. I appreciated the flawed perfectionist that Skylar is, and the people she surrounds herself with. I look forward to Lana writing relatable characters and settings for the long haul!
bohan_identity's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rouge_mary's review
1.0
Of the 100+ books on my "read" shelf, this is the second one with a 1 star rating, and that must say something, right?
Even the books I consider my least favorite have an element or two that I liked enough to give them a generous 2.
I'm trying really hard to figure out what I missed here, because all the glowing reviews here say everything opposite to what I felt while reading. I didn't find it hilarious. It wasn't cute.
In fact, this was the blandest book I've ever read.
Skylar, the MC, is the actual worst. She's extremely selfish, stubborn, and unnecessarily rude to people who clearly want the best for her.
I am all about unlikable MCs when that's what they are supposed to be. UNLIKABLE.
Not when you are supposed to sympathize and root for them!
There was zero character development on Skylar's part. She remained on her bad behavior throughout the book, cried once when she realized people were done with her (LIES!!!), and voila! everyone came rushing back to her like they hadn't just stated that they deserved better five seconds ago.
Even the books I consider my least favorite have an element or two that I liked enough to give them a generous 2.
I'm trying really hard to figure out what I missed here, because all the glowing reviews here say everything opposite to what I felt while reading. I didn't find it hilarious. It wasn't cute.
In fact, this was the blandest book I've ever read.
Skylar, the MC, is the actual worst. She's extremely selfish, stubborn, and unnecessarily rude to people who clearly want the best for her.
I am all about unlikable MCs when that's what they are supposed to be. UNLIKABLE.
Not when you are supposed to sympathize and root for them!
There was zero character development on Skylar's part. She remained on her bad behavior throughout the book, cried once when she realized people were done with her (LIES!!!), and voila! everyone came rushing back to her like they hadn't just stated that they deserved better five seconds ago.
heytherekaity's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The best book ever written. I will not be taking counter arguments at this time, thank you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Minor: Medical content
caitlin_bookchats's review
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't know, Lana just has a way of hitting me in my feels.
Here's what you can expect in this book:
- Nerd Friend Group representation in a high school setting
- feelings of being left behind because friends are dating or don't seem to need you anymore
- being completely oblivious about someone crushing on you
- a non-binary best friend who likes to rail against capitalism; a goth girl bff who is a visual artist; a loving older brother who protagonist is irritated and supported by. Friend group shenanigans.
- acknowledgement that GPA != how smart or talented you are
The protagonist has severe migraines which come up a few times in the book but are not the plot of the novel. The protagonist is also fat and I think Ace(?) But these are also not the focus of the novel (although the protagonist does design an app to help people figure out if their crushes are required and then is very confused by how popular it gets.)
Here's what you can expect in this book:
- Nerd Friend Group representation in a high school setting
- feelings of being left behind because friends are dating or don't seem to need you anymore
- being completely oblivious about someone crushing on you
- a non-binary best friend who likes to rail against capitalism; a goth girl bff who is a visual artist; a loving older brother who protagonist is irritated and supported by. Friend group shenanigans.
- acknowledgement that GPA != how smart or talented you are
The protagonist has severe migraines which come up a few times in the book but are not the plot of the novel. The protagonist is also fat and I think Ace(?) But these are also not the focus of the novel (although the protagonist does design an app to help people figure out if their crushes are required and then is very confused by how popular it gets.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Fatphobia, and Medical content
mrdcoolblue's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
The drama is rife with misunderstandings and mutual pining, but ultimately it's heartwarming because it's a group of friends coming closer together and an MC learning to let them support her too.
themixedpages's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship