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micgmore's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For a book where not much happens, I suppose it was decently interesting.
The Summary
In a Now/Then narrative format, readers watch as Ellory’s life falls to pieces. Then: Ellory meets Matthias, falls in love, and sees her life change forever. Now: Ellory returns to school, forced to face a painful past.
The Analysis
The format of the book was distracting; a first and second half of a story told side by side. The only reason it’s told that way is because the “Now” wouldn’t be interesting enough on its own. It’s a slow ticking plot waiting for “Then” to reach the big reveal(s).
And those reveals? Not entirely expected, but predictable in the end. If I read another book in my lifetime with a reveal like that (you know the one), it will be too soon. In attempting to be shocking, the book treks down frequently tried plot points. It didn’t impress.
For all the flaws in this story, it did pull together some interesting bits about the unhealthy relationships. The sneaky details hinting at one of the big reveals were pretty clever. And for all that didn’t impress, I did find myself engaged enough to finish reading the book.
All in all, it was a mediocre experience…but decent enough that I would pick up a book like it again.
For a book where not much happens, I suppose it was decently interesting.
The Summary
In a Now/Then narrative format, readers watch as Ellory’s life falls to pieces. Then: Ellory meets Matthias, falls in love, and sees her life change forever. Now: Ellory returns to school, forced to face a painful past.
The Analysis
The format of the book was distracting; a first and second half of a story told side by side. The only reason it’s told that way is because the “Now” wouldn’t be interesting enough on its own. It’s a slow ticking plot waiting for “Then” to reach the big reveal(s).
And those reveals? Not entirely expected, but predictable in the end. If I read another book in my lifetime with a reveal like that (you know the one), it will be too soon. In attempting to be shocking, the book treks down frequently tried plot points. It didn’t impress.
For all the flaws in this story, it did pull together some interesting bits about the unhealthy relationships. The sneaky details hinting at one of the big reveals were pretty clever. And for all that didn’t impress, I did find myself engaged enough to finish reading the book.
All in all, it was a mediocre experience…but decent enough that I would pick up a book like it again.
jordangender's review against another edition
3.0
The twist in this book? AWESOME. Did not see that coming. I loved the fast paced ending. I just kept turning pages to find out more. But I feel like the book was a bit slow at times. I find that the constant switching back and forth between past and present takes me out of the story a bit. But of course that’s just my opinion. I definitely enjoyed this book!
gudzilla's review against another edition
Caution: This is not an actual review.
I have been noticing a trend that famous authors keep their book in Netgalley's read-now section and once you noticed and overjoyed by that - publishers give you protected PDF.
I hate reading PDFs, they are not great format to read. The difficulty is that I read all my books in eReader where I use Black background and white font color. It strains my eyes less and as my father is ophthalmologist, he simply agrees with the decision. There is no way to make such settings in PDF, as far as I know.
Note to Publishers: Don't keep author's book in read-now section, if you are going to give protected PDFs or mention somewhere that it is in protected PDF format, so readers like me can ignore them.
I started reading it and wanted to finish it, but I simply cannot for above reason.
Note to Authors: if you are worried that someone is going to steal your book, don't give it to Netgalley.
I have been noticing a trend that famous authors keep their book in Netgalley's read-now section and once you noticed and overjoyed by that - publishers give you protected PDF.
I hate reading PDFs, they are not great format to read. The difficulty is that I read all my books in eReader where I use Black background and white font color. It strains my eyes less and as my father is ophthalmologist, he simply agrees with the decision. There is no way to make such settings in PDF, as far as I know.
Note to Publishers: Don't keep author's book in read-now section, if you are going to give protected PDFs or mention somewhere that it is in protected PDF format, so readers like me can ignore them.
I started reading it and wanted to finish it, but I simply cannot for above reason.
Note to Authors: if you are worried that someone is going to steal your book, don't give it to Netgalley.
shelleyann01's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
You are the sun, and I am the moon.
Though intended for the young adult reader See All the Stars will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. In this novel Kit Frick exhibits a unique ability to write about extremely difficult issues with a captivating prose.
For a second, it was like he saw me as a vase teetering on the edge of a shelf, and if he reached out fast enough, he could still keep me from falling.
Her characters felt so real, like a story I could have lived through in high school in so many ways. The emotions. The feelings. The actions. All perfectly executed in the story line. Told from a first person perspective and using then and now chapters, Ellory's experiences are heartfelt and authentic.
Every part of you is mine. Even the parts that are his.
This book captivated me in a way like no other. If you are a teen or young adult who has experienced challenges, Ellory's story is for you. Kit Frick's writing is easy to read, she has a story telling skill that draws you into the world of her characters.
For three years, she was the Earth to my moon. For three years, we shared the sun’s light.
You are the sun, and I am the moon.
Though intended for the young adult reader See All the Stars will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. In this novel Kit Frick exhibits a unique ability to write about extremely difficult issues with a captivating prose.
For a second, it was like he saw me as a vase teetering on the edge of a shelf, and if he reached out fast enough, he could still keep me from falling.
Her characters felt so real, like a story I could have lived through in high school in so many ways. The emotions. The feelings. The actions. All perfectly executed in the story line. Told from a first person perspective and using then and now chapters, Ellory's experiences are heartfelt and authentic.
Every part of you is mine. Even the parts that are his.
This book captivated me in a way like no other. If you are a teen or young adult who has experienced challenges, Ellory's story is for you. Kit Frick's writing is easy to read, she has a story telling skill that draws you into the world of her characters.
For three years, she was the Earth to my moon. For three years, we shared the sun’s light.
coffeeinhand's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a_jade's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like this book portrays mental health, grief, and relationship dynamics in high school perfectly
brittmariasbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I was provided with an ARC through NetGalley.
I think I read See All the Stars at the right time so I could relate much more with Ellory, especially with what she was going through with her boyfriend.
I enjoyed the way the story was told. The interchangeable then and now parts of the book really gave the story some mystery which kept me engaged.
Because of the comparison to We Were Liars I feel like a kinda expected the book to end like it did but even though I sort of saw it coming, I still enjoyed this story.
I think I read See All the Stars at the right time so I could relate much more with Ellory, especially with what she was going through with her boyfriend.
I enjoyed the way the story was told. The interchangeable then and now parts of the book really gave the story some mystery which kept me engaged.
Because of the comparison to We Were Liars I feel like a kinda expected the book to end like it did but even though I sort of saw it coming, I still enjoyed this story.
nicolemartin10's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bernluvsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4 You Got Me stars for Kit Frick's See All the Stars!
Have you ever had a friendship or love/relationship that completely consumed you? You know the type that barely toes the line between normal and obsession. I think many of us have been there at some point in our lives. You almost lose yourself in the other person. That is the bulk or Ellory's tale told here in split timeframes - the then & now.
To be honest though, this was more than a complicated tale of first love, friendship and betrayal. It was also part mystery - unfolding in shattered, piecemeal flashbacks that felt as erratic as Ellory's emotions. Ellory is trying to come to terms with something and we are along for the completely addictive ride. Frick knows how to build tension and weaves a superb story of flawed characters. I thought I had this one all figured out & then BAM - she got me!
I won't spoil a thing here. I'll just say that this is not your typical, cliche YA read. It was addictive, suspenseful and there were important lessons to be learned on substance abuse, forgiveness, letting go and accepting things that are not within our power to change. See All The Stars was definitely a stunning debut by an author I'll be sure to follow in the future.
Have you ever had a friendship or love/relationship that completely consumed you? You know the type that barely toes the line between normal and obsession. I think many of us have been there at some point in our lives. You almost lose yourself in the other person. That is the bulk or Ellory's tale told here in split timeframes - the then & now.
To be honest though, this was more than a complicated tale of first love, friendship and betrayal. It was also part mystery - unfolding in shattered, piecemeal flashbacks that felt as erratic as Ellory's emotions. Ellory is trying to come to terms with something and we are along for the completely addictive ride. Frick knows how to build tension and weaves a superb story of flawed characters. I thought I had this one all figured out & then BAM - she got me!
I won't spoil a thing here. I'll just say that this is not your typical, cliche YA read. It was addictive, suspenseful and there were important lessons to be learned on substance abuse, forgiveness, letting go and accepting things that are not within our power to change. See All The Stars was definitely a stunning debut by an author I'll be sure to follow in the future.