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powisamy's review against another edition
After reading and loving Fall Out by C.G. Moore, I was really excited to read Gut Feelings when it was announced. Having read it in under 24 hours, I can say that Gut Feelings in a worthy successor to Fall Out and everyone should read a copy.
The word, “raw” gets thrown around a lot with books, and I would admit that I do it through, but there is something about Gut Feelings that know it was made for that word. After reading the first section, something inside of me was transported to his emotions at that moment. This rarely happens to me anymore, so when it did, I was shocked because it really took me off guard.
At this moment, I knew it was good.
When I say that the book was raw, I literally felt every moment come off the page. The verse is definitely his medium, and I allowed me to feel every emotion, even how hard it could be. His voice came off the page, and from that moment, I was in for the rest of the story. Listening to Chris talk at his book launch, I know that he wrote a lot of it really quickly, but you couldn’t tell at all. If anything, that made it better as it definitely came from a special place.
Even though this book can stand alone, it is heightened by the illustrations and some of the page’s choices. Everything from some places where the text blurs when he is going under anaesthetic, to different word placements of the page all came together to enhance the story.
Even with more YA books are being published featuring characters with disabilities, hidden disabilities are less common, and even though this is a true story, I hope this continues in the future. As someone who has a disability, all be in a physical one, I still connected to C. G’s progression with his disability and how he learns to accept it. Some of the poems did affect me, and this book will help so many people in the future.
As well as this, there is going to be greater awareness given to hidden disabilities and the discourse that happens when people are seen as able-bodied as they have invisible disabilities. If this can break down stigma and help others emphasise with their own conditions, then it is for the better.
As someone who did not know anything about Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), this book allowed me to learn more, and the condition and I hope that this book gets into the hands of everyone who needs it. C.G. writes about his condition so honestly and frankly and I am sure that so many people will connect with his words on a personal level. Even though I could connect with some elements, some people will need it so much more.
As it is a true story, it seems so weird to comment on those in the book, but I think by sharing his family’s story, C.G. will help so many people so thank you for writing it.
You can tell the love and care that uclanpublishing put into the book because the attention to detail and the small things make a world of difference. It shows that these are supported for books that focus on disabilities, mostly hidden ones.
This has further cemented C.G. Moore to be one of my favourites, and I can’t wait to read more of his books. He is definitely one to watch!
The Verdict:
Gut Feelings is a raw and lyrical look at life with a disability that hits readers to the core. It is a must-read for all YA readers alike.
The word, “raw” gets thrown around a lot with books, and I would admit that I do it through, but there is something about Gut Feelings that know it was made for that word. After reading the first section, something inside of me was transported to his emotions at that moment. This rarely happens to me anymore, so when it did, I was shocked because it really took me off guard.
At this moment, I knew it was good.
When I say that the book was raw, I literally felt every moment come off the page. The verse is definitely his medium, and I allowed me to feel every emotion, even how hard it could be. His voice came off the page, and from that moment, I was in for the rest of the story. Listening to Chris talk at his book launch, I know that he wrote a lot of it really quickly, but you couldn’t tell at all. If anything, that made it better as it definitely came from a special place.
Even though this book can stand alone, it is heightened by the illustrations and some of the page’s choices. Everything from some places where the text blurs when he is going under anaesthetic, to different word placements of the page all came together to enhance the story.
Even with more YA books are being published featuring characters with disabilities, hidden disabilities are less common, and even though this is a true story, I hope this continues in the future. As someone who has a disability, all be in a physical one, I still connected to C. G’s progression with his disability and how he learns to accept it. Some of the poems did affect me, and this book will help so many people in the future.
As well as this, there is going to be greater awareness given to hidden disabilities and the discourse that happens when people are seen as able-bodied as they have invisible disabilities. If this can break down stigma and help others emphasise with their own conditions, then it is for the better.
As someone who did not know anything about Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), this book allowed me to learn more, and the condition and I hope that this book gets into the hands of everyone who needs it. C.G. writes about his condition so honestly and frankly and I am sure that so many people will connect with his words on a personal level. Even though I could connect with some elements, some people will need it so much more.
As it is a true story, it seems so weird to comment on those in the book, but I think by sharing his family’s story, C.G. will help so many people so thank you for writing it.
You can tell the love and care that uclanpublishing put into the book because the attention to detail and the small things make a world of difference. It shows that these are supported for books that focus on disabilities, mostly hidden ones.
This has further cemented C.G. Moore to be one of my favourites, and I can’t wait to read more of his books. He is definitely one to watch!
The Verdict:
Gut Feelings is a raw and lyrical look at life with a disability that hits readers to the core. It is a must-read for all YA readers alike.
anj's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
serenataflowers's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
thelibraryking's review
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
alyxinthestars's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Minor: Homophobia
sophie_rose128's review
4.0
Well written and great portrayal of depression through engaging prose. This book really gave an insight to dealing with a chronic illness from such a young age and the impact that can have.
lucys_library's review
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cancer, Chronic illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Excrement
sophiasthoughts's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Let me start this review by saying that I have Crohn's disease, it is not the same as FAP but it has similar symptoms. Similar worst case scenarios. It is chronic.
I felt very seen by this book. It is raw and emotional, it is very open and honest and personal. I felt very connected to the narrative, despite the fact that I rarely/never read poetry or verse.
This book is not just one for people who can relate though. It is a book that can educate, give perspective and help people empathise more with others on so many levels. I will personally be recommending it to a lot of people. Please read it.
I felt very seen by this book. It is raw and emotional, it is very open and honest and personal. I felt very connected to the narrative, despite the fact that I rarely/never read poetry or verse.
This book is not just one for people who can relate though. It is a book that can educate, give perspective and help people empathise more with others on so many levels. I will personally be recommending it to a lot of people. Please read it.
icarus_has_risen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is so good. Normally I dislike poetry, however in this book I was able to look past that and focus on the emotional story being told. Great book.
ashortbooklover's review against another edition
4.0
TW: chronic illness, surgery, homophobia, bullying
Gut Feelings cut deep. This was such a powerful, eye-opening read that felt so poignant and beautiful.
This is a deeply personal story and it’s incredibly brave of Chris to be sharing such intimate details of his life, but I truly feel like this is a book that could change people’s lives. It examines living with a chronic illness and hidden disabilities through searing language that you can’t help but deeply emotionally connect with. I’ve spoken before about the innate emotional power that exists within poetry for me and Chris perfectly utilises the sparsity of the language here for maximum effect. Each word is obviously carefully considered and chosen. There’s also no room for sugarcoating or dishonesty, instead we are presented with the raw truth. In this way, I think it reflects the experiences of so many incredibly well.
There’s a plethora of conflicting emotions presented within the book, each of which I felt distinctly and I found myself connecting to Chris’ voice deeply. Some aspects of the story really hit home from familial experiences and this kind of representation is sorely needed. Invisible or hidden disabilities need to be spoken about more and we need to erase the notion of assuming that we need to always see someone’s disability in order for it to be considered real. No disability is more important than another and in particular the poem about using a disabled bathroom in public is exceptional.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I absolutely flew through this in the space of an evening, unable to tear myself away from the stunning yet devastating writing. Chris is definitely an author to watch and now I feel like I need to read everything he’s written.
Gut Feelings is a heart-wrenching, no holds barred discussion of living with a chronic illness, yet it also showcases the importance of family and the reclamation of your own narrative.
Gut Feelings cut deep. This was such a powerful, eye-opening read that felt so poignant and beautiful.
This is a deeply personal story and it’s incredibly brave of Chris to be sharing such intimate details of his life, but I truly feel like this is a book that could change people’s lives. It examines living with a chronic illness and hidden disabilities through searing language that you can’t help but deeply emotionally connect with. I’ve spoken before about the innate emotional power that exists within poetry for me and Chris perfectly utilises the sparsity of the language here for maximum effect. Each word is obviously carefully considered and chosen. There’s also no room for sugarcoating or dishonesty, instead we are presented with the raw truth. In this way, I think it reflects the experiences of so many incredibly well.
There’s a plethora of conflicting emotions presented within the book, each of which I felt distinctly and I found myself connecting to Chris’ voice deeply. Some aspects of the story really hit home from familial experiences and this kind of representation is sorely needed. Invisible or hidden disabilities need to be spoken about more and we need to erase the notion of assuming that we need to always see someone’s disability in order for it to be considered real. No disability is more important than another and in particular the poem about using a disabled bathroom in public is exceptional.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I absolutely flew through this in the space of an evening, unable to tear myself away from the stunning yet devastating writing. Chris is definitely an author to watch and now I feel like I need to read everything he’s written.
Gut Feelings is a heart-wrenching, no holds barred discussion of living with a chronic illness, yet it also showcases the importance of family and the reclamation of your own narrative.