Scan barcode
el_loves_books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Netgalley for the early digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
I am a blubbering mess. The tears were held back for so long but now I've reached the end they are flowing!!
I was so excited to get to this book. I remember reading Beautiful Broken Things in my tent at VFest, 2016 and that was an emotional roller coaster, so I was hoping this companion novel would not disappoint.
This is one of those books I just couldn't help skipping ahead to see what happens and then running back to see how it built up, yet on the contrary to that, it also got to the point where I didn't want to know what happened because my heart couldn't take it. This was mostly down to Suze's self sabotage when all I could think was "you deserve this, please believe it. Please let people in", which I totally understand was easier said than done.
So of course, seeing Suze, Caddy and Rosie grown more had me so conflicted; there were times when I loved them and times when I thought they were selfish, made stupid choices and were irritating and then it clicked that they're so realistic. They're flawed in different ways and it was just me, adjusting to seeing them as adults and how they handled life, that was the struggle. They are relatable and feel so real and raw and they did things that made my heart race and made me laugh along and it honestly felt like I was with them on this journey. The fact that I'm typically weary of books set a few years later is enough to emphasise how well I believe this was done, overall.
We are seeing this whole book from Suzanne's perspective so I actually looked at some of the older characters differently than I think I did in the first book. Especially when Rosie and/or Caddy we're concerned. There were times where I thought they were going to argue and I realised it was just teasing, but all I could think of is how that would annoy me if someone spoke to me like that xD But to be fair, I feel during these times there was a level of tension. I also found it a little strange to see how Caddy's personality developed once she started uni. She came across unsettingly hardfaced at times, which I mean is completely justifiable in relation to how Suze pushes people sometimes. Nevertheless, all their growth was amazing and fascinating to explore and the new characters had so many layers too.
I loved that music had such a big theme in it, different kinds, both in the form of Dilys and Matt and of course Suze. I think this was in the first book too, with playlists etc. It just made me happy and learning more about it from Suze's perspective gave even more depth to her character. I didnt think we could get any deeper but she is so complex, as is the whole story. I actually wish I had listened to the chapter songs as they came, but I'm going to have an amazing time listening through them all, especially hearing some of the songs I've not heard before.
And also the underlying respect the nurses and carers got was such an amazing theme here too.
The amount of times my throat got so tight with emotion, trying not to cry, I'm surprised I still have a throat left!
I only ended up highlighting one quote, but I would highlight the whole book if I could. Barnard is a writing genius. There were multiple times where I just couldnt help smiling for Suze, but there was a specific scene which I felt was too listed. I thought at first it was an intentional writing style, which I still think it was, but I still would have preferred to have been living it more than feeling like "we did this, after we did that, then this". I totally understood that perhaps this was Suze's voice as she was spiralling into turmoil and panic and the build up to bad things, which is a very interesting tool and I do like it, I just felt like it was a bit overused in that one chapter and so offhandedly felt a little lazy, which I know it wasn't.
However, despite that, Barnard isn't flowery, or poetic necessarily (all good things in small doses for me), but she doesn't need to be. She's raw and blunt with her writing and how her characters voice themselves and it's honestly beautiful and hits me harder than a lot of the other writing styles can.
Near the end it started to hit me, these books have made me feel some slight nostalgia. It reminds me of how I felt when I read books like Kiss and My Sister Jodie by Jacqueline Wilson. I realise now that I briefly mentioned this for the first book too. So that, mixed in with all the emotions this novel has made me feel again is why I must say that Barnard is a phenomenal author.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
I am a blubbering mess. The tears were held back for so long but now I've reached the end they are flowing!!
I was so excited to get to this book. I remember reading Beautiful Broken Things in my tent at VFest, 2016 and that was an emotional roller coaster, so I was hoping this companion novel would not disappoint.
This is one of those books I just couldn't help skipping ahead to see what happens and then running back to see how it built up, yet on the contrary to that, it also got to the point where I didn't want to know what happened because my heart couldn't take it. This was mostly down to Suze's self sabotage when all I could think was "you deserve this, please believe it. Please let people in", which I totally understand was easier said than done.
So of course, seeing Suze, Caddy and Rosie grown more had me so conflicted; there were times when I loved them and times when I thought they were selfish, made stupid choices and were irritating and then it clicked that they're so realistic. They're flawed in different ways and it was just me, adjusting to seeing them as adults and how they handled life, that was the struggle. They are relatable and feel so real and raw and they did things that made my heart race and made me laugh along and it honestly felt like I was with them on this journey. The fact that I'm typically weary of books set a few years later is enough to emphasise how well I believe this was done, overall.
We are seeing this whole book from Suzanne's perspective so I actually looked at some of the older characters differently than I think I did in the first book. Especially when Rosie and/or Caddy we're concerned. There were times where I thought they were going to argue and I realised it was just teasing, but all I could think of is how that would annoy me if someone spoke to me like that xD But to be fair, I feel during these times there was a level of tension. I also found it a little strange to see how Caddy's personality developed once she started uni. She came across unsettingly hardfaced at times, which I mean is completely justifiable in relation to how Suze pushes people sometimes. Nevertheless, all their growth was amazing and fascinating to explore and the new characters had so many layers too.
I loved that music had such a big theme in it, different kinds, both in the form of Dilys and Matt and of course Suze. I think this was in the first book too, with playlists etc. It just made me happy and learning more about it from Suze's perspective gave even more depth to her character. I didnt think we could get any deeper but she is so complex, as is the whole story. I actually wish I had listened to the chapter songs as they came, but I'm going to have an amazing time listening through them all, especially hearing some of the songs I've not heard before.
And also the underlying respect the nurses and carers got was such an amazing theme here too.
The amount of times my throat got so tight with emotion, trying not to cry, I'm surprised I still have a throat left!
I only ended up highlighting one quote, but I would highlight the whole book if I could. Barnard is a writing genius. There were multiple times where I just couldnt help smiling for Suze, but there was a specific scene which I felt was too listed. I thought at first it was an intentional writing style, which I still think it was, but I still would have preferred to have been living it more than feeling like "we did this, after we did that, then this". I totally understood that perhaps this was Suze's voice as she was spiralling into turmoil and panic and the build up to bad things, which is a very interesting tool and I do like it, I just felt like it was a bit overused in that one chapter and so offhandedly felt a little lazy, which I know it wasn't.
However, despite that, Barnard isn't flowery, or poetic necessarily (all good things in small doses for me), but she doesn't need to be. She's raw and blunt with her writing and how her characters voice themselves and it's honestly beautiful and hits me harder than a lot of the other writing styles can.
Near the end it started to hit me, these books have made me feel some slight nostalgia. It reminds me of how I felt when I read books like Kiss and My Sister Jodie by Jacqueline Wilson. I realise now that I briefly mentioned this for the first book too. So that, mixed in with all the emotions this novel has made me feel again is why I must say that Barnard is a phenomenal author.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
haleycounts's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book in less than 12 hours and it was so much better than the first... ugh I wish this series had a third book
esme_may's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.5
This was really good but it was a difficult reading experience at times because it hit so close to home
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death, Grief, Medical content, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
Minor: Infidelity, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
aliza_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ocylou's review against another edition
5.0
Adored this book. Want to know more of Suzanne’s story so badly
lucyjunee's review against another edition
5.0
Wow.
I loved this.
This is the sequel to a beautiful and stunning novel I read last year, focusing on female friendships, growing up and mental illness.
As of now, I have read all of Sara Barnard's books and I can confidently say I absolutely adore every single one of them, she is definitely one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite books she’s wrote.
The core of this book is about relationships. Whether they be familial, platonic or romantic, each and every single relationship between all of the characters are incredibly developed, lovely and unique. The exploration of this topic was so well done and I was drawn in and rooting for every one of them to work out. Barnard flawlessly executed the complexities of realistic bonds and I loved reading about them as they develop and grow.
Our protagonist, Suzanne was beautifully done. The writer is just so incredible and writes so deeply that these characters feel like people. Suze is so flawed and messy but this adds a layer of authenticity and it made me fall in love with her.
Not only that, but Caddy and Rosie were still the same but completely different. There’s a two year gap between the first instalment and this novel so evidently through their teenage years, they have grown as people and definitely changed but due to the end of the first book, Suzanne feels like she’s stuck in the past and hasn’t been able to grow with them. I found this so fascinating to read about and I really enjoyed it.
Barnard manages to effortlessly juggle a myriad of unique and interesting subplots from Suzanne building a relationship with her elderly neighbour, Dilys, to her muddling her way through the beginning of adulthood and trying to maintain friendships, deal with trauma and mental illness and trying to balance work. I found this all so entertaining. Most young adult books focus on characters of a younger age but the protagonist in this book is now nineteen which is a very underrepresented part of adolescence so I thought this was completely intriguing to read about.
Another thing I really loved was the mental health representation. Although I can’t speak for the accuracy of the portrayal for post-traumatic stress disorder, I believe the depression rep. was spot on. It was fantastically done and I thought it was phenomenal. Mental illness is barely discussed even though it effects one in four people daily so I loved seeing it being brought to attention.
In conclusion, this book was absolutely brilliant. I loved every second of it. Barnard is undeniably talented and I would read anything she produces. If you’re looking for a stunning piece of literature focusing on character growth and dealing with life after trauma, this is one I’d definitely recommend but be cautious of the content triggers which include: suicide, depression, abuse, trauma, stroke and death.
Love, Lucy x
I loved this.
This is the sequel to a beautiful and stunning novel I read last year, focusing on female friendships, growing up and mental illness.
As of now, I have read all of Sara Barnard's books and I can confidently say I absolutely adore every single one of them, she is definitely one of my favourite authors and this is one of my favourite books she’s wrote.
The core of this book is about relationships. Whether they be familial, platonic or romantic, each and every single relationship between all of the characters are incredibly developed, lovely and unique. The exploration of this topic was so well done and I was drawn in and rooting for every one of them to work out. Barnard flawlessly executed the complexities of realistic bonds and I loved reading about them as they develop and grow.
Our protagonist, Suzanne was beautifully done. The writer is just so incredible and writes so deeply that these characters feel like people. Suze is so flawed and messy but this adds a layer of authenticity and it made me fall in love with her.
Not only that, but Caddy and Rosie were still the same but completely different. There’s a two year gap between the first instalment and this novel so evidently through their teenage years, they have grown as people and definitely changed but due to the end of the first book, Suzanne feels like she’s stuck in the past and hasn’t been able to grow with them. I found this so fascinating to read about and I really enjoyed it.
Barnard manages to effortlessly juggle a myriad of unique and interesting subplots from Suzanne building a relationship with her elderly neighbour, Dilys, to her muddling her way through the beginning of adulthood and trying to maintain friendships, deal with trauma and mental illness and trying to balance work. I found this all so entertaining. Most young adult books focus on characters of a younger age but the protagonist in this book is now nineteen which is a very underrepresented part of adolescence so I thought this was completely intriguing to read about.
Another thing I really loved was the mental health representation. Although I can’t speak for the accuracy of the portrayal for post-traumatic stress disorder, I believe the depression rep. was spot on. It was fantastically done and I thought it was phenomenal. Mental illness is barely discussed even though it effects one in four people daily so I loved seeing it being brought to attention.
In conclusion, this book was absolutely brilliant. I loved every second of it. Barnard is undeniably talented and I would read anything she produces. If you’re looking for a stunning piece of literature focusing on character growth and dealing with life after trauma, this is one I’d definitely recommend but be cautious of the content triggers which include: suicide, depression, abuse, trauma, stroke and death.
Love, Lucy x
booksanddachshunds's review against another edition
5.0
**Disclamer: I did received this book via NetGalley. This had in no way, shape or form affected my opinion on it.**
Full review on the blog!
First thing first, Our main character is suffering with Complex-PTSD from her past abuse; having went through therapy in the past and is still getting helped through the novel. Although we do not have the same illness, as I am suffering from anxiety and not PTSD, I relate to Suzanne alot with how she react to it; avoiding the ones that loves her when her “crisis” happens as she refuse to have them worry for her.
The relationships in this book are really well made! We see how Suzanne’s two best friends (Caddy & Rosie) means so much to her and help her through the novel. Although that don’t mean they don’t pick up fights – which makes the all so much more realistic to me. We are following the long-lasting relationships of those three girls, while discovering three new ones aswell. They are forming and evolving throughout the book, just like real friendship does; I particularly appreciate the bits where Suzanne “loses control” and get mean with them, and shockingly they stay. Because they love each other and we all know fury can make us say crappy things we don’t actually means.
Full review on the blog!
First thing first, Our main character is suffering with Complex-PTSD from her past abuse; having went through therapy in the past and is still getting helped through the novel. Although we do not have the same illness, as I am suffering from anxiety and not PTSD, I relate to Suzanne alot with how she react to it; avoiding the ones that loves her when her “crisis” happens as she refuse to have them worry for her.
The relationships in this book are really well made! We see how Suzanne’s two best friends (Caddy & Rosie) means so much to her and help her through the novel. Although that don’t mean they don’t pick up fights – which makes the all so much more realistic to me. We are following the long-lasting relationships of those three girls, while discovering three new ones aswell. They are forming and evolving throughout the book, just like real friendship does; I particularly appreciate the bits where Suzanne “loses control” and get mean with them, and shockingly they stay. Because they love each other and we all know fury can make us say crappy things we don’t actually means.
meegzreads's review against another edition
4.0
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received via Pan MacMillan Aus in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Sara Barnard, and let me tell you, it was quite intense. At times I found it hard to read. It really pulled you into the story and made you feel the things that our main character Suzanne did.
When she was insecure, I was insecure. I actually had to put this down for a while and read something else in the middle, to give myself a break.
The book deals with very serious issues, surrounding abuse, particularly emotional abuse. We follow Suzanne as she comes out of foster care and is making a new life for herself. She's finding her footing and where she fits in with her friends again. She's trying to make changes to how she reacts to things and treats other people, and she's trying not to spiral out of control again.
Very intense, but a great story.
Review also on my blog - Fierce Fragile Hearts by Sara Barnard
Follow me on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
ARC kindly received via Pan MacMillan Aus in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Sara Barnard, and let me tell you, it was quite intense. At times I found it hard to read. It really pulled you into the story and made you feel the things that our main character Suzanne did.
When she was insecure, I was insecure. I actually had to put this down for a while and read something else in the middle, to give myself a break.
The book deals with very serious issues, surrounding abuse, particularly emotional abuse. We follow Suzanne as she comes out of foster care and is making a new life for herself. She's finding her footing and where she fits in with her friends again. She's trying to make changes to how she reacts to things and treats other people, and she's trying not to spiral out of control again.
Very intense, but a great story.
Review also on my blog - Fierce Fragile Hearts by Sara Barnard
Follow me on: